Passions Fan Luncheon is written by: [email protected]
My friend and I got up very early that morning to get ready. We both dressed up (something I rarely, if ever, do) and prepared for the three hour drive south. We arrived an hour early.
Parking was not a concern, as valet parking was provided for all guests. We checked out the grounds, which were lovely, filled with wooden walkways overs pools of water where ducks frolicked in the humid morning air. We even took the time to have a refreshing drink in the air-conditioned bar (they serve a killer rum and coke, by the way). By that time, it was almost 11:30 am, when things were set to begin.
The line to get in was long, and naturally, it took a while for everyone to be checked in, but it was well worth the wait. The dining room was enormous, glittering chandeliers suspended from the high ceiling overhead, the tables adorned with lovely place-settings. To our delight, we heard music played on Passions being piped into the room. They played the show's theme, "Breathe," Lindsay Korman's "Kiss Me" and even Charity and Miguel's song "Cross My Heart" by Jane French. It was easy to see a lot of time and care were put into planning this awesome gathering. I have nothing but praise for all those who put the whole thing together!
My friend and I were assigned to table #18, seated with about five other guests. It was a pleasant surprise to find at our seats a clear plastic tote bag with the Passions logo on it filled with all sorts of Passions-related goodies provided free for everyone who came. In it we found a large white Passions beach towel, the first edition of the Passions Fan Club Newsletter called "Living in Harmony," trading cards featuring the hunks of Passions and Days of Our Lives, and a special issue of Soap Opera Weekly with Passions on its cover.
Lunch was served, beginning with warm bread rolls and butter, followed by a light Sportsmen's salad, and finally Lemon Herb Chicken with Trio of Rice and Medley of Fresh Vegetables. Dessert was a tasty and colorful sherbet. My favorite part of the meal was when the waiters poured us a glass of Martimmys (minus the alcohol, of course). It was surprisingly good. I wondered if this was the same stuff used on the set by Timmy and Tabitha. Who knows?
For those of you who were unable to go to the Luncheon, here's the recipe for fixing a Martimmy:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
We even got to take home the plastic cocktail cups the Martimmys were served in. The cups have the Passions logo on them and the phrase "It's Martimmy Time!" They make great keepsakes.
Set up outside the main dining area and stage was a room where various Passions souvenirs for sale and items for the silent auction were displayed. I bought a packet of photos of the cast ($10) to be signed during the autograph session being held in the same room later on. I also purchased a Passions 2000 bracelet ($5) featured during the prom on the show. There were T-shirts and even boxer shorts emblazoned with large red hearts and the Passions logo. All of these items can be found and bought online at the Passions store on the official NBC Passions site. The girl sitting next to me at our table bid $160 on Ethan's sweater; I don't know if she got it, but I sure hope so with a price tag like that!
Things really began to kick off when Master of Ceremonies, Ben Masters, (perfect choice for MC with his wit, charm and humor) introduced Lena Cardwell to perform "Call Me." She really belted that song out! The girl has an amazing voice.
After Lena's number, a funny behind-the-scenes in Harmony short film was shown, featuring an intern from the show interviewing various Passions stars. He also interviewed Molly Stanton and Tracy Ross, who, unfortunately, were unable to come along with Lisa Huber and Galen Gering.
This was followed by the Cast Introduction and Q & A session. Fans were able to stand up and ask the cast questions. One fan questioned Lindsay Korman about her kissing scenes with Travis Schuldt, commenting on how realistic those scenes were. Travis and Lindsay both stood up and demonstrated their excellent acting abilities in that regard. Let's just say that room certainly heated up despite the a/c!
Then came the highlight of the day for me. I was able to get up and ask Ben Masters if he would accept a gift from a fan. I carried a small bottle of wine I had brought with me to give him up to the stage. I handed it to him, and then, seemingly in character, he said to me, "Come here and give me a kiss, you sweet thing!" It was a nice light peck on the lips, but it was fun! Thanks, Ben!
After the Q&A, a game of Survivor Trivia was played with fans and cast answering Passions-related questions. Give the wrong answer, get booted off the "island."
Next was the Harmony Switcheroo with cast member playing parts other than their own. Bruce Hall and Jesse Metcalfe performed a hilarious scene as Whitney and Theresa. Hey, Bruce shed more tears than Lindsay! It was a hoot watching the cast crack up at the antics of their fellow cast members as they assumed their parts. It was great! Donn Swaby did a very convincing drunken Julian reenacting dialogue between Julian and Timmy (played by Brook Kerr on her knees) which had taken place during the Passions Storm.
This was followed by a slide show which I happened to miss, as by this time I was in desperate need of a cigarette. I came back in just in time to line up for the autograph session. This was the best part as I was now face-to-face with the stars of my favorite show. It was fun to get my picture taken with them and chat briefly with them while they signed my pictures. It was a very hot, muggy day and it was easy to tell everyone was getting tired and sweaty, but these guys were great sports and made it clear they care about their fans, taking their time to get to know them. They were always friendly, joking around and being very sweet.
Everything began to come to a close around 4 PM. My friend and I eventually left soon after, spending time just driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills, taking in the sights, before heading home. Even as I got home late, I was still excited about the day. I couldn't wait to tell my friends about the experience and to share it all with you. This Luncheon will remain an unforgettable time for me. I can't wait to attend the Second Annual Passions Fan Club Luncheon!
If you would like to see exclusive pictures from this event taken by [email protected] click Here.
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