PREVIEW: ‘Stranger Things’ actors travel from Hawkins to NJ this weekend
Stranger Things is a cultural phenomenon that deserves its many accolades and legions of fans. The successful Netflix series, which has completed two seasons so far, has left an indelible mark on fan culture — everything from Halloween costumes to a renewed love for Dungeons & Dragons.
Now fanboys and fangirls can spend time with the actors who bring this sci-fi classic to life. Creation Entertainment will host Stranger Con June 30 to July 1 at the Hilton Parsippany in Parsippany, New Jersey.
Admission tickets sold out faster than eating an Eggo waffle, but fans should rejoice, Stranger Con is coming back to New Jersey in May 2019. Even better, check out Creation’s Stranger Con later this year, Nov. 10-11, in Nashville.
At this weekend’s event, the headliner is clearly Millie Bobby Brown, the excellent actress who plays Eleven on the series. She will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures on Sunday, July 1. Joining her that day will be Noah Schnapp (Will Byers).
Saturday’s entertainment will feature Joe Chrest (Ted Wheeler) and Carla Buono (Karen Wheeler), plus Shannon Purser (Barbara “Barb” Holland) and Mark Steger (the Demogorgon himself!). Unfortunately Joe Keery and Brett Gelman had to cancel their appearances.
For those attendees who are new to Creation Entertainment, here’s the lowdown. The cons are fun and different than other fan experiences. For starters, if a person has a ticket, then they have a seat in the main ballroom. This means the programming is not simply set aside for VIPs or those who line up early in the morning. Everyone has a seat, either reserved or general admission.
Expect crowds to be packed into the Hilton Parsippany all weekend, but especially for Brown’s and Schnapp’s appearances on Sunday. There will be a vendors area, usually chockfull with genre goodies and merchandise. Remember: Celebrities at Creation Entertainment events don’t typically have items on the table, so fans need to bring an item to be signed. There are usually glossy 8x10s available for a nominal fee.
Autograph prices run from $20 to $85. Unfortunately Brown’s and Schnapp’s autographs are already sold out.
Photo ops run from $40 to $199. Unfortunately Brown and Schnapp’s duo photo op is sold out, but everyone else is still available (including Brown and Schnapp alone).
Other events throughout the weekend are posted on the Creation Entertainment website, and they include a costume contest, auctions (usually for autographed photos) and karaoke. There are also exclusive panels for gold ticket buyers.
The weekend promises to be fun, nostalgic and strange.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Stranger Con runs June 30 to July 1 at the Hilton Parsippany in Parsippany, New Jersey. Click here for more information.
