lcfc party reports

1996: What A Weekend!
Suzy Stephens

I've watched "General Hospital" for years and never thought I'd actually get the chance to be in the same room with most of its stars, let alone Leslie Charleson and Stuart Damon, who are my favorites. But that's exactly what happened this past July when I attended both the Alan and Monica Brunch and the GH Fan Club Party in Los Angeles. Wow, what a weekend!

Saturday, July 13, was the Alan and Monica Brunch at the Burbank Hilton. Leslie's Fan Club did a fantastic job of organizing everything from the room, which looked fabulous with very special flower arrangements on each table, to getting us all seated, which was no small task. We even had an Alan and Monica History Book, a photo-pin of Leslie and Stuart, and a "I'm A Quartermainiac" notepad waiting for us at our seats. Nice souvenirs to take home and the history book was fun to read as we waited for Leslie and Stuart to arrive.

Running a few minutes behind when they were introduced, Leslie and Stuart entered arguing about who's fault it was that they were late and bantering back and forth. Alan and Monica had arrived and everyone was laughing and cheering! When they finally reached the stage, Leslie suddenly stopped, turned to us and calmly said, "Hi." She talked to us for a few minutes and said she hoped we all had a wonderful time, then she gave the microphone to Stuart. He then proceeded to tell us were all going to have a terrible time and didn't know why we were there. But we knew he was kidding...his grin gave him away.

We were served a wonderful brunch next, then Krista and Kay hosted a question and answer session with Leslie and Stuart. They had us all laughing again at nearly every answer. It's pretty obvious where Alan and Monica get their sense of humor from because it looks like Stuart and Leslie have a great time working together. One other thing...if any of you who were there remember Krista asking Stuart to sing to someone who still thought of him as Prince Charming, well, that was me. Somehow, Krista and Kay found out that I've had a bit of a crush on Stuart since high school, so they set that up as a surprise. Thanks, you two...it's definitely a moment I won't forget.

Next was a raffle of GH memorabilia. Some of the items given away were Alan's tie and cufflinks; a picture of Alan and Monica; the blouse Lois gave Monica for her birthday; the "Secret Admirer" earrings Dr. Dorman gave Monica; and an autographed script, just to name a few.

After that, Leslie and Stuart went around to each table, signing autographs and taking pictures with everyone. Leslie is lovely in person - sweet, gracious and the perfect hostess - and Stuart is very charming. The party ran late and Stuart had to leave for an appointment, but Leslie stayed until everyone got the chance to meet her. She was constantly cracking jokes and telling stories. What a great lady! And what a great time I had. No doubt about it, when Leslie, Krista, Kay, and Phyllis throw a party, they *throw* a party! Thanks to each of you, and Stuart, too, for such a fun time.

The next day was the GH Fan Club Luncheon and there was so much to do and see. As I was walking around, I saw Matthew Ashford, Brad Maule, John Ingle, and Wally Kurth. Wally's band even performed before the luncheon started. All the fan clubs had booths and stuff for sale like pictures, items with the GH logo, and t-shirts. Leslie's Fan Club had the best t-shirt, though. It had a picture of the Doctors Quartermaine on the front saying, "It's my house...but I gave it to you!" I took one of those home with me, along with some great photos of Leslie and Stuart.

I found my seat for the luncheon and ended up at a table with some really fun fans. We talked and laughed until it was time for the introduction of the cast members. I don't know how I lucked out, but my seat was on the aisle where the actors walked down from the back of the room to the stage. I couldn't believe how close I was to them. From my TV to this...who would have thought!

Some of the highlights of the afternoon included Stuart's moving tribute to John Beradino; a question and answer session hosted by John J. York with some very memorable answers from each actor; and an awards ceremony for the actors hosted by Brad Maule and Sarah Brown. Leslie and Stuart were nominated for best actress and actor, and even though they didn't win, there were a lot of people applauding and whistling when their names were announced, especially at my table. Then the day wrapped up with the stars signing autographs and having their pictures taken.

I know I've left out a lot of details, but there were so many from both days, it would have taken pages and pages to write up. Yet if I had to sum it all up, probably the best thing I took home with me that weekend, besides all the new friendships I made, was finding out that all the GH stars are charming, funny, absolutely gorgeous and everything I'd hoped they would be. There is no doubt in my mind that I really do watch the best show on daytime. Now I can hardly wait for next year's parties.