My 1996 GH Weekend!
Story by Stacey
edited by Boo and LCiam
Just wanted to share my GH fantasy weekend with you all! We stayed at the Sportsman's Lodge where the luncheon was to be held. We went out first to see The High Lonesome (the band Jon Lindstrom was formerly with), then back to the hotel to wander over to the Blast From the Past party that was just breaking up. We saw John O' Reilly (Sean Donnelly), Sharon Wyatt (Tiffany), Billie Hayes (Witchipoo, she was Robert's mentor on GH in late 70's), and Tony Cassidine. They all looked great! Andre (the guy that played Tony) looked really good, he was on GH during the Ice Princess business. You know storyline wise he didn't die did he? He would be a great brother for Stefan! Wait a minute, did Mikos freeze Tony? I remember Victor went to jail. So on Friday, we expected to see no one, but we ran into several GH actors and went to bed feeling great!

Saturday, (the absolute BEST day!), we had breakfast and decided to see Kin Shriner. We got second row seating, (front row saved for the fan club staff). I won a Luke & Laura return poster on the raffle, and a Daytime to Remember shirt on the door prize! This was a great event, they kept passing out pictures - Kin alone, Kin with Lynn, Kin & Carly, PC promo brochure, Billy picture. Kin was very shy, think he felt kinda awkward with all the attention which made it all the more special that he was willing to do an event like this! He was joined by Peter and Susan (Lee & Gail Baldwin), Carly (Serena), Shell (Dominique), and AJ (Billy Warlock), Karen's mom (whose name escapes me for the moment). They were all very interested to hear the good fan response to PC, wanted to know what we liked about it. They love the half hour format as it really shortens their work day. It was cute when Shell was introduced to Carly, "this is your mom....". They later posed for family pictures (Scotty, Dom, Serena, the Baldwins). Kin told how he spotted Carly in a Shake & Bake commercial and was sure she was the one! He got her the audition, and during it she invited him to go swimming later! She charmed everyone and was incredibly posed for such a young child, and very sweet. It was obvious that she and Kin have a good relationship. He really looked after her and they were very affectionate with each other. Susan Brown is a very classy lady, very gracious, She and Peter are happy to be back on screen - there were a lot of jokes about their new home (the mausoleam and decorating choices that Gail made!). Billy Warlock was very nice - very open - he seems very happy to be part of the GH family and was also one of the nicest people - he really seemed to enjoy meeting the fans. I know after meeting him I'm really going to be rooting for the character of AJ. We really enjoyed this one, it was fun meeting everyone.

We stayed for Maurice's Fan Event - My heart about stopped when Maurice came out, his chair was on the edge of the stage just a few feet away! He is known for being shy, yet he was so warm, so touched by all the fan adoration. This place was packed to the max, with fans sitting on the stairways. He answered questions for an hour - us and Maurice just chit chatting. He was honest, open, talked about how much he enjoyed working with Tony G., Jason, Ron, Vanessa. He also said that Sonny is the best character, and unless he gets an Al Pacino type role that it would be difficult to match Sonny. He said about the Labines and the development of characters like Sonny and Stone that they were the Best of the Best. He shared that in his final scenes with Michael Sutton (Stone) that he spoke from his heart to Michael, telling Michael how much he cared about him and how good of an actor he had become. I want to see those scenes again, now! Maurice seems to really enjoy the scenes between Sonny & Mike, Sonny & Luke, Sonny & Stone - those scenes that really show Sonny's soul, his heart.....he talked about the connection that exists in the eyes that makes that on screen relationship work - like with S&B. It felt like Maurice would have been happy to sit and chat all day! Jim Warren (the event coordinator) had to about pull Maurice off stage! Jonathan Jackson came out and sang - he talked about what a doll Lulu is (she's twins) and how she connects with him - if it's a happy scene she understands and plays happy, if its sad she picks up on that too. George Alvarez (Garcia) was there - very happy to be back with GH. Ron Hale (Mike) was there - he is so handsome! Ron does hope that Mike doesn't become too stable (bar owner, etc.) and lose his edge. It sounds like playing the nice guy gets boring. Afterwards, I was able to get a picture with Maurice, and also with Ron. I had to concentrate very hard to hopefully not have the Rosie O'Donnell meets Tom Cruise look on my face when Maurice put his arm around me! Maurice is the best! When Jim Warren was trying to speed things up, Maurice would say. "Okay lets do just pictures," so everyone would have a chance. He realizes that fans would rather have a picture than an autograph and he wanted everyone to get a chance. This was a great event - what an afternoon!

Well off floating back to the hotel....had dinner and then off to see Kurth & Taylor. What a nice surpise - Rena was there and she and Wally did Q&A for an hour! This was fantastic! It was so great to see them together, happy! Wally mentioned the Polish Up GH campaign - they both seemed to get a kick out of that! They were both disappointed when Heart & Soul didn't get picked up (the 1/2 hr show set in New York around Ned & Lois). However, it would have been much more expensive than PC so ABC chose to go with PC. Rena did say how very much she misses GH and that she would love to come back. But she said she enjoys spending this time with her beautiful little girl so much. They mentioned maybe in a year or two she might think of returning. I do miss Lois, but as a mother I've made those same choices.....to do temp work and spend lots of time with my daughter. This was the absolute perfect day! Sunday am we woke up - exhausted. It had already been a great weekend. We then went into the ballroom around 12:00. The stars came in and the crowd cheered and screamed. First they gave out the awards - can't remember them all. Vanessa won Hottest Female, Maurice won Best Actor, S&B won Best Couple, Lynn won Best Actress and Most Humorous. Tyler won Best Youth. For Best Storyline, the entire room booed the nomination for N&L's breakup. I looked over and saw Wally grin! The return of the Cassidines won in that category. Most of the cast of PC was there, and there was a big group Q&A. Anna Lee (received a standing ovation) and said she would die with her Lila Quartermaine boots on! Leslie & Stuart were given an award and acknowledged for their 20 year anniversary with the show.

Then they let out all the even tables (I was at #5 - : ( ) to go into the autograph room. So we hung out and listened to the raffle. I won a Luke & Laura color sketch. I just had an L&L (Sr.) winning weekend - also won an autographed Soap Opera News with Tony G. on the cover! There were a lot more people this year, which made seeing the actors more difficult. An attempt was made to organize this year better - more security, etc. Unfortunately, the implementation resulted in very long lines - 1 1/2 hours for those at the odd # tables. Later, though, Maurice came into the ballroom so everyone could get a picture with him. Then Ingo came by and worked the room, so this worked out nicely. Stephen & MB had to leave, so I didn't get a chance to see them, and the same with Sarah (Carly). I missed seeing her, but I met her briefly last year and she is such a sweetheart. I'm really going to enjoy seeing Carly & AJ together! I didn't get to see Vanessa & Tyler then, because they had to leave early, as she was Maid of Honor in her best friend's wedding. Another highlight was seeing Jon Lindstrom, Kin, and the boys of PC - especially the Scanlon brothers! They are both very cute. I really enjoyed meeting Julie (Lisa) and Frank (Jay) - they were two of the warmest, and seemed so excited about all of this. Also Karen (Jennifer), and Chris (Nolan) were very friendly!

Finally, the luncheon was good, but who could eat, especially as the rest of the stars began arriving. The crowd screamed and yelled with each arrival. I have to say, though, the roar when Ingo arrived was especially deafening! Vanessa & Kimberly were unable to make it. Vanessa was filming a movie that Kimberly is directing. A funny story was told about Sean & Steve (old AJ & Jason) messing around in the makeup room, putting Anna Lee's (Lila) bun on their heads. It was also mentioned that Anna Lee is 83 years young and she stayed signing autographs! Stuart (Alan) gave a portion of the speech he said for John Beradino's memorial and it was very moving. There was a standing ovation with clapping that went on for several minutes. Ms. John B is also one gorgeous lady.

When MB was asked if she brought her children to work often, she gave the following story of what happened when she brought her sons to the filming of the Nurse's Ball. Apparently, one of her boys got ahold of the hydraulic fork lift and was driving it around the set! Wendy also had not heard this particular story! MB says that no they will not be coming to work with her often! The actors also laughingly refer to the recent immigration as the "Days of GH" but are pleased with all the Days viewers that this has drawn to GH. After the luncheon and the question and answer period, the stars moved to different areas of the room for autographs and pictures. Rena & Wally had to leave early, as she had a great doctor who would see her on Sunday and they were going to get an ultrasound done. She looked great and was so happy about the baby. Anna Lee and John Ingle stayed to sign autographs. I had the chance to meet John and he is so gracious. He invited me to join him for a group photo he took with fans by one of the professional photographers that was there. Jon & Lynn had one of the longest lines and were there untill the very end, in the hottest corner of the room with people crowded around them. John also supplied some 4x6 color photos of himself to sign. Lynn was laughing and smiling the entire time and seemed to be just as sweet as everyone says. I didn't get a chance to meet them, but got some great pictures. I did finally get up close to MB and Stephen. MB had a beautiful 8x10 that she supplied. They still look great together. Probably the most pleasant of surprises is what a sweetheart Sarah (Carly) is. She was so animated, laughing and joking with all the fans. It was very hot and crowded and she didn't seem to mind a bit. She had mentioned how hated her character is and I assured her that, recently, I have noticed a subtle shift that a few fans at AOL are starting to make some more positive comments. She was thrilled to hear it. Leslie (Monica) was also just glowing and stayed untill about the end signing and chatting. We often wonder how stars look on the show compared to real life, and she just radiates warmth - a truly beautiful woman. Brad (Tony) was also just as nice as we have heard, talking to fans and endlessly taking pictures with them. I have to say, though, my personal favorite was John York. Oh my, when he put his arm around me and smiled into my eyes, I thought I was going to just melt into the floor! He is the friendliest soul. He took his time with the fans, kissed the older ladies, talked to the young girls, talked to the pregnant ladies, stomachs and was just an absolute charmer. He truly seemed to enjoy himself. As you can imagine, there was quite a line to see Ingo - he too was flirting with the ladies. And yes, I did get to meet Ingo, and yes, he leaned in close to me and placed his arm around my shoulder to take a pic.

Oh my, to be held by John J., Wally, and Ingo all in one day!

~by Stacey

Picture available at CurlyQgrl@aol.com

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