Original cast member Helen Wagner (Nancy) arrives first, followed soon after by Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin, executive in charge of production, P&G. "We're just thrilled with where the show is right now and where it's going," says Dwyer-Dobbin as the crowd starts filing in. "We've got fabulous stuff for the next three months; we just blocked out some really terrific material. So, we're just really pleased with where the show is and the fact that we're starting the 50th year. What's also amazing is that we've still got so many of our veterans with us: We have Helen, Don [Hastings, Bob], Kathy [Hays, Kim] and Eileen [Fulton, Lisa], and we continue to find ways to use them in story, and that's the best part of all. On the other hand, what Chris [Goutman, executive producer] and Jean [Passanante, co-head writer] and the show have been able to do so effectively is bring in the youngest generation. We've got some exciting story for the kids, who are all coming along."

The party is being squeezed into Lily's living room, which is set up in studio one, a few yards opposite Lucinda's library, so there's very little space for the entire cast and crew, plus a local news camera crew and three photographers. Goutman starts things off with a prepared speech. "As we enter our 50th year, we at AS THE WORLD TURNS are filled with pride and great optimism for what lies ahead. In these challenging times when audience numbers are harder to come by, we have never felt more creatively stimulated, adventurous, confident and lucky to be blessed with an embarrassment of riches in front of the camera and behind the scenes. The baby boomers say that 50 is the new 30," he says, as Ellen Dolan (Margo) lets out a spirited "Yeah!" "So applying this new math, we won't be 50 for another 20 years. Which means one thing: We have miles of open road ahead of us. We invite you to continue our marvelous journey with us and believe, as we do, that everything is possible."

Dwyer-Dobbin follows with a shorter speech before the vets cut the cake (spicy, with vanilla icing), which is smaller than the last anniversary, but maybe because there were a lot of leftovers then. Not today — the slices are gone in seconds. Terri Colombino (Katie) sets her piece on Lily's side table in order to take a few pictures with Kelley Menighan Hensley (Emily). The photographer directs them to look at each other and pretend to chat about something hilarious, but they soon get caught up in real giggles and have to be told to look at the camera again. Tiny Eileen Fulton weaves through the crowd, taking a jostling from the masses of people before admitting that she's happy with the show for the first time in a while. Meanwhile, Mark Collier (Mike) is just taking a breather from a hectic work schedule. "It's a busy day — there are also screen tests, so a lot is going on," says the actor, who nevertheless obligingly poses with all of Mike's various friends and love interests, proud to be here. "This show is a staple," he says. "And it's still going strong."

"It's amazing," agrees Martha Byrne (Lily), who celebrated the show's 30th anniversary just after joining. "Helen Wagner is here in her high heels kickin' butt today! She's an inspiration. Those actors who have been here for so long, who are so hard-working and dedicated to the show, every scene is important to them. There's no phoning it in. I was lucky enough to be around that kind of professionalism as a child. It's very rare in this business. I'm honored to have been here for so long." Less than a half-hour later, it's all over. Everyone files out, back to work, the fifth decade well underway.