As Michael returns to his role as rockstar, Danny Romalotti on the Number One Daytime Drama, 'The Young and the Restless' this week, I took some time out to talk to Michael about revisiting his past in Genoa City and to find out what other projects he has been working on recently.

CATHERINE: Michael, how did Y&R approach you about returning to the show?
MICHAEL: By phone! he laughs. They said that the show was about to celebrate it's 35th anniversary plus 1000 weeks as the Number One show and would I be interested in returning to reprise Danny for this special event. They were planning a big celebration and would I like to do a Danny Romalotti concert for the event.

CATHERINE: It’s been almost 3 years since you were last on the show, did you notice any changes?
MICHAEL: The writing was much better for Danny this time around. The dialogue is deeper, funnier and there are more levels to it. There is a very positive atmosphere on the set. The pace is quicker for shooting. You have to be spot on as there's not the same time to do outtakes. There are no cue cards now, you have to know your lines! It was amazing seeing the cast and crew again - like a class reunion. I had lots of fun!

CATHERINE: Did they give you a big welcome back?
MICHAEL: Yes! A standing ovation from all the cast & crew. It was a warm fuzzy moment. A  big surprise.

CATHERINE: Can you give us any hints about what brought Danny back to Genoa City?
MICHAEL: Phyllis contacted Danny regarding the launch of 'Restless Style Magazine' which she and Nick Newman started. Danny very much wanted to return to Genoa City to perform in front of his hometown fans but the main reason was it gave him the opportunity to see his son Daniel and to make amends. The last time they were together it didn't end on the best of terms.

CATHERINE: Which characters did Danny interact with? Can you tell us what Danny has been doing for the last few years? Has he been seeing Cricket as she too been mia from Genoa City?
MICHAEL: Phyllis and Daniel, Nick Newman, Lauren, Michael, Gina, Paul. Danny has not seen Cricket. In fact Paul and Danny share a scene where they reminisce about Christine and what could have been for both of them and the woman they lost but both have moved on now. It was like the old times when Danny and Paul were best buddies. Danny’s been rockin' and rolling all over the place.

CATHERINE: Daniel has been on quite a roller coaster ride since his father left town; Cassie’s death, marriage and divorce, graduated high school, how does he react to seeing his absentee father?
MICHAEL: There were lots of emotions; surprised, confused a lot has been left unresolved from four years ago. Danny has a challenge on his hands – I can’t say any more.

CATHERINE:How do you feel about the fact that after fighting so hard to gain custody of Daniel, Danny seems to have abandoned his son to his own devices?   
MICHAEL: Good question!  It’s frustrating. I'm not happy as it’s so unlike Danny – not true to his character. Also the fans are not happy about that either and often mention it to me but I’ve told them to stick with it and see what happens with Danny’s latest return.

CATHERINE: Did you ever think you would get to perform in a Danny Romalotti concert again? Who else is involved in the concert? Has Danny’s band changed since we last saw them?
MICHAEL: It’s been over a decade since I last filmed a concert scene on the show. Other than singing a Christmas song with Patty Weaver when I returned before, I didn’t get to sing, so I was thrilled that was the main reason for Danny’s return was the big music event. We put together a new band for the show. The entire cast were involved as they had all been invited to the magazine launch. It was the first time that I’ve ever performed in front of the entire cast. It was a lot of fun, a lot of good, positive energy.

CATHERINE: What songs will Danny be performing? Can we expect to hear 'Rock On'?
MICHAEL: No, no 'Rock On' I am sorry to say but two new songs which were written especially for this storyline and reflect where Danny’s relationship stands with Daniel. My brothers Tom and Larry wrote the song which is also my new single, ‘Getting So Much Better’. The second song was written by Jack Allocco and is called, ‘When you need someone’.

CATHERINE: Did you enjoy the singing? How long did the music event scenes take to film?
MICHAEL: Yes lots of fun. It took a whole day and as I mentioned before included the whole cast.

CATHERINE: Danny’s concert will air on the 35th anniversary of Y&R. Do you feel honoured that they asked you to be a part of such an important episode?
MICHAEL: Oh yes absolutely!

CATHERINE: Would you like to do some more episodes in the future?
MICHAEL: Of course if schedule wise it works out and the storyline continues in such a good way as the current storyline has been written and so long as I’m not busy on a movie.

CATHERINE: We’ve covered what Danny has been doing over the last few years but what has Michael Damian been doing?
MICHAEL: I’ve been busy directing, writing and making movies. My latest movie, 'Moondance Alexander' - a must see family movie will be released on DVD April 29th.  It stars; Kay Panabaker, Don Johnson, Lori Laughlin, James Best and figure skater Sasha Cohen.

CATHERINE: How do you enjoy being behind the camera? When shooting a movie do you miss the acting side?
MICHAEL: I enjoy it and can’t say that I do miss the acting. Having had the chance to return to 'Y&R' to act has been a good experience. I enjoyed acting again and it helps me as a director to be reminded of how it feels to be an actor in front of a camera and to receive direction.

CATHERINE: What is your next project? Do you have any other movies in the pipeline?
MICHAEL: Yes, I’m working on a family adventure/romantic holiday movie called ‘Chrismas at Castlebury Hall’ which we hope to shoot this Fall in the UK. I also have a new single coming out shortly.

CATHERINE: This is the single that you mentioned earlier, that Danny will perform for the launch of 'Restless Style Magazine'? When will it be released?
MICHAEL: Yes, ‘Getting So Much Better’ and another track, ‘Still Mad About You’ will be available to purchase on iTunes and also amazon.com soon. We'll announce the date on md.com as soon as we have it.

CATHERINE: Michael thank you for taking the time to share some of the behind the scenes info and photos from Y&R. I'd also like to wish you luck with your new single and the DVD release of 'Moondance Alexander' next month.
MICHAEL: I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for being so patient, waiting for this current return to Y&R and for staying so faithful. I hope you will enjoy the episodes and also the new songs.

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