Con Report
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DAY 1 -- THURSDAY Took an earlier flight this year, and arrived in Los Angeles about noon. Unfortunately, hotels don’t have rooms ready until about 3, but lunch in the dining room with Valerie, Peg, and Indy was a great way to kill time. Those of us who didn’t go to Richard Burgi’s play found dinner in the mall, and warmed up the Bar. DAY 2 -- FRIDAY The Fighting Fan Class with Roberta and Lizzie was terrific, though I’ll have to order the video to learn the kata properly. Registration went smoothly, even with all the separate tickets that had to be arranged (great work, staff and volunteers!). The Dealers’ tables were open for the afternoon, and after dinner, we had an vening with Stan. >Stan originally planned for some of his friends to join him, and perform some scenes for us, but due to their other obligations, Stan was alone (none of us complained!). He treated us to a few jokes, various readings, and even some Shakespeare. Come midnight we began celebrating the Fifth Birthday of Clan Denial. DAY 3 -- SATURDAY Maureen Russell was our Mistress of Ceremonies, and she, Roberta Brown, and Andrew Helm (aka Evil Kevin) brought us all up to date. A visit from James Horan, (Grayson in Highlander, and currently the bad guy voice in Enterprise), was next on the agenda. His question and answer session was delightful, and he was very friendly as he signed autographs and posed for photos. Another guest was Jason Carter, from Babylon 5, Angel, and the “Change Now!” truck commercial, who makes Athos look calm (no mean feat!). He regaled us with stories of his recent appearance on Angel, including his being told the star’s last name was pronounced “Boring-ass,” stories of growing up in England, and some of his own poetry. Stan and Liz were, as always, terrific in the question and answer session. Lizzie brought some old tapes, and since she brought up her early work, one of her very early modeling jobs was brought to her attention. She had posed for the covers of a knitting instruction leaflet, wearing the sweaters made from the instructions. She was VERY surprised. Stan brought more tapes, including the complete tape of his yet-to-be-released movie, The Flunky. Later in the afternoon, Garett Maggert and Bruce A. Young, both from The Sentinel, answered questions. Highlander fans will also remember Bruce from the episodes, “Manhunt,” and “Run For Your Life.”. The evening’s entertainment was Bruce’s Interactive Theatre Group and a presentation of Dungeon Master. Members of the audience took part, and Bruce brought several very interesting (and attractive) members of the troop. The favorite, by far, was J. Hunter Ackerman (aka Gilbert), and he was asked to return on Sunday. Also in the cast was The Bob, known as the most famous Highlander actor to have never appeared in an episode. DAY 4 -- SUNDAY Sunday morning (did I say morning? euwwwww, what a concept) we were all back in our seats, ready for more question-and-answer sessions. Kevin, Maureen, Roberta, and The Bob showed parts of a hope-to-be-financed series they’re working on. To everyone’s surprise, our new friend Hunter (or is it Jeff?) was there as well. Lots of sword play, vampires, and even a Highlander convention were featured. Hunter was resplendant in leather pants and a poofy shirt (Maureen’s description). He looks MUCH better in leather than the original occupant.> We started the auction off with a stuffed Wolf, appropriately auctioned by Garett, gladly purchased by Elaine. Bruce and Jason lowered the hammer on a pair of Horsemen Teddy Bears (Silas and Caspian), then Stan and Liz took turns auctioning off item after item: scripts, wardrobe, and other memorabilia. >Then there was only time for a few last autographs and good-byes, and ... Let’s do this again next year!!!  |