A few weeks back, SOAPnet premiered its new original series, Being Erica, which follows the life of 32-year-old Erica Strange, who is given the chance to revisit various events from her past that caused regret so she can attempt to fix them. The show has been met with rave reviews, and its talented star, Erin Karpluk, deserves most of the credit.
Erin explains what drew her to the character of Erica: “I loved the character, because she is just an average gal, but she’s so flawed and awkward. And yet she is resilient in overcoming all of the adversity that has been thrown at her in life. She is very candid and funny. It is the opportunity of a lifetime to get a chance to go back in time with the foresight, the life experiences and past mistakes, and trying to overcome them. The stakes are always really high in playing this character, and it’s a lot of fun.”
Being Erica has the honesty and humor of My So-Called Life and the time-travel/fantasy aspect of Quantum Leap. And, like the latter, Erica realizes that “when she does go back in time, she has a very big responsibility, and she knows that what she does in the past really affects those around her. The things that she learns isn’t ‘paint-by-numbers,’ it’s messy, just like life.”
And, just like life, Erica has her flaws. “The appeal of the show and the character is that everyone has regrets, and we all make mistakes in life,” Erin says. “We all fall down in our career and life, and we pick ourselves up and push on. I can really identify with her. She’s a relatable gal.”
Unlike many nighttime dramas, Being Erica appeals to men and women alike. Erin explains: “It’s a comedy/drama, and some of the themes are very awkward, like losing your virginity. We cover all the different spheres in life, like spirituality, friendships, romantic relationships, career, family — everyone can relate to that because those are our different spheres in life.”
Another aspect that many of us can relate to is the throwback to the late-’80s/ early ’90s fashions during the time-travel sequences. Erin and her cast mates had a lot of fun relieving the fashion, and fashion blunders, of the time.
“The cast of (the original) 90210, that was our go-to template for fashion during the flashbacks — Shannen Doherty with the bangs and the really white foundation and the thick eyebrows. We had so much fun with the Doc Martens and all the wardrobe. But the hyper-color shirts and the Mom jeans, I could do without those.
“And the music is the best. Music is one of those things for sense memory that can flip you right back to that grade 9 dance when you are slow-dancing to Guns N’ Roses ‘November Rain.’ It takes you right back to that time and place.”
Even if you might have missed the first few episodes, you should still tune in and catch yourself up. Erin says: “Every episode takes on an entirely different feel. As I watch them now, I am finding that they are all like mini movies. But they’re not all tied up with a cute little bow at the end of every episode, with Erica learning her lesson for the week. Sometimes when she goes back to fix the regret, she realizes that it wasn’t really a regret at all. It was just a hard lesson to learn.”
Being Erica airs on SOAPnet Thursday nights at 10 ET/PT.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Interview: Erin Karpluk Tries to Fix Past Mistakes
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
ATWT's Parker Receives Young Artist Nod
Mick Hazen (Parker, As the World Turns) received a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a TV Series as a Recurring Young Actor. The awards will be presented on Sunday, March 29th at the Globe Theater at Universal Studios. For more information please visit http://www.youngartistawards.org/.
In other ATWT news:
Kelley Menighan Hensley (Emily) and her husband, Jon Hensley (Holden), as well as Michael Park (Jack) and Martha Byrne (ex-Lily) are scheduled to attend the Inaugural Angels for Hope Gala on Friday, May 29th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Estate at Florentine Gardens, which is located at 97 Rivervale Road in River Vale, NJ. Angels for Hope is the first major fundraising event to be held on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Bergen County. Guests will enjoy a night of fine dining, cocktails, music and dancing along with a unique live and silent auction. Tickets are $200 each and seating is limited. Please reserve early. Please visit http://www.stjude.org/angelsforhopeorcall212-239-3239for reservations.
AS THE WORLD TURNS FAN CLUB LUNCHEON 2009:
Luncheon, autograph and photo sessions. Meet the Cast of As the World Turns on Saturday, April 18th from from 12 noon until 4 p.m. (Doors Open at 10:30 a.m.) at the Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway (Between 45th & 46th St.), New York, NY.
Here are the specifics: Current Fan Club Members pay $125 per ticket while non-Fan Club Members pay $135 per ticket. Children under 5 years of age are not permitted. If you wish to sit together your money must be mailed in together, no exceptions. Ten people per table. Additional People cannot be added to your party or table at a later date! There are no refunds or credits, no exceptions. Seating will be limited to the first 500 people. Money order (U.S. Funds only) to be made payable to: AS THE WORLD TURNS FAN CLUB (Canada - We will only accept Postal Money Orders in U.S. Funds) (All other Countries - We will only accept International Money Orders in U.S. Funds) Please mail to: AS THE WORLD TURNS FAN CLUB Luncheon Tickets P.O. Box 455 Lynbrook, NY 11563-0455
Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Video cameras are not permitted at the luncheon. There are a limited number of rooms available at the Marriott Marquis at a special rate. Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday nights, single or double is $329. For hotel reservations please call (800) 843-4898 and mention As The World Turns Fan Club. More Information: http://www.officialatwtfanclub.com/
GL's Remy Meets Ugly Betty
Leslie Kay on Ghost Whisperer
Lesli Kay (Felicia on The Bold and the Beautiful) will play a daytime actress on a special episode of CBS's Ghost Whisperer. In the episode, Lesli portrays a soap star who visits the fictional town of Grandview to tape her show on location. Of course, the cast and crew bring a ghost along with them. You won't want to miss it! Tune in on Friday, April 24, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.
GH: Such a Tease!
Spinelli is no match for the mystery woman.
Lucky and Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst, pictured) come to a mutual understanding.
Robin accidentally places Emma in jeopardy.
Spinelli is in grave danger.
Lucky doesn’t hit it off with Ethan.
Sonny and Carly are there for each other.
Robin luckily avoids a potential tragedy.
Jason, Sam and Winifred set out to rescue Spinelli.
Sonny likes the way Claudia thinks.
Robin’s behavior grows more and more unpredictable.
Nikolas is upset by Lucky’s friendship with Rebecca.
OLTL: Such a Tease!
Todd tries to convince Starr he’s innocent.
Stacy makes the next move in her wicked scheme.
Cole’s night goes from bad to worse.
Starr reminds Todd of his misdeeds.
Gigi falls victim to Stacy’s machinations.
John is on the hunt for a killer.
Gigi kicks Stacy to the curb.
Marcie makes a surprising discovery.
Bo & Nora and Rex & Gigi receive devastating news.
Stacy wants to find out what Roxy’s hiding.
Natalie and Jared get closer to the truth.
AMC: Such a Tease!
Kendall no longer trusts Zach.
Annie (Melissa Claire Egan, pictured) might be growing too attached to Aidan.
Aidan strikes a deal with Zach.
Zach accuses Kendall of having never stopped loving Ryan.
David puts the screws to Amanda.
David double crosses Amanda.
Zach suspects Ryan is out to get Kendall for himself.
Aidan and Annie take their relationship to a new level.
Aidan agrees to do Zach’s dirty work.
Zach and Reese end up in a kiss.
A furious JR unleashes a tirade against Amanda.
Days: Such a Tease!
NEXT WEEK:
•Philip vows to make Tony pay.
•Kate heads to Vegas to stop Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin, pictured) and Lucas from getting married.
•Brady tells Philip to stay the hell away from Nicole.
•Bo gets jealous when he sees Hope’s arm around Daniel.
•Stefano hints to EJ that Nicole is hiding something.
Thursday – Tony reveals to Nicole that he knows the truth.
Friday – EJ overhears Sami saying that she’s going to pick up Grace and bring her baby home.
B&B: Such a Tease!
•Rick (Kyle Lowder, pictured) blows up at Ridge.
•Lt. Baker and Charlie Baker find evidence leading them to a prime suspect.
•Donna fears that Marcus’ resentment drove him to committing a serious crime.
•Pam’s past transgressions come back to haunt her.
•Felicia is suspicious of Thorne’s association with Rocco.
Y&R: Such a Tease!
•While desperately trying to hold himself together from the torment of Clint, Kevin (Greg Rikaart, pictured) is faced with more than he can handle.
•Kay fools the doctor and Jill when she announces she is really Marge, but will her plan take her one step back in proving her true identity?
•After seeing Adam is losing his eyesight, Victor makes a promise to him.
•Karen threatens Tyra and gives Neil an ultimatum. Will Neil adhere to her demands?
GL: Such a Tease!
•Phillip and Grady face off about Lizzie.
•Lizzie and Bill are reunited.
•Frank (Frank Dicopoulos, pictured) proposes to Natalia.
•Marina and Mallet celebrate with baby Henry.
ATWT: Such a Tease!
•Parker and Liberty (Meredith Hagner, pictured) make a run for it.
•Henry throws a wrench in Katie, Brad and Vienna's plans.
•Alison and Jade face off.
•Brian makes an unexpected return.
Cady McClain Returns to ATWT
It's official: Cady McClain is returning to As the World Turns as Rosanna beginning May 20. I hope she gets a juicy story line this time! What do you think?
