Dina Manzo In New Soap Opera

Days after announcing on twitter that she and husband Tommy Manzo,  separated in October 2012, Dina Manzo, cast member in Seasons 1 and 2 of the Real Housewives of New Jersey and star of HGTV's Dina's Party, has been added to the cast of a new scripted series.

From celebuzz:

The former castmember on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey and star of HGTV’s Dina’s Party has landed a role on a new series that portrays the behind-the-scenes on daily soap operas called Tainted Dreams.

Created by Emmy-winning director and soap opera veteran Sonia Blangiardo (General Hospital, As the World Turns, All My Children, One Life to Live), the new dramedy casts Manzo as Allessandra DiGiacomo

Her character is described as a “smart and successful New York City corporate CEO whose younger gay brother [played by My Big Gay Italian Wedding's Anthony Wilkinson] will face unexpected circumstances due to his sexuality.”

“Coming from a large Italian family, I was immediately drawn to the character of Alessandra’s family dynamic,” Manzo says in a statement.

I bet. The Manzo/Laurita clan have more family drama than any ten other families.

Regarding the casting, Blangiardo says, “I created the role of Alessandra with Dina Manzo in mind, and we are thrilled to have her join our cast. Her constant support of the gay community and her talent makes her the perfect choice for this series.”

The director created Tainted Dreams after the last of the NYC-based soap operas, One Life to Live, shut down production in November of last year.

“I was struck by the loss of this unique art form that had been such an integral part of NYC for decades. I wanted to somehow capture my own two decades working behind the scenes of three different NYC-based soaps,” Blangiardo explains.

“As a long-time fan of One Life to Live, I am excited to be part of a project centered around the rich, proud heritage of NYC-based daytime drama,”

Manzo joins Tainted Dreams’ already announced castmembers, which include All My Children stars Alicia Minshew, Walt Willey Kelley and Michael Lowry; and As the World Turns stars Menighan Hensley and Marnie Schulenburg.

Tainted Dreams is produced by NYC Brand Productions, which has yet to finalize a distribution deal for the series. Production begins in May.

Congratulations to Dina. With a cast like that, they will probably score a production deal

Picture this: The Red Queen's head is exploding!

Speaking of Caroline Manzo, the Real Housewives of New Jersey toxic-filled Season 5 is in production, returning soon.

Tommy Manzo is Last Year's Versace

 

The disconnect between Dina Manzo and Tommy is not news, and finally Dina has confirmed what has been suspected for years.

Tommy Manzo: Last Year's Versace?

Dina acknowledged the end of the marriage via twitter yesterday:

Dina retweeted a tweet from her friend late Friday night that said,“@lisagastineau: Secrets are heavy……..lighten the load”

She followed that with, “My secret…I have been separated since October, my heart hurts but Tommy & I will always share a very special love.”

Dina continued, “So grateful for the support of my loved ones during this time, especially my spiritual friends. You know who u are xoxo. And of course my biggest supporter Lexi, Tommy adores her & they will remain close.”

Tommy, the brother of Al Manzo, Caroline Manzo's husband, and Dina married in spectacular fashion on VH1's My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding in 2009.

VH1 Wedding Video

Since the debut of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, speculation on the relationship between Dina and Tommy has been rife. He never appeared, even in the background, on the show, fueling all sorts of rumors:

Dina Manzo Rumor Won't Go Away

Kudos to Dina, who has since gone on to star in her own series, Dina's Party on HGTV, and runs a successful charity, Project Ladybug, for telling the truth.

Could this explain Caroline Manzo's anger toward Dina? Everybody knows misery loves company.

Just sayin'

Tommy Manzo: Last Year’s Versace?

 

What Did Danielle Do to Make Caroline So Angry?

ABSURD TO SUBLIME.NET

The Finale Recap

Excerpt from "Cop Without A Badge"

From My Fabulous Wedding:

“Dina and Tommy are planning one of the most expensive weddings New Jersey has ever seen. Since Tommy and his brother Al own a high-end banquet facility, they know the biz and have enough cash to get anything they want. Bottom line… there’s no budget for this grand affair. Dina, an interior decorator, is indulging plenty — to the tune of $50,000 for hand-blown glass butterflies and $10,000 for a Badgley Mischka couture gown. But as the planning progresses, she feels Tommy & Al are running the show. Making matters worse, Tommy won’t stop adding to their already massive 600 person guest list….even down to the last minute! With almost $500,000 in flowers flown in from around the world, over $70,000 in entertainment, thousand dollar bottles of wine, and a 7-foot cake Tommy and Dina’s day is one for the ages. In the end, the bill is staggering: over a million bucks.”

Why is he AWOL on The Real Housewives of New Jersey? Not part of the picture at the introduction. Dina Manzo, his sister-in –law /wife, says he’s always working.

There’s a story there.

Watch What Happens

Update: 6/17 The internet rumor mill has two theories:

• He’s a nasty, mean drunk
• He’s a homosexual, and Caroline arranged the marriage

RELATED LINKS:

What is Dina Hiding?

Lost Footage to Air July 9

Cop Without A Badge

DANIELLE'S STEVE IS TALKING

The Finale Recap

Kevin Maher

Albert "Tiny" Manzo's Legacy

Danielle Staub

Danielle Staub: Public Relations

Kevin Maher on TV Tonight

Danielle Staub on the Today Show

and more at ABSURD TO SUBLIME.NET