ATWT Gets Fan-tastic
The annual AS THE WORLD TURNS Fan Club luncheon kicked off at the Marriott Marquis in New York City on April 21, and since it was my first as Soap Opera Weekly‘s ATWT editor, it’s safe to say I was a little nervous. However, two welcome sights set me on the right path to Oakdale: First, I spotted the notorious Times Square personality the Naked Cowboy (don’t worry, he actually wears underpants) right outside the hotel, and then I ran into Soap Opera Digest‘s Jennifer Lenhart on the escalator (she, however, was fully dressed).
Jennifer and I headed to the luncheon’s green room, where we were greeted by Oakdale’s new generation — and a familiar face. “The fact that there is a fan club is wonderful,” enthused Scott Bryce (Craig). “That’s who we really work for, so how can I not support the fan club when they’re supporting me? I hope they like what I’m doing!”
One person who definitely likes what Scott is doing is Martha Byrne (Lily), who later confided, “I’m so thrilled [to introduce him], I want a drumroll. I’ll make my own drumroll!”
Then, I traded grins and waves with Ashley Greiner (Faith), and learned that Mick Hazen and Daniel Manche (Parker and J.J.) are a couple of funny guys. “I’m a little freaked because I’m first out the door,” laughed Mick. “Daniel’s following me. I’m afraid I’m going to trip and fall and then everyone else is going to trip and fall over me and it’s going to be like one of those commercials where it’s this giant pile of people!”
“It’ll be a domino effect!” chimed in Daniel. “I’m happy that this is going on, because this is a good event for publicity.”
“Do you have some cheese?” Mick asked his onscreen brother, deadpan, before busting into laughs, “Because that was cheesy!”
Not at all cheesy was my next encounter: Terri Garber (Iris), who was happy to explain why Gwen’s scheming mom is suddenly AWOL: Cleo! “Iris would know immediately!” cried Terri, “and that would kill the storyline. That’s why she’s in Paris for a couple of months while this Cleo thing [plays out]. But what I love is working with Colleen (Zenk Pinter, Barbara) — that is a kick!”
I got my own kick when Van Hansis (Luke) offered up a warm, “Hey, Mala!” and complimented the comic book character web story I did a few weeks back. “I’m glad I got to be Spider-Man,” he laughed before gesturing at newcomer Jake Silbermann (Noah) and winking, “I guess that makes him my Mary Jane.” No, Noah is not a feisty redhead, but he did catch the eye of co-star Alexandra Chando (Maddie), who mused that he reminds her of somebody famous. “Zach Braff (J.D., SCRUBS) from the side?” I suggested, “or the kid from Holes?” Moments later, Alex dubbed him “Shia LaBeouf (the kid from Holes).” (Too bad she didn’t say, “Kirsten Dunst!”)
Before too long, the green room was filled with many fan-favorite Oakdale residents, including Ellen Dolan (Margo) and Ewa da Cruz (Vienna) — who was nervous about her first luncheon. Trent Dawson (Henry) and I took a minute to dish BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and comic books, and I ribbed Austin Peck (Brad) for wearing cowboy boots that made him tower over me even more than usual.
When it was finally time for the actors to meet their fans, Martha introduced her castmates as Jennifer and I stood to the side and hauled out the “Applause-o-meter.”
Fans were treated to the lovely surprise of Maura West (Carly) arriving just after the Snyder kids were introduced (and, no, the boys didn’t trip). Maura, looking fabulous, joined her onscreen brood, then Martha got on with the introductions.
Trent won the cheers-and-claps kudos last year; this year saw Scott, Austin (who cheated by doing a little strut and shimmy), and Don Hastings (Bob) and Eileen Fulton (Lisa) giving Dawson a run for his money. In the end, Jen and I concluded that Trent still gets ATWT fans’ Applause, Applause.
The ATWT Fan Club Luncheon definitely gets two snaps up from me!
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