This piece appeared in Soap Opera Digest on March 25, 1997.

Behind the Scene
Behind every great scene is a backstage story!

Code Blue:
GENERAL HOSPITAL Resuscitates The Nurses' Hub
by Robin Echt

General Hospital is in the business of saving lives, but it couldn't save the old nurses' station. After 20 years as host to a large chunk of GENERAL HOSPITAL's triumphs and tragedies, the hospital's hallmark nurses' hub flatlined. On February 6 and 7, the replacement station was dedicated to the "late" Lesley (Denise Alexander) and Laura (Genie Francis). Then Port Charles went into collective cardiac arrest when a very much alive Laura stepped through the new elevator doors!

"It's all about people coming and going," laughed GH Production Designer Matthew Jacobs, who redesigned the nurses' station. "The sets have to express the life of the drama. The changes reflect the fact that the Cassadines and their millions now control the hospital. We've added windows, floor plants, modern technology and wood to bring light, warmth and richness to GH. Now it's a more hospitable hospital."

And who better to spread the cheer--and occasional jeer--than GH's own nosy nightingale, Nurse Amy? "The new set is beautiful and the best part is, it's not up on a high platform like it was before," explained the diminutive Shell Kepler (Amy). "Now when people meet me, they won't think I'm as tall as Stuart Damon [Alan]."

There are two things Kepler will miss, though. "We used to have this Rolodex that people wrote in over the years. It was filled with things like Rick Springfield's [ex-Noah] notes, Demi's [Moore, ex-Jackie] drawings and games of tic tac toe I played with Stuart [Damon] and Leslie [Charleson, Monica] between scenes," Kepler remembered. "Plus, I'm not sure where my spot is yet…but I'm sure I'll find it."

"This set is phenomenal. It's as good as any movie set. You can just see the money and artistry that makes GH stand out," marveled Damon before conceding, "Before, I could hit my marks with my eyes closed. It will take much longer to block and tape while everyone is getting used to the changes."

That proved especially true when GH taped Laura's return from the dead. The combination of new camera angles and a set full of GH staff made for an extremely long day. Luckily, the extras' impromptu dancing and constant quips from Anthony Geary (Luke), Brad Maule (Tony), and John J. York (Mac) kept spirits from flagging between takes. A welcome relief for everyone except a four-months pregnant Genie Francis (Laura) who had to cry…dry her eyes…and start all over again. And again. And again!

All the patience paid off. The cast turned out scenes as slick as their revamped nurses' station. Now all they need is patients.

GH's brand-new nurses' hub has a more modern look.

Luke and Laura (Anthony Geary and Genie Francis) kept the emotion going full-throttle for the scenes, while Geary made the time between takes fun for all.

Amy (Shell Kepler, foreground) embraced Laura as shocked GHers looked on. (L.-r.): Monica (Leslie Charleson), Edward (John Ingle), Lila (Anna Lee), Justus (Joseph C. Phillips) and Alan (Stuart Damon).

It took the cast a while to get comfortable working on the new set.