Stephen Nichols (Steve): How would you describe the show now with Ron writing? “The show has a lot of energy, which I think is usually the case when a new writer steps in. One thing Ron said he is doing is bringing a bit more humor and balancing that with the more dramatic elements.”
What is the energy like at the set? “The energy on the set is good. There are many characters being represented who may not have had much story in a while. That always puts things in a higher gear.”
What would you say to fans who may have tuned out? Why should they come back now? “DAYS rocks! Come back. You won’t be disappointed. Ron has good ideas, writes from character and has great respect for DAYS OF OUR LIVES history. And with [Creative Consultants] Sheri Anderson and Ryan Quan’s encyclopedic knowledge of that history, I am hopeful that the fans will get everything they are looking for.”
James Reynolds (Abe): How would you describe the show now with Ron writing? “There is a unity to the stories and the characters. Tensions and issues arise and make the drama layered and interesting.”
What’s the biggest change/difference you’ve noticed? “I don’t know if it is a drastic change, but it is wonderful to see the history of the show embraced and to see friendship and adversarial relationships refreshed.”
What is the energy like at the set? “Our set is always resilient. Everyone gets on with the work. Our job is to commit ourselves every day.”
What would you say to fans who may have tuned out? Why should they come back now? “We want to move you to feel emotions and give you an experience. Yes, tears, laughter, even anger and joy, will be part of that. We hope DAYS becomes a stimulating daily habit, like that morning cup of coffee, to set the tone of the day.”
Lauren Koslow (Kate): How would you describe the show now with Ron writing? “DAYS got its heart and heat back when Ron came onboard as head writer. He’s utilizing the entire cast and history of the show to explore the complexity of relationships in Salem, but in a dynamic new way! It’s an exciting time for us all, and the enthusiasm is contagious!”
What’s the biggest change/difference you’ve noticed? “When I get a script, I can’t wait to read the entire thing! The stories are compelling, character-driven and grounded in the reality of what has come before. I think they will have real appeal for the audience, whether you’re already a fan or new to the show. The biggest change for me ... Kate’s no longer on the back burner. I love how she’s being written. True to her history, she’s a complicated, conflicted but powerful creature torn between her love of family and ambition. The drama is genuine and on point!”
What is the energy like at the set? “We’ve always had a high-energy set, but now there’s an extremely positive vibe that is reflected in everyone’s work. We’re very excited about what we’re doing and we can’t wait to share it with the audience.”
What would you say to fans who may have tuned out? Why should they come back now? “Take a chance, tune in and reconnect with a show that’s found its path again. We’re going forward and we want you, the fans, with us! This is the Salem you’ve been missing, these are the stories you’ve been waiting for, uncompromising and character-driven. I promise you, you’ll be entertained.”
Eric Martsolf (Brady): How would you describe the show now with Ron writing? “It’s still early in the process, but I know that many people are happy about what’s going on, and just the energy that has been infused by him. He’s mixing it up. I have a particular turn as a character that I’m excited about. It’s good to portray and I think it will be a very happy thing for viewers to find out.”
What’s the biggest change/difference you’ve noticed? “I’ve seen Ron in the hallways; sometimes that is atypical for writers. They tend to keep to themselves and away from the actual personalities of the actors that portray the characters. They don’t want to know the real person behind the character. But Ron isn’t afraid to look you in the eye, shake your hand and have a conversation with you, and get to know your mannerisms and your personality. I think it is important, because you can write to the strength of those certain attributes of people. I think it’s important, because when you come down to it, Brady’s not that far from me. There is a lot of our own selves that goes into the characters. It’s inevitable.”
Marci Miller (Abigail): How would you describe the show now with Ron writing? “I find Ron’s writing to be very surprising, but with a real sense of purpose. He’s not afraid to tackle storylines that are sensitive and relevant. The material we are shooting now is very important, and he does a really great job of presenting all sides to the story. Art should inspire listening, empathy and conversation, and I appreciate working on material that I feel is going to do that.”
What’s the biggest change/difference you’ve noticed? “Ron is listening to fans and taking some of the things they’d like to see to heart. He’s circling back and re-touching on some history that may have been forgotten/lost, and really bringing things full circle. However, he’s also plugging in some cool details of his own and keeping these characters human. He’s done his homework, which with tons of cast members and all kinds of wacky histories, is pretty impressive.”
What is the energy like at the set? “Everyone has great energy on set. We love Ron. We love each other.”
What would you say to fans who may have tuned out? Why should they come back now? “Come back! There is so much you don’t want to miss: The history you love. The characters you love. Alison Sweeney [Sami]. Chandler Massey. The couples you love. An amazing story arc leading up to Christmas. Heart. Tradition. Family. Loss. Betrayal. Love. Literally everything you want in a soap.”
Lamon Archey (Eli): How would you describe the show now with Ron writing? “I’d say it’s really relatable, and aligned with current times and events that are relevant in the world now.”
What’s the biggest change/difference you’ve noticed? “The actors’ opinions of their storylines. I haven’t heard one actor voice their disapproval of a current storyline since Ron joined DAYS.”
What is the energy like at the set? “There’s definitely a jolt of energy from the actors. We’re all excited for the fans to see what we’ve been working on. I think we all feel that the fans are finally going to get what they’ve been yearning for.”
What would you say to fans who may have tuned out? Why should they come back now? “We have a lot of surprises, and some of the characters that the fans grew to love in the past will be coming back. I feel like Ron is very in tune with the fans’ likes and dislikes, and has created really great storylines around their favorite characters.”