1999 ANNUAL HERCULES/XENA
|
| As you know Creation has been organizing conventions for fans since 1971 and in all that time there has been just a handful of productions that have warranted a full scale touring convention. In these three decades we've run gatherings for fans of STAR TREK, THE X-FILES, DR. WHO, the CBS TV series BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and a couple of others. |
|
The Hercules and Xena Convention is very special to us, however, because we have had the gracious and unprecedented support of the studio that produces the series, the casts of the shows, and the production company involved. It's really been a team effort that is dedicated to presenting a fun weekend for fans and with that in mind we'd like to thank all for their help with the 1999 version of our "big" H/X event, this time presented at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. |
| The first two years of the event were held at the Burbank Airport Hilton and it was obvious that the convention was outgrowing that venue. Still, it was with a bit of sadness that we left that facility because it did allow for a more intimate celebration. But the demand to see the stars was clearly indicated by the hundreds of turn-away customers both years. |
|
|
| So in 1999 we landed at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, running our very first event there. With 3,000 seats we had more room, a beautiful stage setting with theatrical appearance, and even outside areas to work with. So it was with great anticipation that we began the show and we were thrilled that stars Kevin Sorbo and Lucy Lawless agreed to be our headliners for the weekend. Kevin was unavailable last year so it was particularly nice to have him back. |
| Area hotels were sold out and Santa Monica offered a unique atmosphere for the convention. With Friday Night's pre-registration done, Saturday opened with huge lines of anxious fans,many in costume pouring into the exhibit areas and scoping out the theater. |
| Our supporting guest stars were fantastic this time, with huge audience reactions. It is always amazing to be witness to an actor receiving an outpouring of fan support and being emotionally charged by the response. Many of these celebrities are just on the road to becoming famous and are blown away by the love the audience bestows upon them. More than once during the weekend, these supporting stars have come off stage just totally glowing! |
|
|
Gina Torres |
Check out these shots of GINA TORRES (Nebula and Cleopatra), ALEXANDRA TYDINGS (Aphrodite) who brought her father on stage, and JOEL TOBECK (Strife). Joel is a talented musician and will be part of our "musical cabarets" which will be starting at our upcoming San Francisco Convention. He is in a band with Kevin Smith (Ares) and they will be rehearsing down in New Zealand for their U.S. debut at the Bay Area event. We were also struck by the lovely voice that Gina displayed when she sang and hope that she too will participate in these musical shows. |  Gina Torres |
 Alexandra Tydings |
 Alexandra and her Dad |
 Joel Tobeck |
 |
One lady who knocks everyone's socks off when she appears is CLAIRE STANSFIELD, known as Alti. Our audiences just love her "look" that is so unexpected after seeing her on television as the character. We were also surprised when a fan asked her to autograph a collectors card from The X-Files and it turned out she guest-starred on that show as well. Claire has some hilarious stories to tell, and has been a warm and wonderful addition to our guest line-ups around the country. | 
Lucy Lawless and Claire Stansfield |
| Another cool moment was the appearance of the stars of YOUNG HERCULES (Ryan Gosling, Dean O'Gorman, and Chris Conrad) Unfortunately the series was not picked up, probably the victim of network politics rather than a reflection of the ratings or quality of the show (which we think far exceeded that of its schedule neighbors and competition). |
 The Stars of Young Hercules |
 Ryan Gosling works the crowd! |
 Ryan poses with some fans |
It is obvious that this trio
of young stars are destined for big futures, judging by the way they "worked"
the crowds and signed autographs for hours each day. Ryan (ex of The New
Mickey Mouse Club) brought a video camera and was shooting backstage to
show family and friends what was going on. 
The three were hysterical watching
the Young Herc blooper reels on our television monitor backstage, punching
each other when one of their mistakes were shown. It seemed like they really
had a great time shooting the show and catching up with Kevin Sorbo as pictured.
|
| KARL URBAN (Caesar and Cupid) is always a fun guest and this time was no exception. We never know what color his hair will be when he shows up or what crazy thing he'll do for the audience (like showing his underwear to the crowd this time!!) |  Karl Urban |
| We always like to have production talent as part of the presentation at the big show and Xena editor Robert Field never fails to provide an enjoyable show, with exclusive footage. Co-Executive Producer Steve Sears also joined the fun, and backstage, boss of bosses Rob Tapert made the scene. | |
 Steve Sears |
 Rob Tapert and Robert Field |
| Saturday was highlighted by the appearance of KEVIN SORBO returning to our stages. We first met Kevin very early on before Hercules became the international sensation it is, when we had him as a guest at our annual Star Trek Grand Slam Convention (we always focus a panel on a hot new series and Herc was our choice that year). It was great to see Kevin so enthusiastic about the current season of Herc and he was generous in praising his writers for the scripts they were doing. | |
| Although the Hercules series is wrapping up, we wish Kevin great success as he continues in the science fiction genre in a new series based upon the work of another past Creation favorite, Gene Roddenberry. Gene made many appearances for us, including his last poignant one celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Star Trek, reuniting the entire original cast. It is one of our fondest memories. |  Kevin Sorbo |
| Sunday, of course, was the day that LUCY LAWLESS was with us, and anticipation was running hot! The convention was sold out (3,000 plus!) and once again we had to turn away tearful customers who wanted in. Lucy energized both backstage (as you can see from the photos), which was bursting with execs and friends, and of course, the huge crowd. As always, she was a dynamic presence on stage, demonstrating talent and the indescribable "it" that creates superstars. |
 |
 Lucy Lawless |
| PEOPLE Magazine covered the backstage area by gathering a group of costumed fans to surround Lucy for a photo op. |  |
| The convention finale featured a stage full of costume contestants: Wow! Oh, and the no-minimum auctions were quick and furious, with special charity items, including Xena's sword which sold for $31,000. This money went to a fantastic charity that many Creation staffers work very hard for all year: The Hollywood Horse Show Charities, which helps disadvantaged and physically challenged youngsters. Founded by William Shatner, all funds raised go directly to the kids' activities and help. Thank you to all who bid for this item, and of course, the eventual winner. | |
And then, with Sunday Night upon us, fans drifted off, hopefully filled with memories of a fun two days. Until next year, thanks to all who attended: we appreciate your continued support of this annual event! |
 Deborah Abbott Costume contest winner 1/23/99 Austin, TX |
 |
PHOTO CREDITS: KENT YEE and WENDY SPARKS |
|
|
|
