Today in Soap Opera History (February 25)

On this date in...

1966: On ANOTHER WORLD, Lee told Mike Bauer she had come to depend too much on her relationship with her father, which was why she was happy Hope felt close to Emily.

1980: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Raven took the stand as Elliott's mystery witness.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 22)

On this date in...

1961: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Phil and Louise attempted to extricate themselves from demented heroin smuggler Scofield Kilborn.

1986: In the final days of SEARCH FOR TOMORROW, Jo had a prophetic dream. Watch below:

Today in Soap Opera History (February 25)

On this date in...

1966: On ANOTHER WORLD, Lee told Mike Bauer she was glad Hope felt so close to Emily, since she herself came to depend too much on her relationship with her father.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 22)

On this date in...

1961: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Phil and Louise Capice attempted to extricate themselves from demented heroin smuggler Scofield Kilborn.

1973: Legendary soap opera creator and writer Irna Phillips died at age 72. Just some of her career highlights:

Speech and Drama Teacher (1924–30); Radio Creator, Writer, PAINTED DREAMS (1930–32), TODAY'S CHILDREN (1932–38), THE GUIDING LIGHT (1937–56), THE ROAD OF LIFE (1937–59), THE WOMAN IN WHITE (1938–48), THE RIGHT TO HAPPINESS (1939–60), THE BRIGHTER DAY (1948–56); Television Creator, Writer, THE GUIDING LIGHT (1952–58); Co-creator, Writer, AS THE WORLD TURNS (1956–70; 1972–73), ANOTHER WORLD (1964–66); Co-creator, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1965)

1986: In the final days of SEARCH FOR TOMORROW, Jo had a prophetic dream (watch below).

CLASSIC CLIP: Roger & Damon Appear on IMAGINARY BITCHES

The fabulous Jessalyn Gilsig sill play a big role in the remaining episodes of GLEE this season, and will appear in as many as 22 episodes next season. Back in 2009, WE LOVE SOAPS TV's Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs appeared opposite Gilsig on Eden Riegel and Andrew Miller's Emmy-nominated web series, IMAGINARY BITCHES. Watch the hilarious episode below.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Andrew Miller (Creator, IMAGINARY BITCHES)
Jennifer Ferrin (ex-Jennifer, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 31

Red Carpet Interview: Eden Riegel At Daytime Emmys

Emmy winner Eden Riegel stopped to dish with us at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards about her new role as Heather on THE YOUNG YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, as well as the future of IMAGINARY BITCHES.  Plus, how does she really feel about Bianca's recast on ALL MY CHILDREN? Read below to find out!

We Love Soaps: I’m here with Emmy winning actress Eden Riegel.  It’s so great to see you again.
Eden Riegel: It’s so great to be be here.

We Love Soaps: And we are happy to have you back on our screens as Heather on YOUNG & THE RESTLESS.
Eden Riegel: I know (fans scream in the background), oh my god it’s loud! This is exciting!  I love the show, I love the rest of the cast, they have been very welcoming.  It was very difficult to make this decision, and painful for me to say goodbye to Bianca on ALL MY CHILDREN, which I love so much.  But they have an amazing recast.  The new Bianca started airing, and she is fantastic.  I couldn’t be more thrilled that she is in such capable hands.  And I’m having a brand new experience with a character who is tough, sassy, and bitchy, so I’m having a great time. 

We Love Soaps: It’s interesting because you grew up in front of us on ALL MY CHILDREN and now are in a completely different setting.  What have you learned about yourself going from one show to the other?

INDIE SOAP BEAT: October 28, 2009

In this week's "Indie Soap Beat" feature, we take a look at the latest happenings from around the world of independent soap opera production. We Love Soaps now has a shortcut to all our Indie Soap cover. You can view those posts by clicking the "Indie" option at the top of the page or by visiting IndieSoapBeat.com. You can get to any of the show's websites by clicking their logo.


In breaking casting news, Nadia Bjorlin's character has been changed. She was originally cast to play Jenna but due to Elizabeth Keener's illness, she took over the role of Lara. Keener will appear on the series as a different character in the second season. We Love Soaps was on the set of VENICE on Wednesday and will be bringing you videos interviews soon with Crystal Chappell (Gina), Jessica Leccia (Ani), Gina Tognoni (Sami), Harrison White (Jamie) and others. Look for a report on WE LOVE SOAPS TV on Monday.


We Love Soaps was on the set of GOTHAM recently with Lisa Brown directing. It's hard to believe this amazing actress has not won a Daytime Emmy. I'm hearing the footage is looking good and it's hard to believe that Martha Byrne's vision is going to be anything but successful. This woman has listened to the fans for years and knows what a soap fan wants. Look for the show's official website to debut soon.


Producers Tristan Rogers and Kate Lang appeared on the latest epsidoe of "We Love Soaps Radio" to discuss REALITY BYTES. The folks behind RB are taking a different approach than some of the other web series by lining up sponsors in advance and trying to create a sustainable long-term business model. Things are fluid at the moment but the tentative plan is to air the 8-minute show three days a week. You can listen to interview here. Look for a full transcript with other tidbits from Rogers and Lang later this week.


We Love Soaps recently caught up with WED-LOCKED producers and stars Lawrence Saint-Victor (Robert) and Karla Mosley (Denise). If you missed our video interview, you can watch it in three parts here, here and here.


The second season of EMPIRE is coming in early 2010. Look for some exciting casting news soon from producers Greg Turner and Brian Hewson.


Episode #10 of WORKSHOP, "Shake Your Money Maker," is now online. The comedy was created by Nate Golon and Kimberly Legg and stars former PASSIONS actor Phillip Jeanmarie. In the episode, Jeff is shooting his Sparkle White Gum commercial, Sarah and Vivian are competing for the same role, Matthew's causing a ruckus on set, and Kaitlyn is taking a workshop. The show is having a screening in L.A. to celebrate the first season on November 16.


The IMAGINARY BITCHES Emmy special featuring We Love Soaps continues to be a YouTube hit surpassing 24,000 views and still going strong.


The RELATIONSHIPS website has been updated and the show has just launched a Facebook page. There is a new Vicky's World page as she goes to a fashion show. It is all about her of course!


The latest episode of Lauralee Bell's web comedy, FAMILY DINNER, is now playing at FunnyorDie.com. As with Episode 3, this family dinner features guest star Cloris Leachman, who plays Bell's mother. The episode has over 5,400 views as of today.


Episode #5 of FANTASY OVER REALITY, the web sitcom that revolves around a group of guys and their fantasy football league, is now playing on the show's website. Y&R's Vail Bloom has significant screen time in this one and is quite funny. Bloom, a Patriots fan, plays Sarah Smith in the series.

INDIE SOAP BEAT: October 20, 2009

In this week's "Indie Soap Beat" feature, we take a look at the latest happenings from around the world of independent soap opera production. We Love Soaps now has a shortcut to all our Indie Soap cover. You can view those posts by clicking the "Indie" option at the top of the page or by visiting IndieSoapBeat.com. You can get to any of the show's websites by clicking their logo.


GOTHAM went into production over the weekend and shot the first four episodes of the series. We Love Soaps was on hand and conducted a special interview with producer/writer/star Martha Byrne (Catherine) and co-star Anne Sayre (Tina). During the interview, Michael Park (Richard) interrupted and took over! The end result was funny and charming. You can watch it on the new episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV. Also, check out the show's cool new logo released on Tuesday.


REALITY BYTES is a multi-platform web series about the faux-soap, BEYOND REASON. Producers Tristan Rogers and Kate Lang recently announced that Suzanne Niedland had joined the cast as writer Karen Walton. In a new interview on the show's website, Niedland shared her excitement about the show and working with Tristan Rogers again (they worked together on Opportunity Knocks): "I love the idea of an interactive website and the soap opera webisode. People are so busy these days that being able to watch a 5 minute episode on your iPod, computer or television is very reasonable and appreciated! The concept for this show is outstanding and I am very excited to be part of it."


Tina Sloan (Katherine) and Hillary B. Smith (Guya) filmed their first scenes last week as VENICE began production. Sloan tweeted about her character: "I am really funny on VENICE. What fun it was to be comedic and not serious. Like being with Buzz on GL - laughing the day away." Smith added cryptically: "Sitting in a noreaster thinking of Tina's face when I sniffed her." Stay tuned. VENICE is set to debut sometime around Thanksgiving.


We Love Soaps recently caught up with WED-LOCKED producers and stars Lawrence Saint-Victor (Robert) and Karla Mosley (Denise). Mosley shared how the idea for the show came about: "The idea actually came from my mother. My mother has a million ideas. She said, 'You and Lawrence should do a spinoff, you guys need to keep working together.' I said to Lawrence, “My mom said you and I should do something together. And he said, 'That’s a great idea! Hel-lo? Why didn’t you tell me this five months sooner?'" You can catch part of their interview on the pilot episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV.


The latest episode of Lauralee Bell's web comedy, FAMILY DINNER, is now playing at FunnyorDie.com. As with Episode 3, this family dinner features guest star Cloris Leachman, who plays Bell's mother. The episode has nearly 5,000 views in its first week.


Episode #5 of FANTASY OVER REALITY, the web sitcom that revolves around a group of guys and their fantasy football league, is now up on the show's website. Y&R's Vail Bloom has significant screen time in this one and is quite funny. Bloom, a Patriots fan, plays Sarah Smith in the series. Check it out!


EMPIRE creator Greg Turner's new musical, "All Fall Down," was a smashing success at this year's New York Musical Theatre Festival. Tickets were hard to come by for the show, but We Love Soaps' Damon L. Jacobs managed to catch it and wrote a glowing review: "The very able cast manages to portray a tricky balance between expressing loving non-verbal connection and painful alienation from one another. Two-time Tony nominee Mary Testa amuses and amazes as the outspoken court-TV addicted grandmother who is the first member to stand up and take action against the oppressive muting of communication." Look for season two of EMPIRE in early 2010.


Episode #9 of WORKSHOP, "A Little Cocky," is now online. The comedy was created by Nate Golon and Kimberly Legg and stars former PASSIONS actor Phillip Jeanmarie. In the episode, Matthew's on set shooting a crime drama, Vivian and Sarah both have big auditions coming up, and Jeff, Adam, and Kaitlyn are trying to take a workshop.


The IMAGINARY BITCHES Emmy special continues to be a YouTube hit surpassing 23,000 views and still going strong. We Love Soaps made a guest appearance so if you haven't watched the Emmy special and seen our "funny" facial expressions, check it out here and let us know what you think.

INDIE SOAP BEAT: October 13, 2009

In this week's "Indie Soap Beat" feature, we take a look at the latest happenings from around the world of independent soap opera production. We Love Soaps now has a shortcut to all our Indie Soap cover. You can view those posts by clicking the "Indie" option at the top of the page or by visiting IndieSoapBeat.com.

REALITY BYTES
In an expected but still exciting announcement, REALITY BYTES confirmed that Tristan Rogers would be playing Trevor Rains, a character described as "The Rainmaker - hired to save the show that made him famous from cancellation." Suzanne Niedland has also been cast as Karen Walton, "The Head Writer - The glue that holds them all together. Karen hides a lot of surprises behind her calm, matronly demeanor." More new characters were revealed last week as well.

VENICE
On October 7, the V Shop opened featuring a variety of VENICE merchandise. From the various tweets on Twitter, it appears the VENICE store was an immediate success. The next day the show announced that Emmy winner Lesli Kay, already starring in two daytime soaps, would be playing Tracy, the "London connection" of Crystal Chappell's Gina.

FAMILY DINNER
A new episode of Lauralee Bell's web series, FAMILY DINNER, was released on Monday on FunnyorDie.com. As with Episode 3, this family dinner features guest star Cloris Leachman, who plays Bell's mother. Bell joked to We Love Soaps that she hopes a Webby is in the show's future: "Our big joke is, 'The Golden Webby goes to... FAMILY DINNER.' Everyone says, 'There's Emmys and everything in your family, what's going on?' And I say, 'Maybe I'll be the first Bell to win a Webby.' This year there was almost as big of a celebrity turnout for the Webbys as the Emmys." If you haven't read the new We Love Soaps interview with Bell, check it out here.

FANTASY OVER REALITY
FANTASY OVER REALITY is a web-friendly sitcom that revolves around a group of guys and their fantasy football league. Episode #4 is now online and this is the best one yet. It features NFL stars Maurice Jones-Drew and Andre Johnson as well as some other players. Even if you're not a fantasy football player, you will be able to appreciate the humor in this series. Y&R's Vail Bloom stars in the show but didn't appear in this episode.

WED-LOCKED
Former GUIDING LIGHT star Lawrence Saint-Victor (ex-Remy) is producing, writing and starring in this new comedic web series which also features his former GL love interest Karla Mosley (ex-Christina), who is also part of the producing team. Former GL stars Yvonna Wright Kopacz (ex-Mel), Zack Conroy (ex-James) and Kim Brockington (ex-Felicia) also star in the show. You can watch the show's trailer here. WED-LOCKED premieres on November 1. Look for a We Love Soaps interview with Saint-Victor and Mosley coming soon.

GOTHAM
Production begins this weekend in Bergen County, New Jersey on the new Martha Byrne's web soap. A website is in development and will be rolled out any day now. Byrne tweeted that former AS THE WORLD TURNS star Margaret Reed (ex-Shannon) would be appearing in the premiere episode. On Saturday, a video preview featuring Byrne and Park was released by the show. Byrne hinted that a male character on GOTHAM would be an alcoholic.

HIGH RISE
When HIGH RISE returns for a second season early next year, the show will be played on Fox 5 in Atlanta. Season two will feature ten 30 minute episodes airing in High Definition. The show recently held an open casting call where they ask those submitting to describe why they should be on the soap and which character they should play.

EMPIRE
If you are in the New York City area and didn't get to see EMPIRE creator Greg Turner's new musical, "All Fall Down," at the New York Musical Festival, you are not alone. The show was a smashing success both creatively and in ticket sales. "All Fall Down" is the story of Ben Little, a perfect and popular 19-year-old who goes away to college and seemingly inexplicably jumps from his sixth story dorm room window. Surviving the fall, Ben returns home to his parents and grandmother. As his family tiptoes around the incident, the question quickly becomes not why did he jump, but why is nobody talking about it. Season 2 of EMPIRE is coming in early 2010.

WORKSHOP
This week there was no new episode of WORKSHOP, the comedic web series that was created by Nate Golon and Kimberly Legg and which stars former PASSIONS actor Phillip Jeanmarie. But while you're waiting for a new episode, coming next Monday, you can catch up on the previous 8. The season finale will air on November 16.

IMAGINARY BITCHES
The IMAGINARY BITCHES Emmy episode continues to be a YouTube hit approaching 22,000 views in less than four weeks. The show was also featured on a recent episode of BUCK FACTOR. We Love Soaps made a guest appearance so if you haven't watched the Emmy special, check it out here and let us know what you think.

INDIE SOAP BEAT: October 6, 2009

In this week's "Indie Soap Beat" feature, we take a look at the latest happenings from around the world of independent soap opera production.

REALITY BYTES
In case you missed it, an initial set of characters for REALITY BYTES was revealed last week including Trevor Rains (same initials as producer Tristan Rogers), who is described as "The Rainmaker - hired to save the show that made him famous from cancellation." RB is asking fans to name their dream cast on the show's Facebook page. The latest "We Love Soaps Radio" podcast included RB in the list of Hot Topics for the week.

VENICE
The first V Pod, VENICE podcast, was held with stars Crystal Chappell (Gina) and Jessica Leccia (Ani) on Tuesday. Leccia on her VENICE character: "Ani is in touch with her own truth and who she is. She's light years ahead of who poor Natalia was. She happens to know exactly what she wants which is very different and fabulous." Chappell added her her character: "Gina is very confident in who she is and comfortable with her sexuality. When it comes to her being more intimate, she's so far behind where Olivia was when we left the show."

GOTHAM
Stars Martha Byrne and Anne Sayre were fitted for their Nicole Miller wardrobe on Monday. The other announced actor on the show, AS THE WORLD TURNS star Michael Park, shot a behind the scenes video on Tuesday which is expected to be released on Friday. Production on GOTHAM is set to begin on October 17. A website for the new soap will be rolled out soon.

FAMILY DINNER
The next new episode of Lauralee Bell's web series, FAMILY DINNER, is scheduled to be released on October 12. Bell told We Love Soaps she hopes to film two more episodes by year's end: "We've talked about doing two more by the end of the year. Max [Knight], the little boy, just got a pilot that may move to Toronto in January. We may lose him, so I'd like to shoot two more with him. But our family is so crazy, we could just not even acknowledge he's isn't there anymore. But I think we'll go with a completely different direction for the dinner guest next time." If you haven't read the new We Love Soaps interview with Bell, check it out here.

IMAGINARY BITCHES
The IMAGINARY BITCHES Emmy episode has now reached 19,000 views in less than three weeks. The show was also featured on an episode of BUCK FACTOR last week. We Love Soaps made a guest appearance so if you haven't watched the Emmy special, check it out here.

FANTASY OVER REALITY
FANTASY OVER REALITY is a web-friendly sitcom that revolves around a group of guys and their fantasy football league. Y&R's Vail Bloom is feartured in the show. Cam Tilton, Bruce Gants, Rudolph Valentini and Winston Sturvitz are among the other stars. Episode #3 is now online.

EMPIRE
If you are in the New York City area, try and see EMPIRE creator Greg Turner's new musical, "All Fall Down," which is premiering this week at the New York Musical Festival. "All Fall Down" is the story of Ben Little, a perfect and popular 19-year-old who goes away to college and seemingly inexplicably jumps from his sixth story dorm room window. Surviving the fall, Ben returns home to his parents and grandmother. As his family tiptoes around the incident, the question quickly becomes not why did he jump, but why is nobody talking about it.

EYE OF THE STORM
EYE OF THE STORM is a radio soap written and produced by J.R. Benight. The show is currently playing Episode #26, "Taking the Reins," and is expected to release the next episode, "Mind Over Matter," soon. If you're a fan of the classic radio soaps but want a fresh take on it, check this one out.

WORKSHOP
The eighth episode of WORKSHOP, a new comedic web series that was created by Nate Golon and Kimberly Legg and which stars former PASSIONS actor Phillip Jeanmarie, is now online. The episode is titled "Somebody's Watchin' Me" and was direct by Andre Welsh. 13 episodes are currently planned.

RELATIONSHIPS
RELATIONSHIPS delves into the lives of the residents of fictional Parkside USA, where everything seems so idyllic but intrigue, rivalry, jealousy and much, much more lies just below the surface. The show is multi-platform and will be available on conventional TV with exclusive clips inline and an interactive website with a community feel. Watch the trailer here. Look for more details as the show prepares to launch in early 2010.

We Love Soaps Radio: Episode #14

On Episode #14 of “We Love Soaps Radio,” Roger Newcomb and Soap Opera Weekly's Mala Bhattacharjee discuss the latest hot topics from the world of soaps including the craziest casting week in soap history. The show also features an interview with DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Suzanne Rogers.

Episode #14 includes:
- Hot Topics from the world of soaps including:
* James Franco in at GH
* Jonathan Jackson in/Greg Vaughan out at GH
* Sarah Brown moves to B&B
* Carly's return to DAYS
* Kyle/Fish/Nick triangle on OLTL
* Lily's rushed wedding on ATWT
* AMC's L.A. cast announced

- REALITY BYTES characters revealed

- Damon L. Jacobs interviews DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Suzanne Rogers about how she landed the role of Maggie (via an audition with Y&R) and why her character has come back into prominence in 2009.



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RELATED SHOW LINKS:
- Mala's blog at SoapOperaWeekly.com
- Greg Turner's "All Fall Down"

BUCK FACTOR: WLS & IMAGINARY BITCHES

Check out the first episode of BUCK FACTOR which features a clip of the IMAGINARY BITCHES Emmy special and We Love Soaps. IB starts at 3:20.

INDIE SOAP BEAT: September 29, 2009

In this week's "Indie Soap Beat" feature, we take a look at the latest happenings from around the world of independent soap opera production.

REALITY BYTES
Tristan Rogers' REALITY BYTES web series has released some new information this week on their Twitter page. The show is planning a storyline for a "romantic, balanced lesbian couple" who will be played by two "great actresses." The show has also cast a "very sexy young man" to play the character of Ben Anderson. Stay tuned!

GOTHAM
Martha Byrne has announced that designer Nicole Miller will be providing wardrobe for GOTHAM. The production team met on Monday and the show is scheduled to begin taping on October 17 with a launch in November. The show has previously announced Byrne, Michael Park and Anne Sayre in the cast, and that Lisa Brown would be directing the first three episodes.

VENICE
We Love Soaps spoke with Jessica Leccia (Ani) at the Broadway Flea Market on September 27 and she revealed more details about VENICE: "VENICE is going strong. Crystal is working really hard on it. I'll be working on it and people will be seeing it soon - I believe November. Crystal's character, Gina, has a large circle of friends, she's a social butterfly. My character happens to be part of that social group. There's a relationship between them that will be interesting to see. She's got all these other interesting relationships on there. It's really real, the kind of things audiences want these days."

Menwhile, Emmy winner Jeff Branson has assumed the role of Owen, which had previously been announced would be played by Daniel Cosgrove (who is unavailable when the show is taping in November).

FAMILY DINNER
Lauralee Bell's web series, FAMILY DINNER, is back with an all new episode. Bell told We Love Soaps: "This is a good gig because we had three cameras this time instead of two, and in today's market, this is exactly what can be done in a quick and inexpensive form. Our numbers for the third episode have surpassed our viewership from the second one already." If you haven't read the new We Love Soaps interview with Bell, check it out here.

Cloris Leachman guest stars on Episode #3. Be sure to vote for the show at FunnyorDie.com.

IMAGINARY BITCHES
The talented team behind IMAGINARY BITCHES released a special Emmy episode that was hysterical and was filled with current daytime soap references. We Love Soaps made a guest appearance and witness one hell of a catfight between Eden Riegel and Jessalyn Gilsig (who was just brilliant on last week's GLEE). If you haven't watched the Emmy special, check it out here.

EYE OF THE STORM
EYE OF THE STORM is a radio soap written and produced by J.R. Benight. The show is currently playing Episode #26, "Taking the Reins," and is expected to release the next episode, "Mind Over Matter," soon. If you're a fan of the classic radio soaps but want a fresh take on it, check this one out.

FANTASY OVER REALITY
FANTASY OVER REALITY is a web-friendly sitcom that revolves around a group of guys and their fantasy football league. Y&R's Vail Bloom is feartured in the show. Cam Tilton, Bruce Gants, Rudolph Valentini and Winston Sturvitz are among the other stars. Episode #2 is now online.

EMPIRE
Season one of Greg Turner and Brian Hewson's EMPIRE has wrapped after ten episodes but another season is on the way in early 2010. Be sure to watch the entire first season on the show's website or on YouTube. The project has a lot of potential so support these indie soap makers! Stay tuned for more information soon.

RELATIONSHIPS
RELATIONSHIPS delves into the lives of the residents of fictional Parkside USA, where everything seems so idyllic but intrigue, rivalry, jealousy and much, much more lies just below the surface. The show is multi-platform and will be available on conventional TV with exclusive clips inline and an interactive website with a community feel. Watch the trailer here. Look for more details as the show prepares to launch in early 2010.