While Michael Corinthos may be off-screen in General Hospital, recovering in Germany from
the severe burns he sustained in the explosion, the actor behind the character, Chad Duell, is already moving forward with exciting new opportunities. Duell recently announced his first major project since stepping away from the long-running ABC soap, much to the excitement
of his dedicated fans. Rather than taking a break from the entertainment industry, he is diving into an entirely new challenge—live theater.
On March 3, Stoneypoint Entertainment confirmed that Duell had secured a starring role in the world premiere of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a play written and directed by Bruce Reisman. The production company shared the news through an official statement, revealing that Duell will be performing alongside Zach Mendez in a gripping two-person play that explores a fascinating real-life friendship from the late 1930s. The storyline centers around the relationship between legendary American playwright Eugene O’Neill, portrayed by Mendez, and a young sailor named Eddie, played by Duell. Eddie is hired to help rebuild the porch where O’Neill wrote his iconic play Long Day’s Journey Into Night, and the two men form a unique bond that unfolds throughout the performance.
This role marks a significant shift for Duell, who has built a devoted fan base through his portrayal of Michael on General Hospital since 2010. Although daytime television requires strong acting skills and the ability to deliver emotional, dramatic performances, stepping onto a stage in a live production is an entirely different challenge. Yum Yum at Annapolis is described as a two-hander, meaning that Duell and Mendez will be the only actors on stage for the entire 90-minute performance, with no intermission. This format demands not only endurance but also a deep emotional connection between the two performers, making it an intense acting experience. The production team even referred to it as an “Acting Olympics” due to the level of skill and concentration required.
Rehearsals for the play are set to begin soon, kicking off with an initial table read. From there, the production will move toward a fully realized performance, starting with a public, costumed, and fully staged concert reading in April. This special event will take place at the historic El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, offering audiences an early glimpse at the play before it makes its official debut. Fans of Duell who have followed his career on General Hospital will no doubt be eager to see him take on a completely new kind of role in a theatrical setting.
Even beyond its premiere, Yum Yum at Annapolis has ambitious plans. The production is set to embark on a journey to New York, where it will have an Off-Off Broadway run in the late fall. This expansion signals confidence in the play’s potential success and provides Duell with an incredible opportunity to showcase his talent on a larger stage. If all goes well, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career, allowing him to explore more roles beyond the realm of soap operas.
The news of Duell’s involvement in the play quickly spread, drawing praise and congratulations from fellow actors and fans alike. Among those showing their support was his General Hospital co-star Cameron Mathison, who plays Drew Cain on the soap. Mathison responded to the announcement with a series of applause emojis, signaling his excitement for Duell’s new venture. Fans also expressed their enthusiasm, thrilled to see Duell pushing himself in new directions and expanding his acting repertoire.
Duell himself has hinted at big changes ahead, recently teasing his “next chapter” on social media. While his departure from General Hospital may be temporary, his decision to explore new creative opportunities is an inspiring move for both his career and his personal growth as an actor. Many longtime fans of the soap have followed his journey for over a decade, watching as he evolved in his role as Michael Corinthos. Now, they will have the chance to see him take on a completely different challenge in a live theatrical production.
This new project highlights Duell’s versatility and willingness to step outside his comfort zone, proving that he is more than just a soap opera star. Whether he eventually returns to General Hospital or continues to pursue theater and other acting ventures, one thing is certain—Chad Duell is embracing this opportunity to grow as an artist. As Yum Yum at Annapolis moves forward, audiences will eagerly anticipate seeing how he brings the character of Eddie to life on stage. For now, all eyes are on Duell as he embarks on this exciting new journey, proving that his talent and dedication extend far beyond the world of daytime television.
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