News Brief

Is ONE LIFE TO LIVE Daytime’s Lifeboat?
Marlena De Lacroix blogs: "Have you boarded the ONE LIFE TO LIVE lifeboat yet? Judging from the letters I’ve received in the last three weeks from readers like Esther, Cherry, Marilyn and DSO, even the most discerning and stubborn of Marlena’s Thinking Fans seem to be boarding. They’re in hope it’s the one show that can keep their long-term love of soaps afloat in a sea of rapidly sinking - and stinking — shows."

Legacy characters Jagger Cates and Robert Scorpio join NIGHT SHIFT
Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney ABC Television Group, today announced that two award-winning actors, Antonio Sabato, Jr. and Tristan Rogers, will reprise the roles they created for GENERAL HOSPITAL of Jagger Cates and Robert Scorpio, respectively, for the second season of GENERAL HOSPITAL: NIGHT SHIFT. The SOAPnet series, which is the network’s most-watched of all time, follows the lives of doctors, nurses and patients as they embark on journeys of self discovery, love and heartache. The season premiere is TUESDAY, JULY 22 at 11:00 p.m., ET/PT on SOAPnet.

In other casting news, Billy Dee Williams (Touissant Dubois), Kimberly McCullough (Dr. Robin Scorpio), Jason Thompson (Dr. Patrick Drake) and Sonya Eddy (Epiphany Johnson) will be back for the show’s sophomore season. In addition, other members of the cast include Adam Grimes as Dr. Kyle Julian, Carrie Southworth as Dr. Claire Simpson, Ethan Rains as Dr. Leo Julian (he is taking over the role from his real-life brother, Dominic, who was unavailable for Season 2) and Azita Ghanizada as Dr. Saira Batra.

In storyline, Jagger will return to Port Charles after a 13-year absence with his five-year-old son, Stone, in tow. He will reconnect with Robin (Kimberly McCullough), meet some new residents – including Robin’s boyfriend Patrick (Jason Thompson) – along the way and, most importantly, face a difficult internal struggle as he grows emotionally as a man and a father. As for Scorpio, the super spy will have to face the fact that he is getting older and his health is failing. Upon his arrival in town, he’ll check into the hospital as a patient where his daughter, Robin, will be providing his care. Father and daughter will struggle to figure out their relationship as grown adults.

“It is very exciting to kick off the second season with casting two accomplished actors who will undoubtedly bring their A-game to the series,” said Frons. “Because of their own histories with the original top-rated show, the audience will be able to immediately connect with them and their characters’ upcoming storylines.”

On the casting of Sabato, executive producer Lisa De Cazotte adds: “I couldn't be happier to have Antonio Sabato, Jr. join us this season, as he will bring so much to this season because of Jagger's complex character and for the obvious natural charm he brings to the screen.” Head writer Sri Rao continues, “Antonio is a true star. We are proud that he can trace his roots to ‘GH’ and see it as befitting for him to return to Port Charles in the legendary role that helped propel his career.”

As for Rogers, Rao enthusiastically says: “I am thrilled that Tristan will be returning to reprise his iconic role, and I can guarantee fans that they will not be disappointed. Robert’s storyline will be heartfelt, funny and robust.” De Cazotte continues, “Tristan’s return to Port Charles will come with an important story for his character and for his daughter, Robin, that promises to be compelling and touching.”

B&B's Mackenzie Mauzy joins cast of "A Tale of Two Cities"
The upcoming musical "A Tale of Two Cities" has completed and announced their cast. Mackenzie Mauzy (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) will play The Seamstress.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Redd and Blacque
Veronica Redd (ex-Maimie, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) and Taurean Blacque (ex-Henry, GENERATIONS) will star in the Horizon Theatre Company's world premiere of Valetta Anderson's family drama "Hallelujah Street Blues." Developed through Horizon's New South Play Festival and presented as part of the 2008 National Black Arts Festival, "Hallelujah Street Blues" will run July 11-Aug. 24 under the direction of Thomas W. Jones II.

EVENT: Kathy Brier
BROADWAY FOR MUSIKIDS Live at the Zipper Theater on Sunday, July 6th 2008 at 7:00pm. Come out to support MusiKids, CT Inc. and experience a night of amazing talent and surprises. Featuring Andrea McArdle, Kathy Brier (ONE LIFE TO LIVE), Julia Murney, Kate Pazakis, Natalie Weiss, The Broadway Boys, and The Wagner College Alumni Ensemble. The evening will be osted by Colin Sheehan with Musical Direction by Brian Nash.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Mark Derwin
THE SECRET LIFE OF AN AMERICAN TEENAGER debuted last night on ABC Family. The show is about what happens after vulnerable 15-year-old "good girl" Amy (Shailene Woodley) comes home from camp pregnant from her first and only sexual experience. Amy's father is played by former ONE LIFE TO LIVE and GUIDING LIGHT actor Mark Derwin.

EVENT: Valarie Pettiford
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com have announced Valarie Pettiford Monday, July 21, 2008 at 7:00p.m., as part of the long-running, Nightlife Award-winning concert series Broadway at Birdland.

Valarie Pettiford (ANOTHER WORLD, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) gives you the reasons why she is thankful, as she puts her thoughts to music in her new show entitled "Thankful." The multi-talented, Tony nominated actress appears for one night only at Broadway at Birdland, blending a mixture of jazz, classic standards and musical theatre, with a stellar band musically directed by the brilliant Ron Abel.

BLOG UPDATE: Tom Casiello
"As soap writers, we sometimes tend to live in the shadows of previous soap writers. Of major story moments that existed before us. We cower in their greatness, and make every attempt to improve on them, to create new moments that are just as memorable."