Arlen Escarpeta - October 15, 2004

Here are some of the highlights from the Interview.

Raul: What’s your opinion on what makes American Dreams such a successful TV Show?

Arlen Escarpeta: I think ironically the relevance of how it parallels to what’s happening now with the war and Vietnam. It’s family’s always have issues ya know, it’s good to watch a show where you can relate to the family. And then of course we have that great crossover you know, the Bandstand and also we have these great guest stars that come on the show where you get to see the younger kids enjoying that and the older generation, ya know looking back and saying wow, I lived that. I think just that combination of drama and excitement and entertainment that the writers and cast and crew have done so well with.

Raul: Now what about the music? Any special guest stars coming up this season.

Arlen Escarpeta: Yes, yes, we have a couple that I’m really excited about. Our first episode the fans will get to see Brandy playing Gladys Knight. We have JoJo coming on the show. Aretha Franklin is gonna be played by Fantasia from American Idol. And I have the pleasure of having a scene where Alanis Morissette gonna be there singing and I’m a huge, huge Alanis Morissette fan. So, she’s absolutely - I’m going to get autographs.

Raul: I think it’s really unique, the part that people really just don’t look at these people of differen color, what their background is...

Arlen Escarpeta: It’s always a struggle for growth for my character and the rest of the cast as well. Just going through the 60’s and you know almost feeling like okay – it’s okay. But it continues, you see that growth which I think is a beautiful thing, a very beautiful thing. I mean from season one to season two to season three now, I mean the dialogue has changed, the attitudes have changed. People are walking different now, we’re thinking differently, so it’s a good thing.