A Kingdom by the Sea (Beauty and the Beast convention)

Convention
Name:	A Kingdom by the Sea
Dates:	1996 (Norfolk, VA), 1999 (Orlando, FL), 2002 (Orlando, FL)
Frequency:
Location:	Norfolk, VA
Type:	fan con with guests from the show
Focus:	Beauty and the Beast
Organization:
Founder:
Founding Date:	cited here
URL:
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A Kingdom by the Sea was a series of three Beauty and the Beast (TV) conventions.

The first one was held in Norfolk, VA. The second two were held in Orlando, FL.

Part of a Series

These cons were part of an organized series of annual national Beauty and the Beast fan gatherings held in North America.

1996

a flyer for 1996

convention shirt

A Kingdom by the Sea was a Beauty and the Beast convention that was held July 12-14, 1996 in Norfolk, VA.

It was sponsored by Lyn Musacchio and the Dreamseekers Fan Club of Virginia.

The event was subtitled: A Romantic Celebration. Photos, memories and videos can be found here and here. During the charity auction CABB raised $1600 for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The convention charity raised $4,500 for the Samaritan House.

The convention also published a con zine under the same name: A Kingdom by the Sea.

The 1996 Beauty and the Beast Fan Quality Awards were presented here.

The convention dealt with the ongoing Beauty and the Beast Classic Wars by announcing the following in Of Love and Hope #3:

For the conzine, guidelines have already been mailed to many writers and artists, and anyone is free to submit. Stories are to be Classic, with a romantic focus, up to an R rating......The art room and dealers' room, however, have as the only restriction that the material be B&B related: it need not be Classic to be displayed. And panels and other activities are planned for those of us who enjoy 3rd season, although the con's overall theme and orientation (like those of all other previous cons) is Classic. This, Nan has on the authority of Trisha Kehoe, in charge of the conzine and the dealers' room, and of Lyn herself. Pay no attention to any hurtful rumors to the contrary.

The rumors persisted, prompting another letter to "Of Love and Hope"#3 :

In other convention-related news, there's been concern in the fandom that, given the preferences of the convention's organizers, A Kingdom by the Sea would be militantly and exclusively Classic, with no others welcome. Definitively, that is not so, Lyn assures us. True, the conzine will be all-Classic, but so have all other conzines in the past. The dealers' room will be all-season, with the only requirement that at least some of the merchandise displayed be B&B-related. The art room's sole requirement is that it be B&B related. All-season and even R-rated art is welcome. There will be third-season oriented panels and events (Nan was invited to organize two such panels, and gladly accepted.) This is the convention's policy, and it will be adhered to. Ignore any rumors you hear to the contrary. And several people have conveyed to us worries that only Classic zines, stories, and artwork would be considered for awards at the convention. Nan checked with Lyn, and that plain isn't true. And Nan says, enough, already! At the moment, she can't imagine how else somebody could suspect or accuse the con committee of season bigotry, but undoubtedly someone will. This is an all-season convention, like all those before it. Period. Can we just accept that and give the rumor mill a rest for awhile?

From Helper's Gazette:

In regard to the 1996 convention, Lyn Musacchio, one of the principal organizers, has repeatedly stated to Nan her (Lyn's) firm intention that that convention will be an all-season convention, one at which all fans will be welcome. In Nan's view, whether or not 3rd season guests are invited is immaterial: what convention, up to now, has had 3rd season guests? So what? Nan, an all-season fan herself, has enjoyed all the past conventions (she's missed only TunnelCon I) enormously, just the same, and felt comfortable and welcomed there by organizers and participants alike. The guests are not the issue; the atmosphere and scheduled events are. And Nan believes Lyn's assurances that all-season fans will find panels, artwork, and other convention events to interest and entertain them. It will, emphatically, NOT be a "Classic Only" event. If you hear to the contrary, know that the intention of the convention's organizers is to make the 1996 convention a fine gathering in the spirit of all those that have gone before, one at which everyone who loves Beauty and the Beast...any of it or all of it...will have a wonderful time.

1996: Convention Reports

The 1996 convention is now history. The good times had, the friendships renewed, the adventure of hurricane Bertha have become memories to be relived every time I look at the pictures. I had the pleasure and pain of being actually involved in the workings of a con and meeting and having a nice conversation with Linda Campanelli, a writer for 8&B. She consented to having a breakfast interview with us and was very open and friendly. I'm working on transcribing that interview now and hope to have it for the next issue. We also asked Jay Acavone and Catiin O'Heany and they consented but didn't have time at the con. We hope to send them a written Q&A form soon. If there are things you want me to as~, please forward your questions to The Crystal Rose and we'll do our best.

This year the newsletter and several of our contributing staff won Fan Choice and Art Awards. Speaking for myself, it meant a great deal to me to get that kind of feedback for my work. Writing is a lonely job. It's just you and that blank sheet of paper. At times I wonder if it is worth the work and the time that it requires. An occasional pat on the back like this reassures me that some people think it is.

But, to get to the part I will remember the most. I got to dress Vincent. That's right! I got to "handle" THE outfit.

The costumes on display this year included Catherine's ballgown from "Masques", the outfit we most associate with Vincent minus the cape, along with costumes worn by Father, Mouse, Jamie, and Pascal. The infamous red dress worn by Catherine in "Dark Spirit" was also on display. Some interesting facts about that dress. It had a double. The scene involved the buttons being cut off so they used another. Originally, the splits went all the way up but Linda H. was self-conscious about showing her thighs so they sewed some of it back together.

Now, to the fun part. Paul Russell and I started with the Catherine mannequin. Mind you, these were nude scattered body parts that had to be dressed and put together and not necessarily in that order. Catherine's dress came in two parts. The top portion was fabric sewn onto a corset that snapped together. The dress was really tiny and gave me an idea of just how petite Linda really is. I have to confess to getting a little silly, though, especially when we had to get under the dress and strap Catherine's -- you know -- to the stand and then stuff the top part of the dress.

After Catherine was dressed, I got to help with Vincent. We had some major problems with him and had to improvise. Yes ladies. I helped pull on his pants, put on his shoes, and tie the laces around those legs. We found that the mannequin was not as big as Ron so we had to tape the pants to the mannequin then put the torso over the tape. That wonderfully soft sweater with the fabulous sleeves actually zips up the back. Designed that way, I'm sure, so that Ron wouldn't ruin his makeup when he dressed. After struggling with the arms to get that on, we stood back to admire our handiwork. I noticed something was missing -- the vest. You remember the one that laces in the front? That quilted and padded gray vest had to be put on so we had to remove the arms and start again. Once that was in place we put the leather belt on. That was when it hit me. This was Vincent's costume. Ron had worn it regularly on the show, Linda had leaned into and hugged him with it on, and we fans had drooled over it.

The costumes really came together once Catherine's feathered owl mask had been put on and Vincent's wig and mask had been placed. As you can see in the pictures, the effect was stunning. Ron and Linda weren't modeling them but being able to see the outfits and touch them was the next best thing.

The con was a busy one for us and we were all exhausted when it ended. The memories, however, are forever. In other words, I had a blast!

The New Jersey group did Vincent's Chamber and the V & C silhouette. The Chesapeake's Helpers did the tunnel into the dining room and the DreamSeekers did everything else."

[On offering advice to a new convention attendee]:

I don't know if this info will help or hurt you in your preparation for the con but: I had some stuff on Lynette Combs' table last year, just 10 minutes before the con closed on Sunday a lady came by and bought $500 worth of stuff - fanzines, jewelry, and art. And one girl on our table made $1400 . Some people spend lots of money at the conventions. Not me, - I don't have it. But if I did all the dealers would go home with empty boxes. : )

My second favorite part of the con (after meeting the other fans) is the art show. Now I can draw a little but nothing like Sandy C. Shelton, Claire Sieffert [sic] and Jamie "Myhr" Murray. Do you remember Claire's 'Vincent on the Staircase' painting last year? God, it was great! I couldn't afford to buy the original but I got a photo that she sells of her art work. And did everyone lift Vincent's towel on the little Vincent statue? It was anatomically correct. The life size Vincent doll was cute. My husband loved helping in the art show and went crazy over Chandler's art work. And he and Claire may have a surprise for y'all at the 98 con.

Does anyone else think it's a good idea to give "virgin " convention goers a clue as to what things cost at the cons? Like the average cost of fanzines, art work, food, photos of stars, photos of art work, t-shirts, rubber stamps, etc.

At my first con I had paid for the tickets and room in advance but due to some nastiness from my roommate I left for the con with $30 in my pocket, that was mainly for food. I didn't get to buy anything but I still had a great time, meeting the other fans, working at the con, seeing the stars, got to see Ron Perlman late Saturday night wandering the hall of the hotel in ratty shorts and a cigar. My photos were my souvenirs, every week for months I brought 2 rolls of film. I left for the con with 22 rolls, had 3 left when I got home.

Last year was my first convention and I just couldn't get over all the stuff to be had! I mean, there are a lot of really talented people out there in this fandom! I also was quite impressed with Claire's [sic] artwork and didn't bring nearly enough money to buy any of her original paintings, but like you, grabbed up a few of her (8X10) prints. I think they were about $6 or $7 each. I got the one of Vincent on the staircase in the Chamber of the Winds, but my favorite was one of the Vincent portraits. It looked like an actual photo rather than a painting, it was THAT good! Damn, I missed the anatomically correct Vincent statue in the art show!! I think I wandered through the art room (Kristopher Gentian's Studio) at least three or four times while drooling on my bib! Anyway, I mostly bought zines which make for excellent reading on the trip home (if you can save them without reading them for that long). I saw new zines anywhere from $15 to $25 (averaging about $18-20???). Used zines, of course, are quite a bit less (look for boxes full of used zines under the dealers' tables.) Folks, your cash will be gone in the blink of any eye because you will want a little of everything. Food suddenly becomes unimportant (gee, breakfast and lunch? or a zine? Hmmmm. Tough decision!) Here's an idea: Pack your extra zine suitcase full of snacks, eat them all during the con, then you'll have room for your loot on the way home! I don't think I'll mention how much stuff goes for in the art auction. It will blow you away.

To put it simply, I had a blast at the 1996 "Beauty and the Beast" con in Norfolk, Virginia. This was one of the most well-planned, creative and successful cons in our fandom's history. It's difficult to formulate a report since there's so much fun to describe. Among the many aspects which made it such a terrific event were the abundant, stunning decorations, the lively sense of tunnel-fandom community, the smooth progression of scheduled activities and the addition of new and clever features. Even the hotel setting, on the banks of the busy Elizabeth river and next to a fabulous mall, was a treat. Many of us had private balconies where we could watch the Navy ships, tourist vessels and tug boats carry on their duties--including transferring out to sea away from the hurricane. Bertha did hit Norfolk with wild rain that obscured the view mere feet in front of our windows, but we were all safely inside the sturdy building and weren't inclined to leave the con anyway.

I believe there were about 300 participants, much less than at previous cons, yet this core group of enthusiastic fans created enough of a friendly party atmosphere to make it seem perfect. We were able to have reunions again with dear friends, some of whom we've known since TunnelCon I. Perhaps just as thrilling, though, was the chance to have face to face meetings with our cyberspace buddies. Having the unique chance to communicate daily with various fans via e-mail has solidified a family feeling among us. Several met for the first time in Norfolk, in person, to exchange hugs and smiles with those whose names and words have become so familiar. We have each other. In this fandom we have little else since the long-hoped-for movie is still a vague promise from Republic. (No representatives attended, but a letter was read which spoke of their remembrance of Vincent and Catherine and the dream.)

Of course it's exciting to have stars and staff from the show present, but truthfully, I've always enjoyed the chance to sit with friends and laugh, talk and goof off. That's the best part of any con. There were so many times during the weekend when groups of people would sit on the patio, crowd in the lobby, gather around a dealers table, walk through the mall, share a meal--these are the memorable moments for me--the most treasured times of a con. Discussions varied from serious to silly, from fandom-related to real life. It was all so wonderful.

I did participate in the Fandom in Cyberspace panel. Lisa Howard arranged for this and did a great job. The updated booklet was fantastic. Eric Tullis spoke about the web page and the e-mail digest "Of Love and Hope", Becky Bain and I filled in information about AOL and Genie, and Aurea Andino spoke about newsgroups, mailing lists and other internet features. Sandy C. Shelton told the folks about IRC (Internet Relay Chat). There were lots of questions and answers and fun. If it weren't for the common ground of cyberspace, I doubt that fandom would be as unified as it is now. Cyberspace buddies build bridges across fandom philosophies and I am certain that the efforts of Lisa, Eric and Aurea have created this current level of cooperation and understanding. It isn't an easy road, but we've done well.

The entire con venue was filled at every turn with clever and unique decorations which sparked a distinct tunnel feeling. There was a tunnel entrance into the Great Hall, Vincent's chamber, Crystal Cavern, a shimmering blue waterfall, a city street complete with newsstand, a romantic Vincent and Catherine embrace, a Central Park Drive-Through traffic sign, a sheltered park cove with our lovers hidden in the trees, a Hollywood-style spiral photo mural looking like a giant roll of film unwound, and more. The stage backdrop was a huge city and bridge photo with real twinkling lights. I must report the special delight I felt when, upon exiting the elevator on the first floor early Monday morning, I saw a wonderful Vincent mannequin sitting in the lobby holding a rose in his palm, ready to bid adieu to the departing guests. That was classy.

One of my favorite activities was a caption contest. About 20 photographs were displayed on a wall and fans were asked to write captions below on a large lined paper. One showed Catherine and Vincent in Chinatown--my favorite caption was "So this is what's at the bottom of the Abyss." Another had Linda Hamilton in her Terminator garb, holding a huge gun. "So, who did you say this red head is?" Another was a picture of a demure looking Catherine in the tunnel passageway. "Oh, Vincent, I have something to show you." You get the idea, it was great fun reading everyone's ideas and adding a few of my own.

My favorite place is the dealers room. I get to sit in one place and visit and socialize with everyone as they come by. Sales were fantastic. I ended up selling every single fanzine I had brought with me and then took lots of mail orders. The continued enthusiasm for "Bondstories" was apparent, most people picked up the two new volumes without stopping to evaluate them by scanning through--they just bought them and said they were confident the quality was there, as always. (Blush, blush, beam, beam!) Oh, "Bondstories IX" won 2nd prize in the anthology category and "Classic Connection" won 3rd prize in the letterzine/newsletter category. It was a treat to get the certificates (and a hug from David Greenlee and Jay Acovone as they handed the certificates to me.)

Not many people had new fanzines available this year. That was a shame. I believe plans are better for next year among the publishers. The CABB auction items were certainly the most inspired. See separate report from those ladies. There were the usual things at the other tables of course, plus stained glass and jewelry dealers. A new item which was quite attractive, was a pin--a little wooden book, with a quote, a crystal and a red and white rose. Very nice. The 1997 con group from Minnesota had this on their table.

I registered for that con, called Reflections (of ten years). They had a video tape ad for their con played at the banquet on Saturday evening. I fully support including film clips of all the actors, even though I didn't really enjoy seeing the two Diana clips, it was fair to have them in the tape. However, I was pretty turned off (that's mildly stated) by two clips: the Roy Dotrice clip where he recites a poem which refers to dead Catherine (a poem I've hated since I first heard it) and the difficult-to-mention- without-gagging clip showing dead Catherine looking over Vincent's shoulder. Those two graphic reminders that part of fandom believes Catherine died were nearly enough to make me reconsider attending the 1997 con. If I must be forced to see that kind of thing in the con's activities, I'm not likely to feel comfortable. (That, also, is mildly put.)

It is fair to have all seasons represented and celebrated because they are a part of fandom and the ten years of "Beauty and the Beast." But think of the example of restaurants and how they've changed their atmosphere to please everyone. I always ask for the "No Smoking room"--I need and want to breathe smoke-free air and if smoke enters my lungs and tears my eyes, I feel annoyed and ill.

So, I hope that the Reflections con can arrange a "no third season atmosphere" for me at their con, I do not want to inhale what will make me ill I want them to arrange for a "third season atmosphere" for those who enjoy that. The trick is to pull it off to please both, I believe it can be done.

Getting back to Norfolk--what else can I say but that a lot of fun was had, a lot of money was raised for charity and an immense energy filled with love and fellowship was floating about the entire area all weekend. I hope to see everyone next year. In the months ahead, we can all keep in touch, via e-mail, letters, phone calls--keep the dream alive for each other. Be Well.

May I at once say that it was everything I thought it would be and more! The hotel was on the waterfront with all the navy ships and smaller boats, anchored nearby. Like everyone else visiting Virginia for the first time, we both found the heat and humidity almost too much to cope with, but thank goodness for the hotel air-conditioning, which was a real life-saver!

There was a full programme of events - Q&A., Charity Auction, Art and Talent Competitions, Fancy Dress, and of course another superb Banquet. Jamie Murray and Myhr had been invited to MC the proceedings and I have to say, as usual, Myhr was in his element! It was truly magical to meet some of the guests. Jay Acovone, Caitlin O'Heaney, David Schwartz and dear David Greenlee, the whole weekend was certainly a fun packed experience.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organisers and every single person involved in arranging "A Kingdom By The Sea", who through their hard work made it possible for us to meet again. Over the coming months we shall all be able to relive all those happy moments, again and again.

1999

A Kingdom by the Sea Revisited was a Beauty and the Beast convention that was held in 1999 in Orlando, Florida.

tote bag for the 1999 convention

It was subtitled, "The Romance Continues."

The convention also published a con zine under the same name: A Kingdom by the Sea.

1999: Dealer's Room

From the online flyer posted to volume 5 Of Love and Hope:

"There will be at least twenty-five dealers tables this year with an abundance of merchandise to choose. Many of the dealers will be familiar to us and others we have not seen for a while. To name drop a few of the dealers, Clare Sieffert, JoAnn Grant, and Sandy P. Shelton will have tables this year as well as Sandy C. Shelton and Trish Kehoe. The LA group have purchased two tables and so has Stu and Debbie Shef and CABB. Ann Brown will also have a table this year; she has not attended a convention for a few years. All of these people have never failed to offer tempting merchandise. I'm sure everyone that visits this years dealer's room will walk away with a smile on their face. There will also be the two convention tables. One will have 99 con merchandise and the other one "The Table of Hidden Treasures", will have items form our tunnel family that have been donated so others may enjoy. The items that have so generously been given to me range form fanzines, posters, photocopied scripts, pictures of Vincent and Catherine, t-shirts, two pewter Vincents, and many many more items. Many of the items are no longer available and will be precious treats for some lucky people. Proceeds of this table go to the convention's charity, the American Cancer Society."

1999: Convention Reports

A convention report can be found here. Additional photos, memories and videos are archived here.

2002

con shirt

the 2002 art on a poster

A Kingdom by the Sea was a Beauty and the Beast convention that was held in 2002 in Orlando, FL. The event was subtitled: A Celebration of Love. The convention was also referred to as "A Kingdom by the Sea III".

The convention logo was designed by Clare Sieffert. The convention also published a con zine under the same name: A Kingdom by the Sea.

WayBack link to convention website

2002: Programming

Friday

• 9:30 - 12 opening ceremony
• 12:00 tunnelclothes from odds and ends
• 1:00 scrapbooking
• 2:00 puppeteering
• 3 - 5 talent practice
• 7:30 - 10 costume festivities & talent presentations

Saturday

• 9:30 Beast Bingo
• 10:30 Celebrity Q&A
• 11:30 Who wants to be a Beastiaire
• 1:00 2003 Convention
• 1:30 Tshirt
• 2:30 Sculpturing
• 3:30 Band of Angels
• 4:30 Autographs
• 6:30 Summerfest Ceremony
• 7:00 Banquet
• 10:30 Celebrity Auction

Sunday

• 9:30 - 12 Celebrity Brunch
• 12:30 - 3 Art Auction
• 5:00 Breakdown and pack up
• 6:30 - 8 Pizza Party

2002: Convention Reports

Photos, convention reports and other memories are archived here.[1]