Days Of Our Lives
INTERVIEW: Crystal Chappell announces plans for new Web Soap!
Daytime’s enterprising superstar, Crystal Chappell spoke with On-Air On-Soaps for the skinny on her plans for her exciting new web soap, and her concept of developing, producing, and housing a very special online network of series. Chappell, ever the mover and shaker and visionary, has some exciting plans for her fans and twitter followers everywhere. In fact, her new series is a collaboration with her talented husband, Michael Sabatino! We will let Crystal fill you in on the rest!
Already the hardest working woman in soaps, tell us about your new project!
CRYSTAL: My intention from the beginning was to create various online content and create an online network. So, what I have been doing is developing other projects. And the one I just finished is one that I have been developing with Michael Sabatino, my husband. There are so many daytime actors who are going to be out of work soon. So I thought I would love to be able to pull some talent into this new show. But I can say it will star me and Jessica Leccia. It has a classic soap structure about a wealthy family vs. the working class. It has been fun to write, and it’s called The Grove. It’s about a family who lives in sort of a Topanga Canyon (California) grove area, and comes down to a slice of life family business of nouveau-riche versus the working class. I have also started my company called New Voice Productions. With The Grove, getting to work with Michael on this has been a lot of fun. And you never know how that stuff is going to go! (Laughs) I am very decisive. So I love collaboration, but at the end of the day I know what I want. And, my husband has put up with me for years. (Laughs) He will say to me, “You know Crystal, you are a passionate person. And, if someone comes to you with a stronger argument than your own, you concede.” This is why I should have been an attorney! (Laughs) I am excited about The Grove. I am planning on shooting it in October and it will probably be the end of the year before it’s put up online. There are two or three other projects I want to do that are more reality based, and eventually I would like to create an online network where you can go in and buy certain packages.
If The Grove is a classic soap, will the LGBT community be represented?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
CRYSTAL: I can tell you that I play a married woman to another beautiful woman, and the show is about families. There will be all kinds of people and characters in the show. It is not Otalia, but it is Otalia-esque. I feel like what I loved about that story was the simplicity. I remember Jessica Leccia and I would talk about this going, “God, are they going to want to watch us folding laundry?” We were not sure about a lot of stuff, but it became such an important lesson for me, because something about it was just so simple and the purity of their love. I think people will be very happy. I think the LGBT community will be OK with this. My perspective on my own world that I live in is that I surround myself with all walks of life: heterosexual, homosexual, Caucasian, African-American, etc. I live in a world that is diverse, thankfully. So those stories are very much part of the new show.
Now with the soon-to-be available talent pool from OLTL and AMC, will some of those performers be on your radar for roles in the new series?
CRYSTAL: I am a huge fan of One Life to Live and the cast, and a lot of my friends have gone over to All My Children, and even the people I don’t personally, I am a big fan of. And in what we do, it is a very collaborative and creative effort that shoots really fast. The Grove is about getting back to family strife and all the stuff that comes with relationships. The soaps I remember growing up with are also my inspiration for this series. I would love to have some of the OLTL cast come on the show, and I have spoken with some actresses from GH, too. It has been nice that people are willing to take a chance and get in on something from the ground floor. I know my IT team is building out The Grove site, but they are also building out the New Voice site, and a lot of great people are coming aboard. I think it is very exciting and we will get to hopefully use these actors and see their beautiful talent and faces on-screen again.
How many shows do you see yourself producing to be part of your online network platform?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
CRYSTAL: I don’t see a limit, and with the help of these wonderful fans we have been able to create an online show. It’s not inexpensive. The fact that we have been able to do it, and they have been so passionate and loyal, then they will go and support it. The second we were able to do that meant that we could do this show and grow it. The fact that sponsors are contacting us is a good thing. So I don’t see why we need to put a limit on something unless it starts to become detrimental to the overall network.
You seem to be so inspired by twitter and your legions of followers who you communicate with so often. Are they having some input as to how you cast the new series?
CRYSTAL: I do have a casting wish list and a lot of my casting ideas have come from twitter, honestly. I get told all the time who should be on the show, and so I finally got in touch with those actors, and the performers have been positive in responding. So I think I can say the twitter fan base will enjoy The Grove. And, what is good about this is that I have the internet teams that I need to make things go more smoothly, and so the viewers and the audience will be more than taken care of.
Days Of Our Lives
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
Who says you can’t go home again? In the case of Another World favorite, Stephen Schnetzer (ex-Cass Winthrop), he has proven that it is true, and you can go back to your soap roots and where it all started for you.
Last week on April 11th, Schnetzer, along with several other key returns were on set at Days of our Lives taping all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera, centering on the funeral of Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes), and as part of the iconic soap opera’s 15,000th episode.
Stephen is reprising his first daytime role as Steve Olson, the brother of Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes). The last time Schnetzer appeared on a DAYS set was during his one and only run on the show from 1978 to 1980. Clearly, viewers will be in for some very emotional scenes when Steve returns to Salem to be there for his sister, Julie in her time of need. In real-life, Susan has been going through her own grief, having just lost Bill back on January 12th at the age of 98.
Photo: NBC
Michael Fairman TV caught up with Stephen during the 15K episode celebration ceremony, and during a break from taping the gut-wrenching funeral scenes, to get his thoughts on being part of these highly-anticipated moments that will air later this year in December. Here’s what he shared with us below.
What has this been like for you to work with Susan Seaforth Hayes after all of these years?
STEPHEN: She’s a dream and she’s so bright. We ran lines yesterday and we ended up just visiting for about 45 minutes and just catching up and telling tales about each other’s career. She even dropped off the autobiography that she and Bill did. And being back here at DAYS, every time I turn a corner, there’s another familiar face. When I was on the show 40 more years ago, a bunch of the guys, played softball on a team together. This is really a trip down memory lane as I knew it would be.
Photo: JPI
Taping Doug’s funeral must be a hard day for Susan. Are you checking in with her to help hold her up through this?
STEPHEN: I am and I’m checking in with Amy Shaughnessy (Susan’s assistant), and she’s holding her up more than anybody. We’re there for each other.
There will obviously be some major hankie-inducing moments when Steve comes back to Salem to console his sister.
STEPHEN: Oh, wait till you see it in December. It’s going to be great.
Were you surprised you got this call to come back to the show decades later?
STEPHEN: It was out of the blue! I was completely surprised. They should have called me decades ago! That’s what surprised me. When Another World went down, I thought I’d land somewhere else and it never happened. That was more of a surprise.
Photo: JPI
Cass is such an identifiable character for you. As well, you and Linda Dano (ex-Felicia Gallant) are so synonymous together as best friends Cass and Felicia from Another World. When fans heard you were reprising your role as Steve Olson on DAYS, they are now hoping there will be more of you on the show to come.
STEPHEN: Steven Olson is a real “Cassian “character. I cut my teeth on Steve Olson and that’s how Cass was introduced. He was kind of a roguish charmer. And then when the character stuck for Another World, they rehabilitated me, and turned me into one of the shows heroes. And that’s what would’ve happened if I stayed as Steve Olson probably. So, Steve is the ‘pre-Cass’, Cass.
Photo: JPI
As the story goes, you originally decided to leave Days of our Lives?
STEPHEN: I was never on contract. I was doing a day and a half a week and I got a Broadway play directed by Franco Zeffirelli starring Joan Plowright and Frank Finlay. I was able to it as I didn’t have to break a contract or anything. I cut loose and went back to New York for that.
How well did you get to know Bill Hayes during your first time around on DAYS?
STEPHEN: My first episode was with Bill and Susan, as her long lost brother coming into Salem. They were so good to me. They were so kind. I had been doing eight years of classical repertory theater, never been in front of a camera. I tell everybody, it took me longer than any other actor I’ve ever seen to get comfortable in front of a camera. And they were very supportive at that time in my career. Coming back to honor Bill now in 2024, and to be see Susan, I am just so happy to be here.
Looking forward to seeing the scenes between Stephen and Susan Seaforth Hayes come December and Doug’s funeral and surrounding episodes? Do you hope that DAYS might bring the character of Steve Olson back for a longer stay? Comment below.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
On Thursday, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards revealed nominations in several key categories via four entertainment news programs: Access Hollywood, E! News, Extra and Access Hollywood.
Three of the four announcements were major categories in the field of Daytime Dramas.
The nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category are: The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Neighbours and The Young and the Restless.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital won this category last year, and has the most all-time wins for a series in this category. For the first time, the beloved Australian-based soap opera, Neighbours is now eligible for competition due to its reboot which streams on Amazon Freevee.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th.
Previous categories announced tonight via the entertainment news outlet included: Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
So, what do you think about this year’s nominee for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series? Who do you think should win? Comment below.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Tamara Braun, Finola Hughes, Katherine Kelly Lang, Annika Noelle, Michelle Stafford, Cynthia Watros Score Lead Actress Nominations
The nominations were revealed for the 51st annual Daytime Emmys. in the prestigious Lead Actress in a Drama Series category by Entertainment Tonight.
This comes ahead of tomorrow’s full list that is set to be unveiled at 12noon/9am PST on Friday.
In the running for this year’s Outstanding Lead Actress are Tamara Braun (Ava, Days of our Lives), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, The Bold and the Beautiful), Annika Noelle (Hope, The Bold and the Beautiful), Finola Hughes (Anna, General Hospital), Cynthia Watros (Nina, General Hospital) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: Getty
Previous winners in this category include GH’s Finola Hughes, Cynthia Watros and Y&R’s Michelle Stafford. Days of our Lives nominee had won in the Supporting Actress category twice in her career.
Earlier, the Lead Actor nominees were revealed and you can find them here.
Make sure to be with us Friday night, April 19th for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special beginning at 5 pm PT where we chat live with some of this year’s nominees.
So, what do you think about this year’s Lead Actress nominees? Comment below.
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Tamara Braun, Finola Hughes, Katherine Kelly Lang, Annika Noelle, Michelle Stafford, Cynthia Watros Score Lead Actress Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Eric Braeden, Scott Clifton, Thorsten Kaye, John McCook and Eric Martsolf Score Lead Actor Nominations
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
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Days Of Our LivesApril 13, 2024Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
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The Grove sounds really intriguing and since I’m already familiar with the Topanga canyon — it sounds even more attractive for me. I love Jessica and Crystal acting together so I’ll watch it. Kudos to Crystal for always being creative.
I Love And Respect Crystal More Everyday. Her Love and Support for her fellow Cast Mates and Dool’s, Venice Cast Members. I Am So proud of her and all she does. She Always is There for her fans on twitter. I am Very Glad she is doing this storyline. It Hits home. Thanks To Crystal, i Now see how hard it is too stop. and there are many things that happen to make someone start taking Drugs. i Admire and Respect her more for it.. Love the interview and can’t wait for The Glove. Thanks Michael, For All You Do. Love and Respect Michael Sabatino, Crystal Chappell Sabatino. Kelly from CT
Very intrigued by Crystal and Michael’s new show. Sounds very GL esque and very soapy!
she is certainly a powerhouse and has all this ideas– my wish for her list Rebecca Herbst they would be good together–I would love to see becky play a daughter/sister/mother of great wealth she has the right look for what most people think of as ‘old money’ and can play any emotion given her.
good luck Crystal
Now that I got an insight about the new websoap I’m getting more excitted. Thank you CC for this wonderful interwiew and Mr.Fairman thank for sharing this with us all.
Good luck to Crystal. Honest, articulate and beautiful. Looking forward to her new projects.
Crystal Chappell is a visionary who not only dreams but has the writing, acting, directing & producing talent to make her dreams come to reality. I will follow her whereever she goes because I love her & love that she always thinks of the fans first. We are her friends & will wait with excitement & support for whatever she brings us. The Grove with Jessica Leccia sounds like a winner from Crystal & Michael Sabatino. Thank you Crystal, you are simply the BEST. Hugs
You have to give a hand to Crystal that no matter what tries to kick her down she’s already working on something new and better. She’s got great ideas and she is not afraid to put the work in to make them happen. Crystal is a soap fan as am I and I know she knows what fellow soap fans want. Crystal is a great role model for woman but I am sure she would just say she’s doing what she loves while giving us that sexy smile of hers. I came to Days with Crystal and I will leave with her too.
Michael, thanks for this nice interview with Crystal.
I wish her all the best. She’s such a pioneer. Love her work and her initiative. Will continue to support her projects! 🙂
Bloody awesome!
CRYSTAL YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO WOMEN EVERWHERE, SO IT WASNT ENOUGH TO BE A GREAT ACTRESS NOW YOU ARE A GREAT WRITER , DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, WEB CREATOR ,MOM, WIFE . WOW YOUR MY IDOL.
GOOD-LUCK
What a great role model for aspiring actors and writers in this webisodes medium.Chrystal is not only one of the most beautiful actresses, but one of the most caring people in the soap opera world .I will be looking for her newest projects and have the greatest admiration for what she is going to accomplish. Best of luck, Chrystal and hubby, Michael.
Good Yuck Crystal, I’m such a big fan.
I have faith that Crystal’s New Voice Productions will be amazing. I see this being the smartest idea for soaps. You can watch anytime of the day. Don’t have to worry about TPTB getting upset over ever little thing. I know Crystal will get it right. She listens to what her fans want.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I will totally be watching The Grove from the very first episode…
I wish Crystal Chappell all the best for her future (and futuristic) endeavors. The Grove sounds very intriguing. I love the idea of the Irish Catholic families from both sides of the track.
CC is a smart and talented woman, Im sure this show will be a hit! But I do have worries… Web is still new and I feel she should have still worked on Venice for a bit… but who knows! I hope im wrong! Good luck CC!
I’m so inspired by CC. She give us something to look forward to, give me engery, make me want to feel positive about a lot of things. I will support CC in everything she does. She is so awesome. I feel the love that vibes from her and her name. You go girl and I’m always in your corner!
I’m super excited to see The Grove and especially more acting chemistry with CC and JL!!!! Just something about those two that can grab viewers and pull us in. I absolutely will watch them folding laundry lol. Crystal seems such an amazing person, I don’t know how she does it all- but am so thankful she does.
I had the pleasure of meeting Crystal and her then, future husband,
Michael Sabatino, when they were both acting together on Days of Our Lives in 1992, at a benefit to raise money for children who had cancer. My husband and I were very impressed by them and wish them all the luck in the world in their new creation. They knew I was an Art Therapist, working at the National Cancer Institute, Pediatric Branch, and were very curious about the work I did and the patients I worked with. They were both personable and obviously very intelligent and a great looking couple, dating each other at that time. Not wanting to pry, I kept any questions about their relationship only asking about their roles on “Days” when I met them. It was obvious that they were very much in love. They are very down to earth and were a treat to act with them and Crystall was very gracious since I stunk playing Vivian Alamain with her and she gave me a kiss and hugged me when our brief skit was done. She really is a doll and so is her now, husband, Michael. I’m a great fan of both of them and was delighted to have met them. I’m sure she’ll do well in any future things they both create. They are very talented and creative people. My husband and I truly enjoyed meeting them, as well as Charles Shaunessy and Robert Kelker-Kelley. I wish them all the success in the world. Sue Ellen.
I don’t mind seeing the new show called Grove my self and it sound very Interesting to me and if Crystal says that it’s gonna be that good(Grand) than hey I’m all for it.
just keep me posted because I don’t wanna miss it!
I would love to see Crystal and Jessica Leccia working together more again because
they are very good together and I’m still full from the V.T.S and now that I’m all caught
up with the G.L. ending Episodes etc. now I can take a little breather and sit back and
relax for a minute to jump off into The new show called Voice Productions(Grove)
My new idea would be Crystal and Jessica living on a Ranch called the outback with a little Venicetheseries lemon/kiwe purple strawaberry topanga canyon california mix twist.Now thats what you call living it up but keeping it on the down low style can you dig it! now that would be the bomb like WOW!
I’d look up to CC and JL because these two beautiful ladies are very Awesome to me and I like their style and they got good taste and it’s in a class by it self..G.L and all of the other soaps and Venicetheseries have me laughing really hard until my stomach hurts and they also have me crying. and I’m telling you CC and JL( and other actors)
are truely good.I’ve been watching soaps way back in the mid 70’s.CC & JL is my two Queen Princess.can you Imagine crystal and jessica ridding on a horse together near the California beach relaxing after a long hard day from working!(picture it like wow it will take your breath away) But you just can’t seem to get Enough of these Beautiful ladies.
I sure would love to meet CC and JL in person some day.Love always your Big fan keep up the good work Ladies! P.S. CC are you gonna come up with an idea for the fans to write to your new productions show? for an Example:fans expression by sending in pomes,arts and crafts and the Questions that the Interview ask you perhaps you can ask us fans the same questions or come up with something similar to it I hope so..
I can’t wait to see Crystal and Jessica act together onscreen with more screen time ..I loved Otalia ..it touched my life in so many beautiful and positive ways..brought me the most beautiful warm-loving friends from all over the world..there will never be another Otalia..Olivia and Natalia but perhaps The Grove will be the closest thing to it…
I can’t wait. I am so looking forward to The Grove. Especially seeing Crystal and Jessica working together is awesome. All they have to do is be talking to each other and you can see the chemistry and love they have for each other and their fans. They are wonderful women and oh so talented.