Morgan Fairchild Leads All-Star Lineup for 'Mélange'

Morgan Fairchild has been tapped to play the vindictive Vivian King in the new serialized half hour drama, Mélange. Using NYC as its backdrop, the show will center round the fight of ownership for a historic gay bar, Mélange, after its proprietor has suddenly and mysteriously died. The series will emulate the grand storytelling flair of 80’s primetime decadent dramas that pitted good vs. evil but in a contemporary, fast-paced style; exploring modern themes of sexuality, immigration, addiction, power, and inclusion. The ensemble cast of 17, lead by Morgan Fairchild, includes a roster of talent from television, Broadway, reality, and social media. Shooting for Mélange kicked off August 4th in New York City.

Scott Evans (One Life to Live) stars as Ryann Parker, the strikingly handsome young man whose once Utopian workplace has become infested with betrayal, corruption, and revenge. He fights to keep Mélange out of the claws of Vivian and into the hands of the employees and patrons who genuinely love the historic bar.

Through flashbacks and archival footage, Robert Newman (Guiding Light, Santa Barbra, General Hospital) plays Syd Winchester, the deceased patriarch of Mélange who, in life, was a pioneer and hero of the gay rights movement. Rounding out the ensemble cast: Emmy winner Darnell Williams (All My Children, The Young and the Restless, Loving ), Emmy winner Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live, General Hospital,), Ilene Kristen (One Life to Live, Ryan’s Hope, General Hospital), David A. Gregory (One Life to Live), Jessica Leccia (Guiding Light, One Life to Live, Venice The Series), Diana DeGarmo (The Young and the Restless, American Idol) ), gossip blogger Perez Hilton (Bold and the Beautiful), Anne Ramsay (Mad About You,The L Word), Alex Newell (Glee, Broadway’s Once On This Island), Mark Indelicato (Ugly Betty, Dead of Summer ), Laith Ashley (Strut), Maya Days (Damages, Broadway’s Aida), Omar Sharif Jr., Pamela Winslow Kashani (Star Trek: The Next Generation).

Mélange was created and is being executive produced by multi-award winning theatrical producer and political activist Tom D’Angora. It is being directed by Emmy Award winner Gary Donatelli (One Life to Live) and Tony Award winning producer Tim Kashani.

Richard Barclay NYC Tribute Show to Feature Soap Opera Legends Eileen Fulton & Ilene Kristen

In October, the entertainment industry lost a powerful friend, Richard Barclay, a celebrated singer/actor and producer/director who passed away after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer. On May 26, Richard Skipper is presenting a celebration of Barclay's life and reuniting two soap opera legends in the progress. The Richard Barclay Memorial show will feature Frank Basile, Julie Budd, Eileen Fulton (Lisa, As the World Turns), Richard Holbrook, Ilene Kristen (Delia, Ryan's Hope; Roxy, One Life to Live) sharing memories and musical entertainment, led by musical director Rolf Barnes.

The Saturday night show will start at 8 p.m. at Don't Tell Mama in New York (343 W 46th St). There is a $25.00 cover charge and a 2 drink minimum per person. Proceeds will benefit Career Bridges. Reservations can by made after 4 p.m. daily at (212) 757-0788 after 4 PM or online at donttellmamanyc.com.

Barclay was more than a great artist ... he was a kind, compassionate, and generous mentor.

Richard Barclay started his long career in the 1950s as a dancer performing with Mitzi Gaynor and Lisa Kirk in their club acts. He took over - at the last minute - for an ailing Darryl Hickman (who had replaced Robert Morse) as J. Pierpont Finch in the Broadway production of "How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying." After that, Barclay played Albert Peterson opposite Chita Rivera and Brenda Lee in "Bye Bye Birdie"; appeared with Nanette Fabray in "No, No Nanette"; Carole Cook in "Kismet"; and with Eileen Fulton in dark musical, "Carnival," the beginning of a very long friendship between the two.

By the early 1970s, Barclay teamed with Bob Deubel to form Concepts Unlimited, which produced several documentaries for film and television. He produced the documentary, Norman Rockwell's World, winning an Academy Award for the Best Documentary Short Subject. He and Bob also produced the TV documentary, The American Woman, narrated by Patricia Neal and featured Celeste Holm, Helen Gallagher, Frank Langella, Claudia McNeil, Joanna Miles, Melba Moore, Kate Mulgrew, Lois Nettleton, George Rose and Jamie Ross. They also produced Verse Person Singular, starring Richard Kiley, and shown on PBS' American Playhouse.

Ilene Kristen Named Special Guest at Nelson Aspen "Just in Time" Show

Nelson Aspen, Ilene Kristen

When Search for Tomorrow alum and veteran entertainment personality and author Nelson Aspen previews his new cabaret show, "Just in Time," at New York City's Don't Tell Mama on Thursday, December 21, he will be joined by a daytime icon special guest: Ryan's Hope and One Life to Live star Ilene Kristen.

Known to millions of international TV fans as their "One Degree of Separation" from Hollywood's A-list, Aspen returns to the cabaret stage after sold out runs in New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and around Australia including the world-famous Sydney Opera House. "Just in Time," featuring Musical Director Gerry Dieffenbach and his band, traces Aspen's musical as he carved out his unique niche in the showbiz community.

With humor and expert storytelling skills, Aspen shares songs and stories everyone will recognize from their own pop culture experiences. "Just in Time" follows up his popular "Full Circle" show from 2015/16, which included appearances by Anita Gillette, Shelly Burch, Deven Green, Monica Horan and other stage/screen stars. You never know what famous faces might turn up onstage or in the audience when Nelson Aspen performs.

Asked to describe his eclectic mix of music and merriment, Aspen says, "Imagine going to Studio 54 for a dinner party with Irving Berlin, Julie Andrews, Barbara Eden, Harry Connick Jr and The Captain & Tennille!"

And he ought to know...in addition to his long TV career, he has authored books including "Let's Dish Up A Dinner Party!" "Hollywood Insider: Exposed," "My Prime Time" and "Dinner at Nelson's."

"I used to think I was born 40 years too late," Aspen adds, "but my musical experience has shown me I was actually born...Just in Time!"

Aspen always puts on a fun show, and the addition of the always-entertaining Kristen, makes "Just in Time" even more of a must-see event. Check it out!

"Nelson Aspen: Just in Time" (World Premiere)
Date/Time: Thursday December 21 at 7 p.m.
Location: Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46 Street (Restaurant Row).
Reservations: Call (212) 757-0788 (after 4 p.m. daily) or reserve online at donttellmamanyc.com ($20 Cover/2 Drink Minimum--Cash Only)

Ilene Kristen: Claire Labine "Best Writer That I've Ever Worked With"

Roger Newcomb and Ilene Kristen

For two new episodes of entertainment web series Serial Scoop Now, I covered the red carpet for the Pride: The Series Season 2 premiere event on Saturday night in downtown New York City. Among those interviewed were creator Dorell Anthony (who plays Kai), Ilene Kristen (Eleanor), Lauren B. Martin (Tia), Jonathan Villanueva (Luis), Terissa Kelton (Riley), Ashley Mitchell (Trina), Aaron Mathias (Garrett), Scott Michael Salame (Owen), director Michael V. Pomarico, Adam Andrew Rios (Sheeneda/Adam), Braden Bradley (Travis), Tony D. Head (George) and Geri Reischl, who played Jan Brady in The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

The iconic Ms. Kristen shared her appreciation for the creative side of working on independent productions.

"It's interesting to see people unleashing their creativity," she said.

Kristen also remembered legendary writer Claire Labine, who passed away earlier this year, and wrote years of memorable scripts for Kristen's Ryan's Hope character, Delia.

"Claire was the best writer that I've ever worked with," she explains. "When you got her scripts, you never wanted to change a line of them."

Six-time Emmy winning former All My Children director Michael V. Pomarico loved the freedom of being outside the studio.

"Coming from a structured show like that [All My Children] to have the freedom with this show was really, really wonderful," he explained.

When asked if there might be an All My Children 3.0 someday, he would only say, "I don't know. Maybe."

Watch the interviews below.

Catching Up With With 'One Life to Live' Stars Kathy Brier, Kristen Alderson & Ilene Kristen

Kristen Alderson, Tonja Walker, Kathy Brier, Jason Tam and Ilene
Kristen.  Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

On April 28, One Life to Live stars Ilene Kristen (Roxy), Kristen Alderson (Star), Tonja Walker (Alex) and Jason Tam (Markko) were on hand for opening night of "The Marvelous Wonderettes," a musical revival starring their former co-star, Kathy Brier (Marcie).

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" takes a cotton-candied colored musical trip down memory lane to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet “The Wonderettes”, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. Audiences experience their lives and loves from prom night to their ten year reunion as told through more than twenty chart topping hits of the fifties and sixties including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” and “It’s My Party.”

Created, written, and originally directed by Roger Bean, the previous New York production played at the West Side Theatre from September 2008 to January 2010.

I caught up with Alderson, Kristen and Brier on the red carpet. Watch the interviews below.

'One Life to Live' Stars Reunite at 'The Marvelous Wonderettes' Opening

Kristen Alderson, Tonja Walker, Kathy Brier, Jason Tam and Ilene
Kristen.  Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

On Thursday night, One Life to Live stars Ilene Kristen (Roxy), Kristen Alderson (Star), Tonja Walker (Alex) and Jason Tam (Markko) were on hand for opening night of "The Marvelous Wonderettes," a musical revival starring their former co-star, Kathy Brier (Marcie).

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" takes a cotton-candied colored musical trip down memory lane to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet “The Wonderettes”, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. Audiences experience their lives and loves from prom night to their ten year reunion as told through more than twenty chart topping hits of the fifties and sixties including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” and “It’s My Party.”

Created, written, and originally directed by Roger Bean, the previous New York production played at the West Side Theatre from September 2008 to January 2010.

The new production stars Christina Bianco as Missy, Kathy Brier as Suzy, Jenna Leigh Green as Cindy Lou, and Sally Schwab as Betty Jean.

I spoke with Brier, along with Kristen and Alderson, before the performance. Alderson is enjoying her post-soap opera life, and is interested in doing more theater. Kristen is working on multiple new projects, including one with former As the World Turns star Lauren B. Martin. Look for more soon.

Ilene Kristen 'I'm Not Done With U Yet' Album Now Available on iTunes

If you ever seen soap star Ilene Kristen perform live, you'll hear a familiar, and wonderful, group of songs. She has recorded several of them on a brand new album, "I'm Not Done With U Yet," now available on iTunes.

Kristen, who last appeared on General Hospital as Delia in May, posted a message about the album Thursday night on Facebook: "As my birthday draws to a close I want to thank all my Facebook friends for sending the LOVE……please check out my CD-- I'M NOT DONE WITH U YET-- on itunes…buy if you will and write a review would so appreciate it."

Track List:
1 "Lion's Den"
2 "Five O'Clock Shadow"
3 "Old School Thing"
4 "Flesh and Blood"
5 "While the Whole World Jams"
6 "I'm Not Done With U Yet"
7 "No Matter What"
8 "Still in Love With Love"
9 "Master Plan"
10 "Could Have Been"
11 "Rise to the Occasion"
12 "Five O'clock Shadow" (Late Night Remix)

Check out the album on iTunes.

RELATED:
- Buy 'Manhattanites' On DVD, Stars Ilene Kristen, Aiden Turner, Forbes March

'General Hospital' Spoilers (July 7-11, 2014)

Delia (Ilene Kristen) is caught in a compromising position.
Photo Credit: ABC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and two sneak peek videos below to find out what's happening on General Hospital during the week of July 7th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, July 7
A car accident sends loved ones to the hospital; Delia (Ilene Kristen) and Ava (Maura West) conspire to get the recording; Nina (Michelle Stafford) watches Kiki (Kristen Alderson); Michael (Chad Duell) wonders what Alice (Bergen Williams) wanted to tell him.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (June 30-July 4, 2014)

Will Lulu be able to carry an embryo? The results are in!
Photo Credit: ABC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and two sneak peek videos below to find out what's happening on General Hospital during the week of June 30th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, June 30
Franco (Roger Howarth) plans to tell Michael (Chad Duell) about A.J.; Rafe (Jimmy Deshler) finds himself in trouble; Sam (Kelly Monaco) and Patrick (Jason Thompson) learn who owned the car involved in the accident.

Ilene Kristen Tapes Another Appearance on 'General Hospital' as 'Ryan's Hope's' Delia

Photo: Instagram (@therealstafford)

Ilene Kristen will be making another appearance on General Hospital as her former Ryan's Hope character, Delia Ryan Coleridge.

Michelle Stafford (Nina Clay on General Hospital) posted a photo with Kristen (Delia is the mother of Ava, the woman Nina's husband Silas was cheating on her with) on Instagram.

"So this chick... The reason I'm an actress today y'all. I watched her on 'Ryan's Hope' when I was young. It's the first time I was really taken and affected by an actress's performance. I loved her and the show so much I got my sister and aunt and uncle hooked on it! When she left i was so upset I stopped watching...So today I shared the stage with Ilene Kristen. Still brilliant!! A true artist!!"

Ilene Kristen Returning to GENERAL HOSPITAL as Delia on February 25

Ilene Kristen as Delia on GH. Photo Credit: ABC

Ilene Kristen is coming back to GENERAL HOSPITAL as Delia Ryan Coleridge, the character she played for many years on RYAN'S HOPE. She will appear in the February 25, 26, 27 and 28 episodes.

Kristen reprised the role in October of 2013 when viewers learned that Delia was the mother of Ava Jerome (Maura West).

"She's back very soon," executive producer Frank Valentini revealed to Soap Opera Digest. “Ilene did a fantastic job and Delia is an important character. I think her return will show viewers another side to Ava."

RELATED:
- Buy Manhattanites, starring Ilene Kristen, on DVD

NEWS: Primetime 30-Second Ad Rates; GLEE Moving To NYC Full-Time? SCANDAL's Olivia Pope Pregnant?

How Much Are Primetime TV Shows Worth To Advertisers?
Ad Age’s annual survey of what 30-second commercials cost on all of the broadcast network shows reveals a fascinating hierarchy in which ratings and ad rates do no necessarily match.

Here are a few interesting items from the list:

1. Sunday Night Football $593,694 (NBC, Sundays at 8 p.m.)
8. The Following $211,832 (Midseason, Fox, Mondays at 9 p.m.)
9. Scandal $207,053 (ABC, Thursdays at 10 p.m.)
11. Grey’s Anatomy $204,658 (ABC, Thursdays at 9 p.m.)
12. The Blacklist $201,650 (NBC, Mondays at 10 p.m.)
17. Once Upon a Time $173,062 (ABC, Sundays at 8 p.m.)
18. Glee $171,757 (Fox, Thursdays at 8 p.m.)
23. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D $151,305 (ABC, Tuesdays at 8 p.m.)
30. Resurrection $138,022 (Midseason, ABC, Sundays at 10 p.m.)
31. Sleepy Hollow $137,610 (Fox, Mondays at 9 p.m.)
34. Hostages $133,185 (CBS, Mondays at 10 p.m.)
46. Revenge $114,002 (ABC, Sundays at 9 p.m.)
48. Nashville $107,591 (Wednesdays at 10 p.m.)
50. Betrayal $105,447 (ABC, Sundays at 10 p.m.)
53. Once Upon a Time in Wonderland $97,136 (Thursdays at 8 p.m.)
57. Crisis $90,433 (Midseason, NBC, Sundays at 10 p.m.)

"The Outrageous Delia, Only On RYAN'S HOPE" - Until Today!

Just over a quarter of a century ago ABC Daytime ran a promo celebrating Delia Reid Ryan on RYAN'S HOPE. "She's at it again," we heard as highlights of Ilene Kristen's scheming woman-child character were shown. As the 30-second ad wrapped the announcer declared, "The outrageous Delia, only on RYAN'S HOPE, weekdays." That was true...until today. Ilene Kristen is reprising the role of Delia on the Monday and Tuesday episodes of GENERAL HOSPITAL. Sam and Silas make their way to the Upper West Side of Manhattan for a visit to Ryan's Bar.

"I made up a little backstory for myself that a lot of her dreams had not come true, that she was working over at Ryan’s and had to go back to a place that maybe she didn't want to go back to," Kristen revealed to Soap Opera Digest. "The most important thing that I believe that I did when I did GENERAL HOSPITAL was show her vulnerability, because that is what Delia always had, a tremendous amount of vulnerability."

Check out the 1987 RYAN'S HOPE promo below and let us know if you're excited about seeing the character of Delia again.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Day-By-Day Spoilers (Week of October 28th)

Ilene Kristen reprises her role as Delia Reid Ryan from RYAN'S HOPE
on the Monday and Tuesday episodes of GENERAL HOSPITAL.
Photo Credit: ABC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a preview video below to find out what's happening on GENERAL HOSPITAL during the week of October 28th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, October 28
Sabrina (Teresa Castillo) leaves things open with Carlos; Robin (Kimberly McCullough) and Patrick's (Jason Thompson) wedding anniversary.

RYAN'S HOPE and ONE LIFE TO LIVE star Ilene Kristen makes the first of two scheduled appearances as Delia Reid Ryan as Sam (Kelly Monaco) and Silas (Michael Easton) make their way to Ryan's Bar in New York.

Ilene Kristen Will Reprise Delia From RYAN'S HOPE on GENERAL HOSPITAL

Ilene Kristen was nominated for two Daytime Emmys for her work as
Roxy Balson in ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

Former ONE LIFE TO LIVE and RYAN'S HOPE actress Ilene Kristen is coming to ABC's GENERAL HOSPITAL for two episodes. She will be reprising her iconic RYAN'S HOPE character, Delia Reid Ryan on October 28 and 29.

RYAN'S HOPE, created by Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer, aired on ABC from July 7, 1975 to January 13, 1989. The character of Delia was married to Frank Ryan when the show premiered, but she later tricked his brother, Pat, into marrying her. She was also married to Dr. Roger Coleridge and businessman Matthew Crane. Roger was played by actor Ron Hale, who later played Sonny's father on GH.

For a short time in 1984, actress Robin Mattson played Delia on RYAN'S HOPE after leaving the role of Heather Webber on GENERAL HOSPITAL. Mattson explained the move in our interview earlier this year:

"It was sort of a political move. They weren't, in my understanding, doing right by me in my job at GENERAL HOSPITAL. So the same network (ABC) said to me, 'Hey, come over and do this half hour show. We want to kind of reinvent Delia Ryan.' And I did. It was a short-term deal and it worked well for me. I liked the show a lot. Business is business."

RELATED:
- Ilene Kristen stars in Manhattanites - Buy it on DVD today!
- PHOTOS: 10th Annual Daytime Stars and Strikes Charity Event

Ilene Kristen, James DePaiva & Tonja Walker Join TAINTED DREAMS

Three of ONE LIFE TO LIVE's most beloved fan favorites - Ilene Kristen, James DePaiva and Tonja Walker - have signed on for TAINTED DREAMS, an upcoming dramedy providing a rare, realistic view behind the scenes of producing a daily scripted drama.

Ilene Kristen, best known for her role as Delia Reid Ryan in RYAN'S HOPE and, most recently, her twice Emmy-nominated role as the outrageous Roxy Balsom on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, will play Vivian Park, the estranged mother of soap star, Liza Park (Natalia Livingston). Kristen is also no stranger to the Broadway stage appearing in the original Broadway cast of "Grease." She is credited on the original 1972 Broadway cast album (along with Adrienne Barbeau as Rizzo and Barry Bostwick as Danny). A talented singer and songwriter, Kristen frequently performs her own original music on the New York City cabaret scene, and she has made numerous guest appearances in primetime and independent films.

PREVIEW: DECEPTION ("You’re the Bad Guy")

ONE LIFE LIVE TO LIVE alum Bree Williams plays the late Vivian.
Ilene Kristen guest stars on this episode. - Photo: NBC

The first season of DECEPTION continues on Monday, March 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

In "You’re the Bad Guy," after Will fires Joanna for sleeping with Julian, she uncovers video tapes of Vivian’s (ONE LIFE TO LIVE alum Bree Williamson) therapy sessions. Working with the FBI, Julian wears a wire to gain evidence against Audrey. Edward turns himself in for the murder of Kimberly Yaeger. With Haverstock’s help, Wyatt is released from prison and confronts Sofia. Mia takes Joanna’s advice and donates her bone marrow to her birth father.

Watch a couple of sneak peek videos below:

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 3.45 Ilene Kristen Talks About Missing ONE LIFE TO LIVE & The Importance Of Love Out Loud

Love Out Loud VII, an annual event sponsored by We Love Soaps and Poz magazine, was held on Wednesday, May 16 at Prohibition in New York City. It's an AIDS Walk NY fundraiser: the hosts, the sponsors, and (this is truly wonderful) the celebrities are all donated their time to the cause!

In the latest episode of our web series, WE LOVE SOAPS TV, we catch up with ONE LIFE TO LIVE star Ilene Kristen who talks about missing ONE LIFE TO LIVE, and explains why Love Out Loud and this cause are so important to her.

Watch our latest episode below.

UPDATE: Even More Stars Are Coming to Our Love Out Loud Event! Won't You Please Join Us?

Colleen Zenk and Trent Dawson will be together again soon.

We Love Soaps is proud to announce that Trent Dawson (AS THE WORLD TURNS & more), Andrew Trischitta (ONE LIFE TO LIVE) and Tom Degnan (ONE LIFE TO LIVE, AS THE WORLD TURNS & more) are now also officially scheduled to appear at our Love Out Loud VII fan apprecition and fundraising event on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Love Out Loud is an annual event sponsored by We Love Soaps and Poz magazine. It's an AIDS Walk NY fundraiser: the hosts, the sponsors, and (this is truly wonderful) the celebrities are all donating their time to the cause!  All of the money raised goes directly to the AIDS Walk.

So far, we have confirmed the following stars (with more to come!):

ILENE KRISTEN		COLLEEN ZENK
BETHANN BONNER		DAVID A. GREGORY
THOM CHRISTOPHER		NICK CHOKSI
CHASE COLEMAN		RACHAEL HIP-FLORES
TRENT DAWSON		BEN JORGENSEN
TOM DEGNAN		ELLEN DOLAN
MARK DOBIES		TINA SLOAN
SHENELL EDMONDS		ANDREW TRISCHITTA
MATT WALTON		TONJA WALKER
KELLEY MISSAL

SPECIAL EVENT: Meet Soap Stars & Support a Great Cause at Love Out Loud VII on Wednesday, May 16

One of the best things about New York City is that here, we don't just watch the stars on TV. Every now and then, we get to spend time with them in person!

Love Out Loud VII is an annual charity event sponsored by We Love Soaps and Poz magazine that will be held this year on Wednesday, May 16.  It just may be the best chance New Yorkers (and any visitors enjoying the brilliant Manhattan May weather) will have to meet and mingle with big names from daytime TV. As a special treat, we'll also be welcoming some of Broadway's best talent this year--how could we say no? And, just like in years past, there will be surprise guests. Some may even surprise us!