YOUR GUIDE: Monster-Mania 19 comes to New Jersey, Aug. 19-21

Horror fans in the Philadelphia area should get ready for a frighteningly good time at the 19th installment of the Monster-Mania convention. Held Friday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 21 at the New Jersey Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, N.J., the three-day event promises to excite genre fans with appearances by a multitude of celebrities.

Headlining the event is Carey Elwes, best known for his work in Saw, The Princess Bride and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Sam Trammell, better known as Sam Merlotte from HBO’s successful series, True Blood. The two actors will likely command the largest lines at the convention, so plan accordingly.

Fans of The Crow will get to enjoy a cast reunion featuring Tony Todd, Michael Masse, Laurence Mason, Rochelle Davis and Ernie Hudson. Monster-Mania has always stressed cast reunions over its many years running conventions in New Jersey and Maryland.

In addition to The Crow, there will be gatherings of actors from The Walking Dead, Ghostbusters, Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (including appearances by Gil Gerard, Erin Gray, Thom Christopher, Sam J. Jones and Melody Anderson).

Lance Henriksen, of Millennium and Aliens, will sign his autobiography, while Casper Van Dien, of Starship Troopers, will greet fans.

In the horror department, a special guest is Joe Turkel, best remembered for his iconic roles in The Shining and Blade Runner. Also on hand will be Tony Cecere who played Ghostface in Scream and Scream 2. Rounding out the celebrities are Chris Sarandon, Danielle Harris, Lloyd Kaufman, Edward Furlong and Ted Raimi.

Michael Madsen was scheduled to appear, but recently canceled.

Monster-Mania offers reasonable ticket prices for a convention. If you plan on attending just one day, then expect to pay $20-$25. If you attend two or three days, better go for the weekend pass at $50. For a few more clams, fans can gain access to the voluminous vendors room an hour ahead of the crowds.

The vendors room at Monster-Mania cons strays sharply into the horror genre. Dealers will offer rare collectibles, movie posters, T-shirts and DVDs. Expect a few oddities among the bunch as well; this is a horror-movie convention after all.

If you dream about meeting either Carey Elwes or Sam Trammell, consider the VIP package. For $200, you get a weekend pass with early admission on Friday and Saturday, one guaranteed autograph, one photo with the celebrity, admittance to a VIP party on Friday night, reserved seating in the main room and film room and a Monster-Mania T-shirt. If you want a double VIP package for both actors, expect to pay $300.

Tickets are sold at the door.

There will be several Q&A sessions throughout the weekend, plus movie screenings. From My Bloody Valentine to The Crow to Rob Zombie’s Halloween, the event schedule is filled with horror delights. Saturday night will feature a screening and performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, plus a tribute to Brandon Lee.

Monster-Mania 19 will take place at the New Jersey Crowne Plaza Hotel at 2349 West Marlton Pike in Cherry Hill. The convention is open on Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The largest crowds should pack the hotel on Saturday.

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