As the World Turns
News (Page 16)

Here's an update on where you can find a few stars from As the World Turns next month...

- Michael Park (pictured) and Martha Byrne will perform at the "When You Wish Upon A Star. . ." event at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. The evening will be a cabaret event with proceeds benefiting the Children's Hospital.

The event is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY. Tickets are $150. For more information call (914)762-2670.

- Terri Colombino will also take part in the "When You Wish Upon a Star" event for The Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at the same location on March 8.

Here's the first episode of As the World Turns with Ameera, a new character portrayed by Tala Ashe. She's joining the Noah and Luke story line...

Warning: don't read any further if you don't want a glance at a few As the World Turns spoilers...

• Vienna sees Henry with another woman.

• Luke, Noah (Jake Silbermann, pictured) and Ameera's road trip gets them in trouble.

• Sofie (Justine Cotsonas) inadvertently pits brother against brother.

• Margo dashes Carly and Jack's hopes.

• Gwen and Will win big, but it doesn't comfort them.

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times ran a story about complaints from As the World Turns fans over the treatment of Luke and Noah's relationship.

Online fans began a nationwide media blitz on February 20 to bring attention to the show, which has been twice nominated for an award from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

"Presenting a gay couple on television only to relegate them to insulting hugs and slaps on the back is the 21st century version of putting African Americans on the back of the bus," wrote one disgruntled fan named Tony. "We're simply supposed to be happy that we got the ride at all. This is 2008, and yet CBS and Procter & Gamble are clearly stuck in the past."

That's not the case, says Jeannie Tharrington, a spokeswoman for Procter & Gamble Productions. She denies the show's writers have been discriminating.

"We're trying to be sensitive to all the different audiences who watch our show. We do make our decision based on what we think is best for the show's diverse audience and what's best creatively."

Tharrington adds that the Nuke story line is simply part of the soap opera world, one that is "always trying to keep people wanting more."

CBS spokesmen said the show's ratings have increased since the pair were introduced last year.

"CBS supports the producers' vision for the Luke and Noah storyline," according to a statement. "We have not censored it or asked them to hold back in any way."

What do you think of the situation? Chime in now on our As the World Turns forum!

On the February 28 episode of As the World Turns, Chris Hartl and Will Poston appear as Chad and Grant, two frat boys who make trouble for Luke, Noah and Ameera.

Check out a pair of images from the incident:

In As the World Turns casting news...

• Jon Prescott will take over the role of Mike Kasnoff. Mark Collier previously played the part. Mike returns to Oakdale with a new business venture in March, along with the hopes of reuniting with Katie. Look for Prescott to appear in March.

• Eric William Morris has joined the cast in the role on Matt. The character will be included in Casey’s return to Oakdale.

 
The nominations for the 29th Annual Young Artist Awards were announced this week.

And Mick Hazen of As the World Turns has been nominated for Best Performance In A TV Series - Recurring. Here's his competition: category.

• Jake Cherry from Desperate Housewives
• Marc Donato from Degrassi: The Next Generation
• Caden Michael Gray from Out of Jimmy's Head
• Ty Panitz from "Bones
• Connor Price from The Dead Zone
• K'Sun Ray from Smith
• Will Shadley from Dirty Sexy Money
• Cainan Wiebe from Sanctuary
• Calum Worthy from Psych
• Dominic Janes from ER.

Warning: As the World Turns spoiler ahead!

On February 25, Ameera (Tala Ashe), a young woman from Iraq, approaches Noah and Luke with some interesting information about Colonel Meyer. Here's a look at this new As the World Turns character from her debut:

You've been pining for them for days, haven't you? Wondering what's gonna take place next week on As the World Turns right, right? Well, here are a few spoilers...

• Craig's goodbye present for Paul is explosive.

• To prove that Parker (Mick Hazen) is innocent, Carly (Maura West, pictured) and Jack set a trap.

• Luke and Noah are caught off guard as Ameera (Tala Ashe) arrives.

• Lily and Holden choose to go slow.

Once again, fans of Luke and Noah are outraged over the way the couple has been treated on As the World Turns.

Take a look at the following clip from the show's Valentine's Day episode and you'll understand why...