Discount Tickets For "Love, Loss and What I Wore" Featuring Robin Strasser Starting Feb. 1

Emmy winner Robin Strasser joins the cast of "Love, Loss and What I Wore" on February 1, 2012, and you can now buy two tickets for only $99* (normally $158) with the special discount code below.

"Love, Loss" is an intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron based on the book by Ilene Beckerman. We saw the show last year with Kim Zimmer as part of the cast and it was terrific. You don't want to miss Strasser reciting one of these stories! She joins the February cast which also features Dawn Wells (GILLIGAN'S ISLAND) and Zuzanna Szadkowski (GOSSIP GIRL).

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:*
Wed 2 & 8, Thurs-Fri 8, Sat 2 & 8, Sun 3 & 7
*Please visit www.LoveLossOnStage.com for schedule and cast updates.

THREE WAYS TO ORDER:

GLEE's Darren Criss Begins "How To Succeed" Broadway Run Tonight!

GLEE star Darren Criss (Blaine) takes over from Daniel Radcliffe in the role of corporate climber J. Pierrepont Finch on the Broadway hit “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” tonight. Beau Bridges (ex-Eddie, THE CLEAR HORIZON) also debuts as J.B. Biggley adding more soap opera power to a cast that continues to feature former AS THE WORLD TURNS Emmy winner Michael Park and former GUIDING LIGHT star Tammy Blanchard.

Criss is only there for a three week run. Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers will play Finch from Jan. 24 through July 1.

Click here for ticket information.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Michael E. Knight In "Erection" Play, Anne Marie Howard, Jeff Branson, Julie Mond

ALL MY CHILDREN's Michael E. Knight and DEVANITY's Robin Riker are among the cast of "The Cost of the Erection"
Knight and Riker will star in Blank Theatre's production of Jon Marans' "The Cost of the Erection," beginning Feb. 4, 2012, prior to an official opening Feb. 11, at Blank's 2nd Stage Theatre.

Directed by Blank founding artistic director Daniel Henning, the limited engagement will continue through March 18. The cast also includes Kal Bennett and James Louis Wagner.

THE ARCHERS: Characters healthier than in real life
Even though Archers' listeners have heard characters killed by tractors, falling off roofs and dying in burning stables as well as by suicide, a report in the British Medical Journal says that overall, life expectancy and health in the Archers is lower than in real life.

UK Christmas Day Ratings war Betting: Will Eastenders be taken Downton? (Doctor) Who Knows?
Sky Bet has installed DOCTOR WHO as the 6/4 favourite to pull in most viewers, which would see the BBC prevail once again as the top channel on Christmas Day.

Using Soap Operas, Cooking Classes To Fight Diabetes
When researchers tried to introduce a healthier diet and lifestyle to a group of adults at risk for developing diabetes in Lawrence, Massachusetts, a primarily low-income city that’s 60% Latino, and where only about half the population is fluent in English, they tried to meet people just where they were.

That meant screening a “telenovela,” a Spanish soap opera, about a diabetic mom named Martha and her at-risk daughter Sandra, that detailed the fears and challenges of the disease while introducing healthier food choices and busting pervasive misconceptions.

Anne Marie Howard: Crying Teeth
"I'm an actress, and when we met I was playing Nicole Love on the soap opera, ANOTHER WORLD. During our first few months together, my contract ended and a new job opportunity came up that I couldn't refuse. I would be taking over the role of Kimberly Brady-Donovan on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Only this NBC series taped in Burbank, California. Peter and I dated for three months before I left for the west coast. It was a whirlwind romance, with endless bottles of Clos du Bois Chardonnay and expensive dinners at the best restaurants. He asked me to marry him during one of these meals, in-between our entrées and dessert. We had a lot of fun, flying back and forth, planning our wedding. Six months after we met, we were married at one of our favorite restaurants in Manhattan."

Which VAMPIRE DIARIES Original Is Coming Back with a Vengeance?
"We haven't seen the last of Rebekah," executive producer Julie Plec tells TVGuide.com. "The fact that Elena killed Rebekah is going to come back to bite her in the butt."

TV Guide Network Becomes More 'Network,' Less Guide
The cable network, which started as scrolling TV listings “barker” channel, Prevue Channel, has gradually been reformatting itself to become a “full-screen” entertainment TV network that eschews its TV listings heritage in favor of conventional programming. Based on its negotiations with cable and satellite operators, more than 75% of TV Guide Network’s total distribution (80 million households) will be carrying the full-screen version of the channel, dropping its listings scroll altogether, by the end of this year.

Jeff Branson leaving THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Hot on the heels of Sean Kanan's (Deacon) announcement that he's being written off until the spring comes word that Jeff Branson (Ronan) will also be making another Genoa City exit.

Former GENERAL HOSPITAL actress Julie Mond joins HOUSE
Mond will play a nun who Chase treats when she comes into the clinic.

Robin Strasser Joins Brooke Shields & Larry Pine In "A Tomato Can't Grow in the Bronx" Reading

Executive Producer Aaron Grant has announced the addition of Emmy Award-winning actress Robin Strasser to the cast of the reading of Gary Morgenstein’s new play, "A Tomato Can't Grow in the Bronx," at the Jerry Orbach Theatre at the Snapple Theatre Center on December 20, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. The industry-only reading is Directed by Philip Morgaman. The General Manager is Kelvin Productions, LLC, with Casting by Daryl Eisenberg Casting.

BREAKING: Broadway Cares' "Gypsy of the Year" Winners Are...

This year’s "Gypsy of the Year" event, held on Dec. 5 and 6, was again hosted by Broadway personality Seth Rudetsky, host of "Seth’s Big Fat Broadway" on Sirius/XM radio.

"Gypsy of the Year" is the culmination of six weeks of intensive fundraising by Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies. It features some of the most talented singers and dancers in the ensemble of shows, known as "gypsies." Awards are presented to the top fundraisers and for the best presentation during the two performances.

We Love Soaps was at Monday's show where the original cast of "Grease" reunited (pictured above). Featuring Adrienne Barbeau and Ilene Kristen, they performed a number of songs from the hit musical which was later made into John Travolta/Olivia Newton-John-starring film.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 3.26 Jake Silbermann Talks "Derby Day"

On Episode 3.26, former AS THE WORLD TURNS star Jake Silbermann, who recently appeared on THE GOOD WIFE, sits down with Damon L. Jacobs to discuss his latest project, "Derby Day," which is currently running at The Clurman Theatre on Theatre Row in New York City. What inspired him to become involved with the project? Find out in this exclusive new interview.

Watch below and let us know what you think.

"Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays" Closes Dec. 18. Get Discount Code Here!

"Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays" is closing on Dec. 18 but you can still catch the show at a discounted price. Starring Mark Consuelos (ALL MY CHILDREN), Richard Thomas (AS THE WORLD TURNS), Craig Bierko (DAMAGES) and more, you don't want to miss it. Check out the Ticketmaster discount code below.

THEATER: Jake Silbermann Opens "Derby Day" November 30

The Camisade Theatre Company proudly presents their inaugural theatrical production, the World Premiere of "Derby Day," written by Samuel Brett Williams and directed by Michole Biancosino, starring Jared Culverhouse, Malcolm Madera, Jake Silbermann and Beth Wittig.

It's Derby Day and the Ballard brothers have a luxury box at the Oaklawn Racetrack in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Their father has just died, and Frank, the oldest, has flown down from Chicago to see the angry newlywed Ned and the ex-con Johnny.

"MUNCHED" by Kim Porter, directed by Petronia Paley (Opens November 7)

"MUNCHED," a Kim Porter play directed by former soap star Petronia Paley (ex-Quinn, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Vivian, GUIDING LIGHT; et al) premieres Monday, November 7 at Manhattan Theatre Source.

Look for our interview with Paley on Tuesday. Meanwhile, check out the play details below and buy your tickets today!

Two New Roles For DIRTY SOAP Producer Mark Consuelos: Off-Broadway's Gay Marriage Plays & FOX Comedy

Former ALL MY CHILDREN star and DIRTY SOAP producer Mark Consuelos, Tony winner Harriet Harris, Tony nominee Craig Bierko and stage and screen vet Polly Draper will be part of the premiere cast of "Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays." Performances begin November 7 at off-Broadway's Minetta Lane Theatre, with opening night set for November 13. "Standing on Ceremony" will feature a rotating cast, with additional cast members to be announced soon.

Forbes March to Star in Barefoot Theatre Company's "Verse Chorus Verse" (Based on Nirvana Song)

Forbes March, who played the gay musician secretly dating a closeted right wing publisher in my film, Manhattanites, is returning to New York to star in the stage production of "Verse Chorus Verse."

This is the New York premiere of Randall Colburn's play which will be presented at the Cherry Lane Studio Theatre, October 28-November 12. Ricardo Riethmuller will direct.

WLS Theater Review: "Follies"

A group of friends come together for one last hurrah when a beloved institution of yesteryear is set to be destroyed after it is perceived as obsolete and antiquated.  They reminisce about how things “used to be” and reflect pensively on choices made in their youth. Am I describing a 2011 soap gathering, or the opening moments of Broadway’s new revival of Stephen Sondheim’s 1971 musical “Follies?”  Sadly, it could apply to both.  So it’s a damn good thing that “Follies” dazzles, amazes, and astounds its audience, while sharing stories of ruin, regret, and remorse. 

For those unfamiliar with the premise, the show takes place on the eve of destruction of the Weismann “Follies” theater, a New York palace that housed skimpily clothed female singer and dancers between the two major World Wars.  Thirty years after the shows stopped running, we learn the theater, “in a final burst of glory, will become a parking lot.”  The ingenues of Follies past, and their husbands, are gathered in 1971 for one last night of singing, dancing, remembering, and questioning. 

VIDEO: Broadway Unites, Sings "New York, New York" In Support Of 9/11 Day of Service

The Broadway League hosted a special event on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. in Duffy Square, as the Broadway community marked the tenth anniversary of 9/11. This event was an encore of the iconic performance that took place one decade ago when Broadway performers helped inspire New Yorkers to return to normalcy with a landmark outdoor performance.

Watch the performance below, introduced by Joel Grey, which featured Grey, Ben Vereen, Bebe Neuwirth, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Montego Glover, Amra-Faye Wright, Kara DioGuardi and cast members from "The Book of Mormon," "Rock of Ages," "Jersey Boys," "Priscilla Queen of the Dessert," "Sister Act," "Memphis," " Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark," "The Addamms Family," "Mamma Mia," "Chicago" and more.



RELATED:
- BROADWAY UNITES: Casts of Broadway Shows Sing "New York, New York" to Mark 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance

BROADWAY UNITES: Casts of Broadway Shows Sing "New York, New York" to Mark 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance

The Broadway community gathered earlier this afternoon to mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11 in the best way they know: an enormous, free, public performance in the middle of Times Square. Following a welcome by Paul Libin, Chairman of The Broadway League, and others, NYPD Officer Daniel Rodriguez inspired the crowd with an operatic performance of Irving Berlin's classic, "God Bless America," as thousands of tourists, dozens of Broadway stars, and four honored members of the New York City Fire Department listened.

WINNERS: 2011 Tony Awards

Here is a list of winners for the 2011 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards, announced Sunday.

Best Play: "War Horse."

Best Musical: "The Book of Mormon."

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Mark Rylance, "Jerusalem."

Best Performance by an Actress in Leading Role in a Play: Frances McDormand, "Good People."

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Ellen Barkin, "The Normal Heart."

Frances McDormand Stops The Show, With Renee Elise Goldsberry

Micheal Musto reported a funny story from Renee Elise Goldsberry's (ex-Evangeline, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) play "Good People" last night for the Village Voice. Read it below.

At last night's performance of the Broadway play "Good People"--right at a climactic plot moment, when the audience was on the edge of their seats, waiting for information about the baby--a cell phone boldly rang in the house.

PHOTOS: Tammy Blanchard in "How To Succeed in Business Without Trying"

Former GUIDING LIGHT actress Tammy Blanchard is current winning rave reviews in Broadway's "How To Succeed in Business Without Trying" including from our own Kevin Mulcahy Jr. She also earned a Tony nomination for her role in the show which also features Michael Park and stars Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette. Below are some photos from a recent show.

PHOTOS: Peter Bartlett & Finn Wittrock in "The Illusion"

ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Peter Bartlett and former ALL MY CHILDREN actor Finn Wittrock are currently starring in Tony Kushner's "The Illusion" Off-Broadway at the Signature Theatre Company in New York City. Here are some photos taken at a recent show.

PHOTOS: Karla Mosley in "I Married Wyatt Earp"

Former GUIDING LIGHT actress Karla Mosley is currently starring as Cora in "I Married Wyatt Earp" at 59E59 Theaters in New York City. Here are some photos taken at a recent show.

WLS Theater Review: "The Normal Heart"

Do you remember the summer of 1981 when a strange form of “gay cancer” began to sweep through the New York community?  Do you remember when the government refused to fund research to learn about the unknown disease that was decimating a generation of gay men? Do you remember when there was no medical way to find out if you were a carrier of this mysterious illness? Do you remember fearing that you could be the one spreading it to everyone else? Do you remember when you would run into a friend on the street and learn a week later they were dead?  Do you remember watching someone you love decompensate and die right in front of you?

If you are younger than 40, then you may not have a memory, much less knowledge, of any of these happenings that were so common in the early years of the AIDS epidemic.  That, in and of itself, is reason enough to see the new Tony Award-nominated staging of Larry Kramer’s, “The Normal Heart.” But aside from the historical and educational relevance of the 1985 play, there is an electricity in this staging that embodies the urgency and desperation experienced in those early traumatic years.  This is exactly the passionate and pertinent production that is so needed in a 21st century society that would rather deny and forget the impact of HIV and AIDS. 

Beyond the powerful messages, moral quandaries, and political struggles presented, the audience is also treated to first rate acting.  From the very back of the theater, I could feel actor Joe Mantello unraveling in his astonishing performance as Ned Weeks.  As the tortured activist (based on playwright Kramer himself), Mantello captures all the self-loathing, confusion, anger, and impulsive energy that infused Kramer’s early responses to the AIDS crisis.  It is fascinating and uncomfortable to see this actor popping out of his skin as he witnesses the infrastructure of his world collapsing around him.

Other standout performances include Jim Parsons (BIG BANG THEORY), contributing a stirring and inspiring performance as a young southern activist caught up in the trauma and tragedy, while Lee Pace (PUSHING DAISIES) portrays a grounded, rational, and torn president of a new gay organization.  Benjamin Hickey (THE BIG C) lends the entire production a layer of emotional gravity which makes you wish the theater gave you Kleenex on the way in, while Ellen Barkin (BEFORE WOMEN HAD WINGS) brings all the action to a grinding halt in her profound and shocking performance as the doctor who urges Weeks to rally gay men to action.  Her monologue in the second act denouncing the government’s lack of research funding literally gave me chills and provided a moment in theater that no one in the audience will soon forget. 

Thirty years later, why revive “The Normal Heart?” Because contrary to what you may hear, people with HIV and AIDS are still suffering. Nineteen states have cut funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) thereby making it impossible for people in need to have access to the medicines they can save their lives, and more states may soon follow suit.  Service organizations that help to provide housing, food, and clothing for people with HIV are facing severe budget cuts in the third year of our worst recession since before the crisis started.  Even in the best of circumstances, the medicines that are available do not work for every body.  And yes, “The Normal Heart” reminds us that people we know and love are still dying from this ferocious disease, and more than 18,000 will die from AIDS this year.  Kramer’s play will tell you what the news won’t:  It was unconscionable to sit back and ignore AIDS in 1981, and it is unacceptable to do nothing about it in 2011. 

The We Love Soaps TV Team is walking in the 2011 New York AIDS Walk this Sunday, May 15th, to raise much needed funds for Gay Men’s Health Crisis, God’s Love We Deliver, and other service organizations that help to provide health care, food, shelter, and mental health programs for people living with HIV.  A simple donation makes it possible for someone living with this disease to have a meal, a coat, life saving drugs, and an improved quality of life.  If you can’t come see “The Normal Heart” then please consider the messages behind it.  AIDS kills.  We can change the world through our actions.  Let’s start changing it today.

S.A.S.S. (Short Attention Soap Summary)

WHAT IS IT:  "The Normal Heart" written by Larry Kramer, directed by Joel Grey and George C. Wolfe, featuring Ellen Barkin, Joe Mantello, John Benjamin Hickey, Jim Parsons, as well as Luke MacFarlane (BROTHERS & SISTERS) and Wayne Alan Wilcox (GILMORE GIRLS).

WHY SOAP FANS WILL LOVE IT: Every show in the history of daytime has used tragic illness to illuminate a beautiful heart-wrenching tear-jerking story.  "The Normal Heart" does this but offers you a cogent history lesson as well.

BOTTOM LINE: People who are shocked by the soulless reckless behavior of certain ABC/Disney execs that resulted in the deaths of ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE will relate to the soulless and reckless behaviors of certain government execs displayed in "The Normal Heart" that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.

VERDICT: If you have a heart, "normal" or otherwise, you owe it to yourself to catch this profoundly moving play before it closes on July 10th.  Buy tickets here. 

- Press here to make a donation for the We Love Soaps TV team in the 2011 AIDS Walk

Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Therapist in New York City who specializes in treating depression, stress management, HIV/AIDS related concerns, and grief/loss issues. He is also the author of the popular book "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve," currently available at Amazon.com. For more information about scheduling an appointment or a speaking engagement, please email him at Shouldless@gmail.com.
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