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Willkommen To Ze Nurses Ball! Dr. Obrecht Hijacks The Opening Number On Day One!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

For those who were looking forward to the 2014 GH Nurses Ball, the first episode of the big event lived up to the hype!

Day one offered up red carpet dazzle, hilarious counterpoint moments from two sit-at-home and watch-from-the-sideline duos, and a showstopping never-saw-this coming, but oh-so-apropos opening number to kick off the gala of the year in Port Charles!

You have to give it up again for the uber-talented Kathleen Gati, who as Dr.  Obrecht decided to hijack the opening number of “Welcome to the Nurses Ball” with her own little ditty, “Willkommen” from Cabaret!  Letting it be known that she is the Chief of Staff at General Hospital, Dr  O delivers a saucy rendition complete with some scantily clad supposed nurses as her dance chorus!  The room is left speechless and the faces on some of the characters during cutaway shots are priceless! What a clever idea from head writer Ron Carlivati and executive producer Frank Valentini, when many thought the opening number would just be a re-treading of last year’s!

As Port Charles most glamorous and notorious walked the red carpet, the show cutaway to a now miserable Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) watching the arrivals in her bathrobe along her former co-conspirator Brad (Parry Shen) who also doesn’t have a date for the ball.  The duo watch the red carpet unfolding and then have a field day replaying the video of poor Sam (Kelly Monaco) tripping in her heels and falling on the carpet … a real red carpet faux pas, indeed!

At Wyndemere, it’s the father and son duo of Spencer (Nicolas Bechtel) and Nikolas (Tyler Christopher) that had us chuckling, especially when Cameron’s foreshadowing for Spencer comes true; the little prince will be sitting at home in his Batman pajamas, eating pizza with his dad, watching the ball on TV!  Spencer then tells Nikolas that they need to get to the ball pronto!  As does Levi (Zachary Garred), who sees how miserable Maxie (Kirsten Storms), the former fashionista is missing out on all the glam!  There was some cute one-liners from Maxie too, as she watched her friends walk the red carpet and saw those gowns!

Tomorrow the Nurses Ball continues! But first, watch the hysterical and brilliant opening number featuring Dr Liesl Obrecht AKA Kathleen Gati as she welcomes everyone to Ze Nurses Ball!  Then let us know, what was your favorite moment in part one of the Nurses Ball 2014?

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Loved it!!

I guess for now Cartoony get what they want. A campy villainous character does something outrageous and gets attention. How about the other 200 episodes a year?

KG was amusing. I could take it if the rest of the episode wasn’t so embarrassingly stupid and if the the show day after day wasn’t such a campy mess. Dr.O’s performance was a skit. That’s what GH has become, just a bunch of skits.

Last year the Ball occurred right at the 50th Anniversary. The Red Carpet was silly, but I saw it as a device to introduce all the vets who were back and to pay homage to them and their history. This year, it’s just stupid. There is so much about this Ball that is identical to last year’s. Have they no ideas. Mac is still busting on Frisco, a year later, after he won Felicia. Why?

I found the remarks on the show about Nathan and the tweets from TPTB to just be pathetic and I’ll leave it at that.

The Nurses Ball used to be an event that had heart, soul, well produced acts with very talented performers. Now it’s just a redux of last year’s and a silly campy event, just like everyday on GH.

It’s pretty funny that they bring out the vets for events to get attention and ratings but then they are relegated to two episodes a month and no story the rest of the time so that the newbies can dominate and drag the ratings down.

Its pretty funny that your claims in your post untrue. Veterans are on numerous times per week. Elizabeth, Nicholas, Sonny, Anna, Alexis, Tracy, Luke. Don’t even try to say they arent vets. Having 15 or more years on the show makes you a vet.

If you don’t like the show then don’t wantch. Oh wait then you couldn’t on here and whine and cry about the show. The ball was far from the same as last year. But hey keep watching a show thats so horrible.

OMG! she is absolutely priceless! I saved it on my dvr so I could watch it over and over. The absolute best villainess EVER!

I agree! LOVED IT! So much better than Molly and kiki’s number!

Kathleen Gati was GH’s find of the decade!

I absolutely agree; I love, love, love her!

Nice ! that s a marquee feature : and it’s Kathleen Gati

Agree Kathleen Gati was outstanding. Great job GH with another successfull nurses ball so far and lots more to come.

Whether being musical or maniacal, KG is magical!!!! Her sparkling presence has added so much to an otherwise bland GH….may she remain at the forefront for the foreseeable future, and finally win the Emmy she so richly deserves!!!!!

Loved it!

Das war ausgezeichnet!

The moment when the nurse’s bland opener gave way to Obrecht’s bizarro spectacular was epic! Truly awesome – looking forward to the rest!

When they said the show would be bigger, badder & sexier, they were not kidding. BRAVO! Last year’s opening number was criticized as not having enough pizzazz, similar to amateur hour – which is what most amateur productions would really look like. But, if GH really wants to hook an audience for 4 days, they DO need to bring a professional shine to the whole event. So, good job bringin’ it, GH!

BTW, if nurses really looked & moved like that, you’d have people lining up down the block for their annual checkup…3 months early. Dang, I wished the entire Ball had a CABARET theme. Ya think Obrecht will bring Mr. Marbles on stage to sing, “Money, Money, Money” with her while asking for donations to AIDS research?

well said Kansas

I was shocked… I too… had it in the back of my mind… that, last years, was amateur’ish… and boy… didn’t they do otherwise…

it was a big splash

Loved it; great episode. Gati is a joy to watch!

BRAVO!!!
THAT WAS FUN !!
great preformance!!

I read Kathleen Gati is a professional opera singer..
She rocked the house !!!!

She was great!!!

HOW this woman wasn’t nominated for an Emmy is a crime! LOVED IT…LOVE HER!!!

She shouldve been nominated…one of daytimes best!!!

glaring omission, that she’s not nominated

that being said : assessing from what interviews she’s shared

she clearly adores her job and being with this production

so natural in her delivery

bring out the bubbly : I celebrate her

How in the world could she not be nominated, she steals every single scene she’s in! AMAZZZING

Dear ABC: Shut up and take my money! I want to buy this song from iTunes!

Like i said, she stole the show but then again she is a criminal…lol…Kathleen Gati is a keeper but GH needs to make her a less violent villian!!!

WHAT A GREAT BEGINNING TO THE NURSES BALL. DR. O IS A KEEPER, CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE REST. WHAT FUN

THE best addition o GH evah …. please do not ever redeem this fabulous villianess .. brava to Ms Gati

My DVR cut off the last ten minutes, but I have to say that was possibly the cheesiest episode of GH I’ve ever seen! So predictable and stereotypical. The feud between Spencer and Cameron is the only storyline I enjoyed.

Kathleen Gati is such a treasure. I know some are feeling overdosed on her, but Dr. O is just so fabulous. All that was missing was Victor Cassadine emerging from the crowd to shower his beloved with flowers and applause!

I also adored Brad and Britt eating ice cream, wearing sweats, and snarking on the red carpet coverage. Their friendship feels so much more real than you know who’s.

I agree with everything you said…

@C

that would have been a doozy of a shocker… if he did emerge… and SURPRISE Dr. O and the audience

would have been endearing and an emotional scene… as it would bring her some humane

I also got a huge kick out of Britt and Brad’s catty chat, although I really didn’t get the bit with Sam tripping up on the red carpet…why her? She looked so gorgeous in her gown, and she isn’t known for being clumsy. At first I thought perhaps she lost her balance because she might be expecting? Regardless, I didn’t find it one bit amusing….believe you me, there are plenty of other women on the show that I would have LOVED to see taking that dive…….most especially Alexis and Lucy, closely followed by Bobbie. (And of course, Sobby, but thankfully we weren’t subjected to her this year!) Quite frankly, I was underwhelmed with most of the gowns….many were just downright tacky, but I thought that Sam’s was one of the best!I was very disappointed with Anna’s…it did her no favors…the first one Lucy wore on stage (black with a full skirt) would have been a much better choice for Finola…she would have killed in it! Lastly, I do believe it is about time for Duke to retire his kilt….it was kinda cool back in the ’80’s, but old guys in knee socks really don’t cut it!!!!! P.S. As I was watching the parade of mostly tasteless fashions, I couldn’t help but think that Britt looked far more beautiful sitting around in that bathrobe than did most of the women all painted up and prodded into their so-called finery! Mutta was an exception though….KG was absolutely stunning in that unique color and style. I love when she is treated to haute couture!!!!

Good show!

Well it didn’t make me want to run out and get me some Yoplait yogurt — but it was amusing.

ditto

Loved it!!!

Dr. O’s Cabaret performance is the only thing I watched entirely in that episode, and it was so worth it. Bravo …

“Welcome, to, the SHOWstopper”

Leisl Obrecht

“I’m a Chanteuse” “This is a Theatre”

All hail the Big difference with GH.

———

bar none : this was far and away the better of last year… and it’s only day 1. just the way it was done, filmed, the set…. Classy! shouldn’t it be cabaret – broadway – BIG

other finer moments :

Brad and Britt : together, loved the bonding time : laughing together, commiserating, becoming friends. loved how they laughed, and I with… and repeated… when Sam fell on the red carpet

here comes the drama : Dante angered and belting out : You hurt MY mother, for “nothing” (Sonny, tells him it mean’t nothing”. Dante is fine.

Hunk of the Ball : Ned : Wally Kurth ! doesn’t he look yummy

Ladies gowned and gussied up :

Felicia : radiant
Olivia : stunning
Sam: love her in red

——–

this is minute : Maxie : what happened to her on her eat, love, pray sojourn : as she kowtows to Levi. think for yourself Maxie… hasn’t she always done that, irregardless.. we all know she’ll make it to the ball… and have her Nathan moment ???

I love the build up…. with Nicholas – and – Britt…. I’m certain they’ll have a meeting of the minds some how some way…. together again

I was in anticipation mode…. and that’s GOOD
Kathleen Gati : IS otherworldly, she brings it

Bravo!

Kathleen Gati is such a talented lady..I absolutely love her..so what if she is cartoonish she is great..!!!..I guess some of the haters miss deadpan faced Jason…ick..I don’t…he is part of the reason Y&R is so bland & boring..but I do like it just a tiny bit more since Cady McClain is on..I think it is great when villians have more than one dimension..you care about what makes them tick..sometimes on soaps..villians are just bad & there is nothing about them you can like..but Dr.O is certainly more than that..I really liked her rendition of “Is that all there is”..months ago..

The Nurses Ball has ALWAYS been abit cringe-worthy and I’ll admit that I was grousing when they started with that lame-o “welcome to the nurses ball” (even though that’s pretty much the level of talent at any hospital, I would think). But the surprise of Dr. O was brilliant.

I too think the show has gotten a little too campy for my tastes and I wish that FranknRon would ease up on the crazies and put more thought into crafting long term drama (and would get someone on staff to write better climaxes to stories, because Ron does not do them well)… but I am enjoying the show even in the resurgence of the All Sonny All The Time era.

Great start to the nurses ball looking forward to the rest. Id have to disagree that the show is all Sonny all the time. Nowhere near what it was in the past. Plenty of other stuff is featured including Sonny. No reason he shouldn’t be on. But some people are never happy.

@David…you’re not the only one guilty of this but it’s getting a tad tiring when one poster writes something that another poster doesn’t agree with…and you get the classic response such as yours: “but some people are never happy.” Man! I’ve read that so many times…

As for all Sonny all the time…yes; the story lines have branched out but if you think about it, almost all roads lead back to Sonny:

The Jeromes came to town to take down Sonny.

Ava slept with Sonny.

Sonny shot AJ.

Sonny betrayed Michael.

Sonny betrayed Morgan.

Sonny betrayed Olivia.

Olivia broke up with Sonny.

Luke is gunning for Sonny.

Spencer is trying to warn his Uncle Sonny.

Carly is protecting Sonny.

Sean’s new best friend and boss is Sonny.

Duke is working with Sonny.

Shall I go on???

But just to be fair…the “other” stories and characters who (at this point) aren’t necessarily centered around Sonny…have been front and center sporadically…so it’s all good. So to speak….

I didn’t realize how many story lines Sony is actually involved in until I read your post. Maybe some of the Sonny stories will start to slow down as some of the others pick up. Cant wait to see what happens with Fluke and Sonny, I do hope that ends quickly. I dislike Spencer, sorry to say. I think he is acting entitled, I suppose that’s the way he is supposed to act. But I just don’t like it. Onward and Upward.

WUNDERBAR! Encore, encore!!!!!!!

This show has become a parody of a soap and it’s actually a little painful to watch. We’ve lost so many shows – and some pretty good ones, so to see the remaining ABC soap made into a joke, to see characters made into caricatures, and to see cartoon characters hog up screen time is as sad as it is infuriating.
Whoever it is that plays Dr. O, yeah, she’s got some talent, I suppose, underneath all the ham – all the ham that’s written for her by Ron C. But characters like this always worked best in small doses. And she’s the main course most weeks. Frankly I can’t stand her. I’d take Woody the Super Detective over her, just because I can take bad acting over the parody of GH that she represents. But wait…he’s her son, and she’s his MUTTER. GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH.
I wonder why Ron C. is doing this. He did some bad stuff on OLTL, that’s for sure – the Ford brothers – and he’s always had a weakness for admiring his own humor – but what he’s done on GH is so beyond anything he did on OLTL.
I’m not finding anything funny on GH anymore. It just makes me sad, and sadder still to see the show brought so low and so disrespected by a writer who I thought knew better.

It’s really sad to see the last ABC soap in the hands of someone who only sees the show as a vehicle for his humor. It’s astonishing to see in what contempt he really must hold the genre that has been his bread and butter. What a betrayal.

Been watching the 2014 production of the Nurses Ball. Who is the female singer performing the duet with
Wally Kurth ( Ned Ashton?). Is it KiKi Clay? Great number by the way! Wally still has it! Fun stuff! :–))

omg Ms Gati was amazing. imo the best thing to happen at the nurse’s ball in a long time. Bravo Ms Gati. Broadway awaits!!!

Imo Ms Gait was amazing as Dr O. Bravo Ms Gait Broadway awaits

I really enjoyed the Cabaret song.K G is a very talented women, of course her running the hospital is stupid. She did bring it. She had me singing along. After two days she was still the most entertaining number. I don’t watch too much of GH anymore bu6t I wanted to DVR the NB so I could watch if I wanted to. I also liked Britt and brad. they were funny Someone shoot Levi he is almost as annoying as Sonny and he hasn’t been on as long. Someone find out what hospi6tal maxie was in she acts like she had a lobotomy. Can’t tptb find a normal guy for maxie ? Ron gets his strip again?

Dr. O stole the show (as usual). I usually don’t like kids on GH, but Spencer is growing on me (townie—heh!).

I really enjoyed the opening number on a few different levels, as well as the entire episode. So far so good

Fab. U. Lous.

I think Michael Fairman should’ve been on the Red Carpet doing the interviews!

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing

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Stacy Keach and Cynthia Watros

General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.

In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.

Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”

Photo: ABC

In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.

STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING

Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”

She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”

Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”

Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!

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Beyond the Gates

RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

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Beyond the Gates and General Hospital

The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.

According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.

Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.

Photo: CBS

MORE BY THE NUMBERS

In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .

BEYOND THE GATES

Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:

Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).

Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.

Photo: ABC

GENERAL HOSPITAL

Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:

Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.

Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.

Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.

Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a  benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.

However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.

So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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General Hospital

Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run

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Antonio Sabato Jr.

Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.

Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU  Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.

The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”

Jack Sabato

Photo: NBC

Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”

He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”

The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”

Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.

Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.

This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.

So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.

 

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A post shared by Antonio Sabato Jr (@antoniosabatojr)

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