Soap opera actors use performance in Fine Arts to promote ousting Bush
cindy taren / SC Staff Writer
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: News
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The Pocono Progressives and the Democratic Women of Monroe County sponsored a last minute gathering of soap opera actors and writers from "Guiding Light" and "As the World Turns" on Friday evening, September 24, at 7 p.m. in the Cohen Recital Hall of East Stroudsburg University's Fine Arts building. The New York soap opera actors believe that the country needs a change in direction, and that the present administration in Washington, D.C., must go.
The performers included Maureen Garrett, who will return to "Guiding Light" at the end of this month, Paul Anthony Stewart, David MacDonald, Maeve Kinkead, Susan Hufford, Tamara Tunie, Beth Chamberlin and writer Melissa Salmons. Some of the actors gave dramatic and literary readings of previously published works with themes of change and peace. Their performance and the following script auction benefit the sponsoring organizations. Their tour, which will include performances in Ohio, kicked off in Pennsylvania.
Joni Oye-Benintende, a Pocono Progressive member, gave some opening remarks about the mission of the Pocono Progressives, a local organization committed to change in the White House this election year. "At first we thought [that] perhaps this might not go forward," she said about having the actors speak out.
Though the actors speak for various causes and benefit charitable organizations, public speaking for a political cause never transpired because of concerns about controversial publicity involving the television dramas. But the opinions expressed in their performances do not reflect those of the television station or the program's sponsor, Proctor and Gamble.
Cherie Morris, chairperson of the local Democratic Women, introduced the actors. The co-sponsorship of this event was the first partnering of the two organizations. "I wish the Democratic Party had a little more edginess at times," Morris said in regards to her gratitude of the Progressives' input. "We're going to basically wing it," she added.