Today in Soap Opera History (May 29)

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby.
1989: Another World's Nicole confessed to murder.
2003: Days of our Lives' Lexie gave birth.
2006: The execution of One Life to Live's "Todd" began.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice Frame (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let her husband, Steve, be buried in Chadwell.

1980: On Guiding Light, Dr. Ingrid Fisher told Lucille Wexler that she was capable of inflicting serious physical harm to those closest to her.

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.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 29)

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby.
1989: Another World's Nicole confessed to murder.
2003: Days of our Lives' Lexie gave birth.
2006: The execution of One Life to Live's "Todd" began.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice Frame (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let her husband, Steve, be buried in Chadwell.

1980: On Guiding Light, Dr. Ingrid Fisher told Lucille Wexler that she was capable of inflicting serious physical harm to those closest to her.

Kristen Alderson Joining Off Broadway's 'The Marvelous Wonderettes'

Producers/Directors Tom and Michael D'Angora are celebrating two years of "The Marvelous Wonderettes" by welcoming Emmy Award-winning soap star Kristen Alderson to the show. Beginning April 18th, Alderson will take over the role of Cindy Lou, the prettiest girl at Springfield High who knows she will be named Prom Queen and acts out against her best friend Betty Jean when things don’t go her way. Among the toe tapping hits Kristen will sing lead on are "Leader of the Pack," "Allegheny Moon," "Son of a Preacher Man," and "Maybe."

"I am beyond excited to be joining the extremely talented cast of 'The Marvelous Wonderettes,'" says Alderson. "I've always had a huge passion for theater and I'm so grateful that I get to be on stage again!"

Alderson is best known for her Emmy Award winning fifteen-year portrayal of Starr Manning on the ABC daytime dramas One Life to Live and General Hospital. She also originated the role of Kiki Jerome on General Hospital. No stranger to musicals, Alderson played the role of Molly in the first Broadway revival of "Annie." Her vocals were featured numerous times throughout the years on both One Life to Live and General Hospital. Aldersonproudly appeared in several of the ABC Daytime salutes BCEFA concerts, helping to raise over one million dollars for Broadway Cares Equity fights AIDS, and she is featured on the albums One Life Many Voices and A Holiday Affair.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 29)

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby.
1989: Another World's Nicole confessed to murder.
2003: Days of our Lives' Lexie gave birth.
2006: The execution of One Life to Live's "Todd" began.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice Frame (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let her husband, Steve, be buried in Chadwell.

1980: On Guiding Light, Dr. Ingrid Fisher told Lucille Wexler that she was capable of inflicting serious physical harm to those closest to her.

Eddie Alderson Diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma

Kristen Alderson and Eddie Alderson (via Instagram)

Emmy winning former One Life to Live and General Hospital star Kristen Alderson has provided an update on the condition of her brother (and former OLTL co-star), Eddie Alderson, who announced he had cancer on Monday morning.

"My beyond precious and amazing brother (and best friend) @eddiealderson go diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer last Friday. Ever since, we've been surrounded by love, support, and optimism. He is so strong and determined, I know he'll beat this. Please pray for Eddie's journey w/ us. I'll keep you updated as always."

Kristen later posted another update announcing Eddie had been diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma.

"The power of prayer is AMAZING! As of this morning Eddie was scheduled for surgery tonight. They said his first biopsy didn't have enough tissue to determine the exact kind of lymphoma. This would've pushed back his diagnoses/treatment and would've meant more time in the hospital. Only 4 hours after he announced his cancer (and you all responded with beautiful words and prayer) the doctor came in and said he no longer needed surgery! They were able to diagnose him using the sample they already had. (GREAT news) AND he he officially has Hodgkins Lymphoma (which is very treatable). He's going home today and will start chemotherapy on Monday."

Today in Soap Opera History (May 29)

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby. 1989: Another
World's Nicole confessed to murder. 2003: Days of our Lives'
Lexie gave birth. 2006: The execution of One Life to Live's
"Todd" began.

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."
― Michael Crichton

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let Steve be buried in Chadwell.

1980: On Guiding Light, Dr. Ingrid Fisher told Lucille that she was capable of inflicting serious physical harm to those closest to her.

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.

NEWS: Tristan Wilds, Kristen Alderson, Agnes Bruckner, Tony Roberts, Alison Sweeney, Mario Lopez

90210's Tristan Wilds stars in the new Adele music video for "Hello."

"Do You Know Me?": Tony Roberts memoir includes Edge of Night/Larry Hagman stories
Tony Roberts reveals the story of his legendary five-decade career on stage and screen in the new memoir "Do You Know Me?" It became available as a hardcover book through Amazon.Com and an audio book from Audible.com, read by the author himself, on October 6.

A vivid and charming raconteur, Roberts describes his love of acting, the transformative power of theater, and how both were inspired by his ruthlessly innovative teacher Alvina Krause ("The purpose of acting," she said, "is to illuminate and enlighten. The theater is the last, best chance to save the world.") He shares stories of his first major role in the soap opera The Edge of Night with Larry Hagman and his busy days as an in-demand Hollywood actor ("I crack under leisure," Roberts once notably quipped).

Alison Sweeney looks back on Days of our Lives as the soap celebrates 50 years
"I’ve always felt so lucky to have been a part of the Days of our Lives story and the legacy. 50 years is pretty amazing for any broadcast, so to be part of that story and to have been in Salem for so long has always meant a lot to me. I’m very proud to be a part of the 50th celebration."

"I’m on for a couple days this month and a couple days in November. They didn’t want to do just one event, they wanted to make an ongoing spectacle and make it a bigger deal for the 50th."

Indie film thriller House of Last Things to screen at West Slope Library
House of Last Things stars Portland actor Randy Schulman as a music critic with a dark secret who takes a recuperative trip to Italy with his wife. Lindsey Haun (True Blood), RJ Mitte (Breaking Bad), and Blake Berris (Days of our Lives) star as the young house-sitters who soon find themselves drawn into a web of disturbing revelations that cause them to second-guess what is real as they lose themselves to the house. Eschewing gore and cheap scares for mood and surreal imagery, Bartlett's film will linger in the minds of viewers long the credits roll.

ABC trimbs Blood & Oil episode order from 13 to 10
The series will continue to air through the end of the calendar year in its current Sundays at 10 p.m. slot, at least for the time being. Sources say creator Josh Pate's (Moonlight) vision post-pilot never was fully embraced by the network, which was looking for more "OMG" moments a la Scandal. That didn't work with the emotional soap that showrunner Cynthia Cidre (Dallas) and her team had written, which led to Jon Harmon Feldman (Dirty Sexy Money) being brought in to try and create what the network wants. The series — which also underwent numerous recastings — now is said to have two writers rooms, one led by Feldman and the other, featuring Cidre, given little to do.

General Hospital alum Kristen Alderson tweets goodbye to the West Coast
Alderson (ex-Kiki, GH; ex-Star on both GH and One Life to Live) announced she was leaving Los Angeles and moving back to the East Coast: "Goodbye LA & to a beautiful chapter in my life. I'll always love you @duelly87 thank you for being my best friend.💛"

Former The Bold and the Beautiful actress Agnes Bruckner expecting first child
Brucker (ex-Bridget, B&B) is expecting her first child with boyfriend Alefaio Brewer.

Mario Lopez joins Grease: Live
The actor, Dr. Christian Ramirez on Bold and the Beautiful, will play Vince Fontaine on the live musical event.

Shondaland developing Romeo & Juliet sequel series for ABC
A series adaptation of Still Star-Crossed, based on the 2013 book of the same name that picks up after Romeo and Juliet’s tragic ending, has landed at ABC from Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers and scribe Heather Mitchell.

Empire Season 2's Latino Factor
With five episodes in, it has become clear that producers and executives have harnessed celebrity cameos and a heavy influence of Latino actors and Latino-themed story lines.

Why Latinos? It makes sense all-around. Apart from the power of the demographic as a whole, most young Hispanics tend to be very in touch with the urban scene of pop culture, both in the mainstream market or the insular Spanish-language landscape. The influences of African-Americans on Latino youth are too clear to question. From music (reggaeton) to movies (watch any Franc. Reyes film), many of young Hispanics identify themselves with what Empire has to offer.

Tyra Banks and Chrissy Teigen's FABLife a ratings disaster
Sources tell Page Six the Disney/ABC daytime talk show won't make it to a second season unless things get more fabulous quickly.

The Wire and 90210 alum Tristan Wilds plays Adele’s lover in her new music video
The director of the "Hello" music video, Xavier Dolan, says of casting Wilds: “This is not about an interracial relationship, but the fact that it is mattered to us. We were excited about that because it feels just normal to say: ‘This is society, this is how we live.’”

Watch "Hello" below:

Watch Kristen Alderson Sing the "National Anthem" at the Eagles-Ravens Preseason Game

Kristen Alderson sings the "National Anthem" on August 22 in Philadelphia.

Former One Life to Live and General Hospital actress Kristen Alderson, who portrayed Starr Manning on both soaps before playing Kiki Jerome on GH, sang the "National Anthem" at the Philadelphia Eagles' home preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on August 22.

"My dream came true this day!" said Alderson, a lifelong Eagles fan. "Finally sang at my Eagles' stadium in front of my city! I've never been more nervous in my entire life. It was everything and more that I ever thought it would be!"

Watch Alderson's performance at Lincoln Financial Field below:

Today in Soap Opera History (May 29)

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby. 1989: Another
World's Nicole confessed to murder. 2003: Days of our Lives'
Lexie gave birth. 2006: The executive of One Life to Live's
"Todd" began.

"History never looks like history when you are living through it."
― John W. Gardner

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let Steve be buried in Chadwell.

1980: On Guiding Light, Dr. Ingrid Fisher told Lucille that she was capable of inflicting serious physical harm to those closest to her.

Kristen Alderson on Leaving 'General Hospital': "I've Been in this Amazing Little Soap Bubble Since I was 6 Years Old"

Kristen Alderson

Emmy winner Kristen Alderson has posted a video on YouTube explaining why she chose to leave General Hospital and the role of Kiki Jerome.

Instead of tweeting, I wanted to make this video to tell you guys myself why I decided to leave General Hospital. And I did. And it's because … well, it’s not because of the cast and crew, I can tell you that right now. Everyone has been so lovely to me. I've had the best time over the past three years. And this decision is purely spur of the moment, kind of an epiphany that I had, that I've been in this amazing little soap bubble since I was 6 years old and now I’m 23. I've never done anything else. I've never pushed myself. I never challenged myself to do other things, and not necessarily in the industry, but just things in life, like like taking a class here or there for something other than acting, and getting back into singing, which you guys know I love to do, so that would be really exciting. And who knows where this road is going take me?

Watch Alderson's video message for fans below:

Kristen Alderson Checking Out of 'General Hospital'

Kristen Alderson

Emmy winning actress Kristen Alderson is leaving ABC daytime drama General Hospital as Kiki Jerome, according to Soap Opera Digest, who reports the actress will wrap her run very soon.

Alderson joined the cast of One Life to Live in 1998 as Starr Manning, a role she played until the show went off the air in January 2012. A month later, Alderson crossed over in character to General Hospital.

In 2013, after a legal dispute between ABC and Prospect Park over the rights to the character, she briefly left GH and returned in a new role, Kiki Jerome.

Chad Duell (Michael), Alderson's real-life boyfriend, tweeted that it was Alderson's decision to leave GH.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 29)

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby. 1989: Another
World's Nicole confessed to murder. 2003: Days of our Lives'
Lexie gave birth. 2006: The executive of One Life to Live's
"Todd" began.

"The whole past is the procession of the present."
- Thomas Carlyle

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let Steve be buried in Chadwell.

Nurses Ball 2014: The Haunted Starlets Perform "I Love It"

General Hospital's The Haunted Starlets hit the Nurses Ball stage on Monday singing Icona Pop's "I Love It". The group consisted of Kiki (Kristen Alderson), Sam (Kelly Monaco), Lulu (Emme Rylan), Maxie (Kirsten Storms) and Molly (Haley Pullos). Watch below:

Nurses Ball 2014: Kiki Sings "Raise Your Glass"

General Hospital's Kiki Jerome (Kristen Alderson) hit the Nurses Ball stage on Friday with her performance of Pink's "Raise Your Glass," with help from Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst), Felix (Marc Anthony Samuel), Lucas (Ryan Carnes) and T.J. (Tequan Richmond). Watch below:

'General Hospital' Featured on 'The Soup': You Don't Deserve My Donuts!

E!'s The Soup featured the scene in which General Hospital's Luke (Anthony Geary) physically attacked Kiki (Kristen Alderson). Watch below:

CONTEST: Win a Pair of Tickets to See "Soap Stars Sing" in Los Angeles

On April 11, an all-star lineup will perform in "Soap Stars Sing" at the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center main hall. We Love Soaps is giving away two "Golden Tickets," a pair of seats in the first four rows and access to the meet and greet after the show. To enter, send an email to editor@welovesoaps.com with the subject "Soap Stars Sing" and tell us which star you are most excited to see that night. Below is current lineup of talent:

- Anthony Geary (GENERAL HOSPITAL)
- Bobbie Eakes (ALL MY CHILDREN, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL)
- Ronn Moss (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL)
- Eden Riegel (ALL MY CHILDREN, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
- Kristen Alderson (GENERAL HOSPITAL, ONE LIFE TO LIVE)
- Vincent Irizarry (ALL MY CHILDREN, GUIDING LIGHT)

To find out more about the event, visit soapstarssing.com.

Entries for the Golden Ticket Giveaway must be received by Friday, March 14 at 11:59 PM ET. One winner will be randomly selected from all entries and will be announced on Monday, March 17.

NEWS: Kristen Alderson, Derek Krantz, Chris Carmack, Rachel Melvin, Emily Alyn Lind, Ryan Serhant

GENERAL HOSPITAL's Kristen Alderson featured on Philadelphia Eagles "Celebrity Corner" feature
"I’m a true Philadelphian, even though I live in Los Angeles now. The main concern we had as a family when I moved out here – I have been here for almost two years – was making sure I found a place to watch Eagles games. Fortunately, I heard about a place called "The Shack" in Santa Monica and we went there and watched the games in a packed bar with other Eagles fans. Everyone was doing our 'E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES' chants. It was so much fun! My brother isn't 21, though, so we had to find another place. Fortunately, my boyfriend moved down the street from me and he’s got a 60-inch TV, so my family and I watch it with him now."

BREAKING BAD ratings set another record
Sunday’s nights stunning “Ozymandias” episode of the AMC series delivered 6.4 million viewers. That number includes 4.1 million adults 18-49. The hour also inspired 604,765 tweets.