Behind the Drama: Soap Opera Weekend

by Tamara Lowe

As a young girl, I remember watching daytime soaps with my mom and older sister, and always thinking how much my family adored the soap world and how much we enjoyed escaping into that same world everyday. When asked to cover this years “Behind the Drama: Soap Opera Weekend”, at Bally’s Atlantic City, there was no way I was going to say “no”. As I read the itinerary for the weekend, I noticed that guests were going to get the chance to meet some of the stars from The Young & Restless: Greg Rikaart (“Kevin Fisher”), Stephen Nichols, (“Tucker McCall”), Michelle Stafford “Phyllis Newman”) and Michael Muhney (“Adam Newman”), as well as see the General Hospital’s Port Chuck Band perform some cover songs, we have all come to love throughout the years.

Saturday’s first event was a 50 min Q&A session with each of the soap stars mentioned above. At this event, guests got the chance to get up close and personal with the stars and ask any question(s) they wanted, no holds barred. After these sessions, I got the chance to get a complimentary 50 min massage at Caesars Qua Bath and Spa. The massage was very therapeutic and just what I needed to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. I would definitely recommend this add on if you ever get the chance to stay at Caesars Atlantic City.

Next up was a meet and greet wine tasting, courtesy of Cupcake Wines. My particular favorite, was a sweet white wine called Moscato. During the wine tasting, guest got to take pictures with Y&R soap stars and continue asking the panel any question their heart desired.

I got the chance to get a photo with Stephen Nichols, and ask the soap stars this question, “if you weren’t a soap star what would you probably be doing?” The answers were very interesting to say the least. Greg Rikaart and Stephen Nichols stated that they would’ve been architects as Greg liked to design and Stephen liked to build things with his hands; Michelle Stafford,stated that she always wanted to be in the limelight, so she never imagined doing anything else; and Michael Muhney, stated that he would’ve been a lawyer. Each actor was very nice and would answer any question guest asked, as long as it didn’t involve their age! According to Michelle, actors don’t usually like to tell their age! (Editor’s note — neither do mom bloggers such as myself — NJH)

I ended Saturday night with a performance by the Port Chuck Band, with General Hostpital cast members Steve Burton (“Jason Morgan”), Bradford Anderson (“Spinelli”), Brandon Barash (“Johnny Zacchara”) and Scott Reeves (“Dr. Steve Weber”). I didn’t know what to expect when they came on stage, but they were really good. Then again anyone that does a good rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”, will always be a fan to my heart. The ladies went crazy when the men came out and I can’t disagree on this, because the men were yummy to look at! During their performance the men showcased their talents besides their looks. All I can say for this entire band is job well done!

On Sunday, the Drama Brunch, was the final event of the weekend, where fans got a chance to sample foods the soap stars themselves like to eat during brunch, while sipping on Mimosa’s (Photo Attached). This was also the last chance fans got to ask last minute questions they had for the soap stars and take photos. The soaps stars really opened up themselves to fans and lived up to everyone’s expectations.

I have to admit my favorite was Michael Muhney. During the event, he mentioned that he had a journal for each of his children, where he would jot down memorable moments the children had each day. His wish is to present it to his children one day when they either graduate from college or on there wedding day. He was so real, down to earth, and nice. A complete opposite of the character he plays on the Young & Restless. As I left the concert Saturday night, he allowed me to stop him in the hallway and take a picture with him.

I truly enjoyed the weekend chatting with the soap stars and seeing how dedicated their fans truly are.

Special thanks to DKC for the invite to cover a fantastic weekend. While my room at Caesars, tickets for all events and a massage from Qua Bath and Spa were comped — all opinions are my own.