Like Sand Through My Board Shorts ...

This cougar has spots

Thursday night, I had a friend invite me to a special event hosted by Outfest and NBC Universal, "Days of Our Lives: A Coming Out Celebration."  The audience filled Harmony Gold with longtime Days fans who were first treated to a 30-minute recap of Will Horton's storyline, who has recently come out as gay on the series.  Afterwards,  EW's Tanner Stransky hosted a panel that included Chandler Massey (Will Horton), Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans), Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady and host of The Biggest Loser), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts), Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Horton), an unexpected Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis) and co- executive producer Greg Ming.

(from L to R) EW's Tanner Stransky, Deidre Hall, Chandler Massey,
Alison Sweeney, Bryan Dattilo, Lauren Koslow, Wally Kurth, Greg Ming

I haven't really watched the show since the Bo and Hope era circa the 1980s, but, as with most soaps, it isn't that hard to get your bearings once you jump back in.  Even if there are gaps in your history with the show, it's easily to pick to get a gist of what you missed.  Many of the scenes shown played rather broadly and felt like high camp, especially within a house full of mostly gay men watching a soap as it's normally not intended to be seen in front of a live audience.  After a few bursts of laughter, I started to catch myself and wondered how the talent would feel backstage to such a reaction.  Luckily, Meng mentioned how great it was to get such automatic feedback, even in the age of Twitter.

(from L to R) Deidre Hall, Chandler Massey, Alison Sweeney

All smiles Wally Kurth

That being said, the earnestness of the series was quite apparent, and for a daytime soap, the writing wasn't as bad as I remember it.  The acting was often enjoyably ridiculous, but young Chandler Massey delivered some pretty sound work and deserves props--not your typical daytime acting.  While most of the actors were game to answer questions from the host and audience afterwards, most of the astute queries were of a non-actor-related nature and landed in the lap of producer Meng.  He explained that he had nothing but support from both the NBC network and their distributor Sony.

Irish-American heartthrob Patrick Muldoon
points to who is getting laid tonight

Deidre Hall stole the spotlight a couple times as she indulged herself taking pictures of the audience, as well as Massey.  It was clear that she had a very special bond with the young actor and absolutely adored him.  She also playfully sparred with arch-rival on the show Kate Roberts.  Aside from some persistent audio feedback and volume issues, the event went off without a hitch.

After the Q&A, the actors and additional talent not part of the panel (including Patrick Muldoon) joined the festivities out in the foray, much to the delight of fans.  There were a few appetizers and drinks hosted by Absolut Vodka.  All in all, it was a fun evening celebrating a television milestone that was a long-time coming (out).

(from L to R) EW's Tanner Stransky, Deidre Hall, Chandler Massey,
Alison Sweeney, Bryan Dattilo, Lauren Koslow, Wally Kurth, Greg Ming