Space's famous faces, all in one place
What catastrophic cosmic event could bring Cmdr. William T. Riker, Counselor Deanna Troi, Capt. Kara Thrace -- a k a Starbuck -- and intergalactic bounty hunter Boba Fett together in one place?
While it's nothing as exciting as a rift in the space-time continuum or a visit from Q, Creation Entertainment's convention for fans of "Star Trek," "Star Wars" and "Battlestar Galactica" should provide sci-fi fans with a thrilling weekend.
The stars that bring the iconic characters to life will appear at Q&A sessions for the event, which opens today at the Wyndham O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont. Fans can also attend a Saturday evening dessert party with Marina Sirtis (Troi) and Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) for $55, or enjoy Sunday breakfast with "Battlestar Galactica's" Katee Sackhoff (Starbuck) and Tahmoh Penikett (Helo) for $75.
But sci-fi conventions aren't just about rubbing elbows with celebrities -- they're about dressing up as your favorite character and meeting others who share your obsession. If you think your Cmdr. Worf uniform or Queen Amidala dress is a real work of art, you can enter the costume contest Saturday for a chance to win a $500 Creation gift certificate.
You can spend that certificate on Creation's new items commemorating "Star Trek: The Next Generation's" 20th anniversary. The shopping doesn't stop there -- another highlight of any sci-fi convention is the dealer room, where collectors offer up everything from action figures to lunchboxes.
If you're looking for a more highbrow experience, you can take in the lecture entitled "Star Trek & Star Wars Fans: An Analysis," which Creation boasts is based on a study of more than 8,000 sci-fi fans from across the globe, and promises to shatter the stereotypes. (If you still live in your mother's basement, this program might not be your favorite.)
Other programs include panel discussions on a documentary about "Star Wars" fans and "Alias" guru J.J. Abrams's new take on "Star Trek," which comes to theaters Christmas 2008.
For a full schedule of events, visit Creation Entertainment's Web site at www.creationent.com/cal/stchi.htm.
Creation Salutes "Star Trek," "Star Wars" and "Battlestar Galactica"
Where: Wyndham O'Hare Hotel, 6810 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont
When: Today, Saturday and Sunday; events begin at 2 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday
Who: Scheduled appearances by "Star Trek" actors Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis; "Battlestar Galactica" actors Katee Sackhoff and Tahmoh Penikett; and "Star Wars" actor Jeremy Bulloch
Tickets: Single-day general admission $20-$25; weekend general admission $69; additional charges for preferred seating at celebrity appearances. Kids 6 to 12 pay $15 at the door; kids under 6 get in free
For more information: Visit www.creationent.com/cal/stchi.htm