Y&R’s Michael Mealor (Kyle) Takes Us On A Tour of Genoa City

Society Restaurant: “It’s the last place that Kyle should want to be because Lola works there and Theo is always hanging out, but he goes anyway. It’s a very cool set and has a real, active gas fireplace. It’s one of our most intricate restaurant sets because it’s very interactive with a bar, dining area, lounge and stage. There’s even a door to the bathroom and when you open that door, you’ll see wallpaper, so it looks like a real room. It has double doors to the kitchen where we can spin the cameras to shoot to the other side.”

Jabot CEO Office: “When Billy took over as the CEO, he decided to make a lot of changes. He blew out the big wall and put in a window that looks out into the reception area, which brought in a lot of light. A new desk, chairs and cabinets were brought in and there’s a work table that’s kind of in the back of the set. It’s been modernized but since the reception and elevator areas weren’t changed, they still look like part of the renovated office. The sofa has been there forever and if you sit on it, you sink right in and your knees go up to your ears. Anyone who has been CEO has had sex in that office, so Kyle and Summer have had their intimate moments when they think they’re away from prying eyes.”

The Grand Phoenix Hotel: “Sometimes we only set up one half of the Grand Phoenix lobby but when the full lobby is up, where you see the couches and the pool table, it’s very impressive. I do play pool but this pool table is totally misaligned so if you hit the ball in one direction, it’ll roll back to you. Kyle and Theo played pool on the night of the Grand Phoenix opening, which was challenging to do when you’re shooting a scene. I was told, ‘On that line, hit the 8 ball into the pocket and then go around the table and lay across that corner and hit the 2 ball.’ ”

Top Of The Tower: “This restaurant has expansive views of Genoa City from the main dining room because it’s perched on one of the tallest buildings in the city. There are also self-contained little areas where different rendezvous can take place. The elevators are so lifelike that when you get in and hit the button, the doors shut and a lot of times I’m waiting for the drop. If you go into an elevator at mid-scene, you do have to wait in there until it’s over.”

Crimson Lights Coffeehouse: “This place hasn’t been renovated in years and it just got a makeover. They took the phone booth out where you first come in but it’s cool because it feels like a modern coffeehouse now. There’s a glass case with pastries and a new menu. Even the patio area has new tables and chairs that are made of reclaimed wood and wrought iron. I’ve always questioned if this an indoor or outdoor area but no one will tell me.”

GCAC Rooftop Pool: “Whenever that set is up, it means that I have to be constantly working out. Not a lot of heavy drama happens there. You know what’s going on will be more light, salacious and gossipy, with people hiding behind the ivy and in the lounge area. Not many people get wet there. It seems like it’s only me that uses the pool, and even then I come back suddenly naked, like what happened to Kyle.”

Abbott Mansion: “There’s a lot of history that comes with this house, which is a traditional brick structure. In back, there’s a four-lane lap pool, where Lola almost drowned, and a poolhouse, where Kyle has lived several times. This is a very 3-D set where cameras can really go in for different angles. In the living room, there’s a bar area at the fourth wall and we’ve discussed that beyond that is a big bay window that looks out onto the grounds. The stairs actually go somewhere because there’s a door at the top that leads to another set of steps and takes you back down to the back of the stage. Most of the time we just run up the stairs and stay out of sight because that door will creak and make noise, so we just wait until the scene is done.”

Lola’s Apartment: “This used to be Kyle and Lola’s place but he’s moved out. It has a very hip vibe and it’s a perfect starter apartment. The space has that all-brick look because it’s located over Crimson Lights. There’s a little balcony that looks out onto the skyline but you don’t see it very often. Surprisingly, that set also has a full bathroom.”

Chancellor Park: “For a supposedly big park, a lot of people gravitate to where the sculpture and benches are, but it’s a great area for picnics, arguments and a good fistfight because there’s soft grass in case someone hits the ground after getting slugged. If you veer to your right and follow that path, it will take you to the Chancellor Pavilion, a great outdoor venue. Nikki had her concert there and this is where Kyle and Lola had their wedding.”