NJ’s Monster Mania to feature Carrie Fisher, Malcolm McDowell, George A. Romero
The upcoming Monster Mania convention in Cherry Hill, N.J., promises to be one of the most celebrity-packed events in recent Garden State history. The number of big genre names is astounding.
Carre Fisher, who appeared at last year’s New York Comic Con, will visit the convention all three days. The actress, most famous for her portrayal as Princess Leia in the Star Wars films, will offer autographs to regular ticket holders and VIPs ($230 or $299 with a photo op).
Also stopping by is the grandfather of the zombie flick: George A. Romero. The director of the original Night of the Living Dead is believed to be making his final Monster Mania appearance. Regular ticket holders can snag a scribble, and there are VIP tickets available for $215.
For the adventurous (and rich), double VIP passes for Fisher and Romero are available for $400.
Other celebrities include Christopher Lloyd, Danny Glover and Malcolm McDowell. For many horror or sci-fi conventions, having one of these top five names would be enough to sell tickets. To have so much talent on the schedule, this may be one of the top-rated Monster Mania conventions in some time.
Fans of Syfy’s Being Human will be able to meet Sam Witwer (also from the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica), Meaghan Rath and Sam Huntington. True Blood’s Jessica Clark will sign autographs, plus Claire Coffee, The Walking Dead’s Chandler Riggs, Gary Busey and Dick Warlock.
Fans can also expect reunions of cast members from Willard and Evil Dead. Rare appearances by Terry Kiser from Weekend at Bernie’s and A League of Their Own’s Lori Petty round out the list. Film screenings related to the celebrities in attendance run regularly in the ballrooms.
The three-day event, scheduled for Aug. 16-18 at the Cherry Hill Crowne Plaza Hotel, costs $20-$25 per day, or $50 for the weekend. VIP passes include admission. Arrive early for the best parking options.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
