YOUR GUIDE: Leonard Nimoy says final goodbye to ‘Star Trek’ fans at Chicago convention
The time has arrived.
Leonard Nimoy is set to hang up the pointy ears and leave the iconic character of Mr. Spock to the history books. The octogenarian actor will appear in his final convention appearance this weekend at Chicago’s Westin O’Hare Hotel. The legendary performer, who has also carved out a successful photography career, has publicly stated that he’s getting ready to retire. This is your last chance to meet an American icon.
If you haven’t already purchased tickets for Creation Entertainment’s three-day event, you’re mostly out of luck. Weekend packages are sold out, as are single-day tickets on Saturday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, Oct. 2, the two days Nimoy will appear. Star Trek enthusiasts can still attend on Friday, Sept. 30, but their access will be limited to just one day.
So, you’re sold out … is that really it? Did you miss the last chance to catch Nimoy in person? Unfortunately it appears so. You’re going to need to befriend a fellow fan with an extra ticket to get into the Westin on Saturday and Sunday. Creation has occasionally opened last-minute tickets, but there’s no guarantee.
Believe it or not, there is a host of other events going on at the Official Star Trek Convention. On Friday, fans will have the chance to meet and greet Dominic Keating and Connor Trinneer, both of Star Trek: Enterprise. If you haven’t seen a discussion with these two actors, you’re in for a treat. Their R-rated comedy routine is hilarious and a must-see.
Other Friday highlights include Trek expect Richard Arnold’s 45th anniversary presentation, a Q&A session with Morgan Gendel, writer of the famous Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, “The Inner Light,” and a no-minimum-bid auction. Friday, which will have lighter crowds, will also be a great time to visit the vendors room. Expect to score deals on rare memorabilia, action figures, autographs, replicas, T-shirts, mugs, trading cards and the like.
Saturday will see appearances by Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura from Star Trek: The Original Series), writer Brannon Braga (who will also talk about FOX’s new series, Terra Nova), Brent Spiner (Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Jonathan Frakes (Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation). Other highlights include Nimoy’s photography seminar (priced at $199, and tickets are still available), a discussion of “alternate” Trek storylines, a costume contest and another no-minimum-bid auction. Note: Although you can still buy a ticket to the photography seminar, you’re going to need an admission ticket to the convention (and these admission tickets are sold out).
Sunday is the big day. Besides Nimoy’s final appearance, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Rene Auberjonois and Nana Visitor will take questions from the audience and offer their spoken-word piece, Cross Your Hearts.
Also, throughout the weekend, fans can meet Original Series guest stars, Arlene Martel, Garth Pillsbury and Sean Kenney.
Several weekend packages include autographs with the celebrities. For those looking for separate autograph tickets, here are the costs: Nimoy will charge $75, but his tickets are already sold out; Nichols asks for $30; and everyone else is $20. For Creation Entertainment newbies, most celebrities at these conventions require that fans bring their own item to have signed. If you don’t have anything appropriate, no worries. There will be plenty of merchandise, including 8×10 glossy photos, available in the vendors room.
Note: On rare occasions, Creation is able to open a few extra autograph tickets for sold-out celebrities.
Photo ops with Nimoy, priced at $75, are sold out. Most of the other celebrities charge anywhere from $40-$45, or try a duo shot, which typically costs $75 and creates a better memory.
If you’re attending for the first time on Saturday or Sunday, plan to arrive early to pick up your tickets. Lines shouldn’t be as long as the recent Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, but the crowds will definitely be in full force. When you arrive, be sure to pick up a schedule of events for specific autograph, photo op and Q&A times. If you miss your scheduled time, you may be out of luck. Note: Spiner, Frakes and De Lancie will all sign at various times in the vendors room. It’s better to get these autographs earlier in the day.
Will you get a guaranteed seat in the convention auditorium? Yes. Unlike many other conventions, Creation Entertainment does not over-sell the venue. If you have a ticket, even a general-admission ticket, you are guaranteed a seat, even for Nimoy’s final appearance.
Still photography is allowed; however, be mindful that video recording may be prohibited.
If you’re sold out for this event, and you’re all bummed, don’t fret the small stuff. The Official Star Trek Convention will be back in Chicago, Oct. 19-21, 2012.
Dear Mr. Nimoy: Live long and prosper in retirement!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com