The International Beauty and the Beast Convention
| Convention | |
|---|---|
| Name: | The International Beauty and the Beast Convention |
| Dates: | May 4-5, 1991 |
| Frequency: | |
| Location: | New York, NY |
| Type: | |
| Focus: | Beauty and the Beast (TV) |
| Organization: | |
| Founder: | |
| Founding Date: | |
| URL: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The International Beauty and the Beast Convention was the last Creation Con with a 100% Beauty and the Beast (TV) focus/presence.
It was held at the Penta Hotel in New York City, and some fans refer to it as the "Penta Con."
The celebrity guests of honor were Roy Dotrice ("Father"), James Avery ("Winslow"), Irina Irvine ("Jamie"), and series writers Linda Campanelli and Shelly Moore.
The fan guests of honor were Sharon Wells and Kay Simon.
The programming was by Barbara Storey.
Much fan labor was utilized which was for some fans exhilarating as well a reason for jealousy and strife regarding BNFs, privilege, and access to celebrities.
Creation Con also scheduled this con very close to the fan-run con, South of Oz, something that caused tension.
Tensions were also running high regarding The Beauty and the Beast Wars, and that spilled over into discourse.
Description
From a flyer:
It is the B & B event of the year and we hope you'll make the scene... It is an all BEAUTY AND THE BEAST weekend: with guest stars on stage and autographing, dealers from around the nation (we are gonna have a huge dealers room with fanzines, posters, artwork, T-shirts, jewelry, hand made stuff, prints, photos etc, etc!), an array of programming covering all B and B aspects, special videos, an art show and auction, a costume contests, panels on how to organize a fan club, a giant trivia contest, a slide tour of favorite B and B spots in NY and Central Park, Acting Sketches, a zine-reading room, and so much more. Our programming is being organized by BARBARA STOREY of Tunnels fanzine and if you are interested in participating in the program, costume and art shows please write Barbara at [address redacted]. Remember our entire program is Beauty and The Beast: so if you have any ideas please let Barbara know!
Tickets for the convention are $15 daily, $25 for the weekend in advance. Send fees to CREATION, 145 JERICHO TURNPIKE. MINEOLA, NEW YORK 11501. You may also order tickets by phone using a MASTERCARD OR VISA: call toll free (800)T.V. ALIVE during 10:30am to 5pm weekdays. There is a $2 service charge far tickets ordered by phone. Tickets will be mailed to you. TICKETS may be purchased at the door for $18 daily.
If you are interested in purchasing a dealers table for the weekend, or if you wish to make hotel reservations at the PENTA please call us at (516) 746-9626 and we'll be happy to give you more information!
"Beast Bash" and a Play for Territory
A fan wrote:
Despite anything Creation may say to the contrary (and anyone receiving their mailouts will notice that their May "Beast Bash" is billed as "THE B&B Event of the Year"), the fact remains that South of Oz is the national Beauty and the Beast convention for 1991, and from what I understand, registrations are running behind. [1]
Because these two cons were held so close together, some fans had to make the decision to attend one over the other due to finances:
Con Reports
[comments by Barbara Storey, a fan who was one of the volunteer organizers for this for-profit con]:I did want to say a little about the Creation B&TB Con just past. For a while there, I was really panicking; the hotel had just recently changed hands, and had double-booked the space we were supposed to have, and Creation had to go looking for another ballroom -- all in the two weeks before the con! What we managed to come up with in terms of space was not ideal (at the Penta, dealers in one large room, along with arts how, and video and reading room down the hall, and a fair-sized ballroom for the guest appearances at another hotel two blocks down the street), and I had shin splints by the end of the weekend, but everyone I talked to told me they had a great time. None of the guests really had anything new to say, although they seemed as hopeful for the movie's future as we are; I'm hoping others will report more fully on what was said, since I was too busy running around to be able to listen to too much. I did hear Linda and Shelly say a couple of interesting things: one was that, if they had been in charge of negotiating with Linda at the end of the second season, they feel certain she never would have left the show; and two, they had wanted to be (but were unable to be) extras in the funeral scene in "Walk Slowly," so that someone from Catherine's world would have been represented there—it is true that everyone there to mourn her, except for Elliott, Joe, and Jenny, was from the tunnel world.
The art show went very well, in Sharon's very capable hands, and maybe we'll be able to expand on it in the future (don't hit me, Sharon!). Jane Freeman's miniature of Catherine's apartment/the set was a major success, and I was glad that people were finally able to see her work up dose and in the flesh. She is such a talented, special person—I love you, Jane, and I want to thank you for being willing to bring the miniature to the con (not an easy job). The actors and writers were amazed at the detail of her work—and stunned that she had never actually been to the set, since they said her representation was so accurate.
Because of the space problems, we were not able to do as much alternate programming as I would have liked (no panels, etc.), but we did have a video room at night, complete with an orgy of music-video-watching! Kim Taylor's versions of "Hungry Eyes" and "Uptown Girl" and (my favorite) "Right Here, Waiting For You" were all fantastic. I also want to thank Angie Patilla, Joyce Dietz, Dot Sconzo, Ellie Johnson, Sue Ellis, Gretchen Kopmanis, Cheryl Pollack, Helen Commodore, Randie Pressman, Syl vis Witt Fisher, and anyone else whose name I've forgotten for your invaluable help in the video room. Bless you all.
Sheila Kaminsky did a great presentation of her slides of New York City— someday I'll get to see them, Sheila! And I want to give a special thanks to Carol Cornicelli [3], who gave us all an unusual treat. Carol, a very talented actor/director/ make up artist/singer, took a story of mine from TUNNELS Vol.1 called "Unmasqued," and made a play out of it, which she presented for us on Saturday night. I can't tell you what a thrill it is to hear words that you have written being spoken and interpreted by another; it was a wonderful experience, and one I'll never forget. At the end of the play, "Vincent" and "Catherine" danced to 'The First Time I Loved Forever," and it was beautiful. I'm hoping that Carol will be able to recreate the event for us at St. Louis next summer.
There are so many people I wanted to thank and acknowledge, who helped to make the con a success, or who helped me to keep my sanity intact one way or another. JoAnne Miner, Jeannie Humphrey, Sue Krinard, Pamela Garrett, Sue Regan, all the Michigan contingent (and Gretchen, for a very particular reason, saved my skin), Lynette Combs, Lorie Freeman, Beverly Krieger, Jackie Gribbon, Elizabeth Helm—all as supportive as always, and as appreciated as ever. If I've forgotten anyone, it's only because my brain is going! Fandom wouldn't mean what it does to me if it weren't for all of you. And Sharon—as always, you're there, without even being asked, and I appreciate it more than I probably let you know. Thanks.
I appreciate Gary Berman and Adam Malin's faith in me for asking me to do this in the first place, and asking me to do it again in the future (not to mention the possibility of helping them with a Quantum Leap con at some point too—yikes!)— and thank you for the dozen long-stemmed roses I received after the con. That was verysweet. Linda Gomez (of Creation) was just great to work with, too. And last— though certainly not least—there is Vicky. "Thanks" is not even the right word where she is concerned. She's just the strength behind everything I do.
All in all, considering the problems, I think the con went well, and I look forward to improving on it in the future, when Creation decides to do it again. (Did I mention that Creation is going to be doing the calendar for next year?) [4]
Well, I just got back from Creation's B&TB con in New York, and I'm exhausted.
[snipped]
I enjoyed it overall. In spite of numerous obstacles that conspired to make life as difficult for Barbara as possible, such as a hotel that reneged on its obligations and a last-minute struggle for adequate space for con events. I think matters came out right in the end from the point of an attendee. I understand over 400 people attended one or both days, and thaf s pretty good. The dealer's room was a decent size, the videos (shown on several occasions) were wonderful, and the special play put on Saturday night was surprisingly good (and I put it that way only because I've seen a lot of con productions that were not nearly so successful). Though the space allotted to the art show was not what we might have hoped for, I was able to sell about 3/4 of my pieces for sale and came away pretty happy with the results. Knowing my work was appreciated made me feel just as good as the financial rewards.
I didn't attend much of the programming, but I very much enjoyed listening to James Avery — a charming speaker and talented actor, who also proclaimed his love of "Classic" B&TB—and Shelley Moore and Linda Campanelli, who proved to be just as entertaining as I'd anticipated. They confirmed much of what I already believed, and commented that they felt Linda Hamilton would not have left the show had they "been in charge" (exact working can be obtained from someone who taped it!)—something I believe entirely to be true. As women, they understood Ms. Hamilton's understandable dissatisfaction with the gradual weakening of her character and the failure of many of the male writers/producers to listen to a woman's viewpoint.
How sad it was, therefore, to find Ms. Moore and Ms. Campanelli's words rudely postscripted by a fan who took some of their comments amiss. As I and several of my friends listened from the rear of the auditorium, I the writers talked of how they, along with Linda Hamilton, had tried to keep Catherine's character true and strong; how they had objected to seeing Catherine walk out on Vincent during the "trilogy" instead of standing by him, which would have been in keeping with her character as established. The writers admitted that though they felt very strongly about this issue of Catherine's character, the male writers and producers "saw it differently." It was at this moment that a disgruntled fan charged down the aisle beside our group as we applauded, snarling "THEY were a lot smarter than YOU are!" At first I thought this comment was directed at our wildly applauding group, but later a friend told me the remark had been directed over the speaker's shoulder at the writers. Quite apart from the rudeness of this gesture, I have to take exception to the logic of the remark. If, indeed, the male writers were smarter in what they did than the woman writers, then why was the show cancelled? If the women writers and Linda Hamilton had been allowed some input, perhaps Linda Hamilton would have stayed on. If she had stayed on, the radical changes in Season Three might not have been necessary. Had they not been necessary, perhaps the show would not have alienated and lost millions of viewers (NOT just fans) each week. Had the show not lost so many viewers, perhaps it might not have been cancelled. Where, therefore, is the logic behind the argument that the male writers were necessarily smarter in keeping Catherine weak than the woman writers, who wanted to keep her strong? It seems the disgruntled fan was speaking from her own fears and not from any sort of logic.
Fortunately, there were not too many such incidents at the convention. One fan wore a "Bring Back Lou the Barber" T-shirt, apparently aimed at fans who desired Catherine's return. Quite amusing. I also had a brief discussion with several fans who wanted to know about my "boycott" of South of Oz. I tried to explain it, but I don't think I did a very good job of it; there are certain topics that are difficult to discuss because perceptions vary so widely. I won't rehash my reasons here once again, but it was clear from this discussion that there are still difficulties in communication however willing the participants. I left feeling quite depressed about the whole thing, I'll admit. I did receive a very nice compliment during the conversation. I was told that I really owed the fans the chance to see my art at South of Oz and really had no right to deprive them of it by failing to attend.
Speaking of art, we all heard a very interesting bit of news: across from the art show display was a table featuring some excellent media art prints, including one of Vincent sitting on a ledge, clasping the crystal rose, a tear escaping from his eye as a vision of Catherine hovers above him. Apparently this art caught the eye of Republic/CarolCo, who negotiated right to use this art in some promotion material of some sort or other. Their one specification: remove the tear. A further addendum to the news was that this all had something to do with THE MOVIE. Interesting, and possibly very significant... B&TB—and Vincent and Catherine—without tears.
Other observances: I was stunned by Jane Freeman's incredible miniature of Catherine's apartment perceived as a television set; what an incredible piece of work! All of her miniatures are good but this was her tour de force. The music videos, particularly those by Kim Taylor, moved many during the several showings throughout the convention. I found myself unexpectedly sobbing during " Wind Beneath my Wings." I realized anew then, as I commented to a friend that nothing—NOTHING — can stand before the incredible power of the love of Vincent and Catherine. The events of Season Three are the meres t forgettable shadows in the presence of that eternal bond. They have no power whatsoever. I also found tears in my eyes when the actors portraying Vincent and Catherine in the play "Unmasqued" danced to "The First Time I Loved Forever." It was a scene many of us have envisioned, brought to life. The acting was almost uniformly excellent throughout the production.
I had a great time with my friends; were it not for our "bitch sessions" in the evenings I might have had a hard time getting through the weekend after such an exhausting stint dropping off and picking up portfolios. I had a fantastic visit with Sue Regan at the beginning of my trip; I wished I could have gone back to Kingston to unwind after the con because I felt so much at home visiting Sue and her mom. Barbara and Victoria graciously hosted me and other friends during the early part of the week before the con while I traveled to and from Manhattan to show my wares, providing us with excellent meals and making us feel welcome in their lovely home. And sharing a room with Liz Helm, Sue and Sylvia Witt-Fisher was another highlight of the convention for me—our leaking, rotting, miniscule bathroom and the hole in the wall stuffed with newspaper notwithstanding. And did I mention the chocolate I bought at Macy's in credible Cellar was somehow got at by a mouse or larger cousin during the four-hour period I had it stored, along with my bags, in the Penta holding room while waiting for the bus to take me back to JFK?
Overall, then, it was a fun experience. I just wish it could have been entirely a pleasure trip. I'm just grateful I had friends there for support when I needed it. Thanks especially to Liz and Sue for being such good support. And to everyone else I met for the first or second (or even third) time—you've all been great, and I only wish I could have spent more time with all of you. [5]
The May Creation Convention might have been mixed-up, but I had fun. My complaint was—so many friends, so little time. It is always wonderful seeing Barbara, Vicky, Sharpn, Helen, Janet, Arleen, Adele, and Sheila. (Sorry about the wake-up call.) I went to my first art auction. Gretchen Kopmanis knows how to "shake" things up. I bought two of Arleen Getter's pencil sketches of V & C. My first original works of art! Saturday night was wonderful. "Unmasqued" was fantastic. How I wish I had my camera on me at the time. 1 think there should be more LIVE "B&TB" performances. Sue Regan, you make reading such a "SNAP." I did not find much new merchandise. (Could it be that I have everything?) I am looking forward to our next get together. [6]
Kudos to Barbara Storey for an extraordinary job of coordination amidst less-than-ideal circumstances. The fates may have seemed to be conspiring against you, but you came through with flying colors. Everyone I spoke to who attended said they had a great time.
It was wonderful seeing old friends and making new ones. But, it seems, the more new friends you make, the less time you have to spend with the old. Oh, well! I'd rather try to find time to see all my many friends, than sit around with no friends.
I met some great people; Arwen, Elaine, Jackie G., Pam, Ellie and so many others too numerous to mention. And it was great seeing Dot, Janet, Helen, Sheila, and all my other friends, again, too numerous to mention. Special mention must go to Arleen here; it was good to finally be able to get some time to talk with you. Also, special thanks to my roomies, who never failed to make things interesting: Sylvia Witt-Fisher, Liz Helm, and of course, Sue Krinard.
I must take the time here to offer special congratulations and thanks to Carol Cornicelli, who adapted B. Storey's "Unmasqued" and staged that wonderful play. In addition to staging the play, Carol designed and made the costumes and designed and built the prosthesis that Michael wore as Vincent. Bravo! I thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. The rehearsal time and the lost sleep were all worth it when I saw the tears in Barb's eyes at the completion of the play. It was apparent from the laughter and the applause that all who attended really enjoyed it. And that's what it's all about, sharing the magic Bravo again, Carol, and I hope we will meet again soon.
I would also like to thank Sharon Himmanen and Gretchen Kopmanis for making my first (but hopefully not last) stint as auctioneer a real hoot! I just hope the audience and the artists had as good a time as I did. [7]
It was my first trip to the Big Apple and I had a fabulous time. I even loved my tacky hotel room complete with the newspapers stuffed into the hole in the wall!
As for the con itself, I was pleasantly surprised at how well- planned it was, thanks mainly to Barbara Storey's involvement. I'm sure many of you have attended Creation cons in the past and sometimes they leave something to be desired. Linda Campanelli, M.M. Shelley Moore, Irina Irvine, James Avery and Roy Dotrice were the celebrity guests. Unfortunately, there was one glitch. It seems that the Penta was recently sold and the new management double-booked the convention facilities, forcing Creation to rent space at the nearby Southgate Hotel for the Celebrity portions of the programming. Still, the con appeared to be well attended - Ifd estimate around 450 during Roy's Saturday appearance - and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.
I was completely enchanted with Mr. Avery. He was warm and friendly and even brought his family along for the visit. His Othello earned him a standing ovation. Linda and Shelley had some interesting things to tell us about Linda Hamilton, Diana and the third season. They had envisioned a very different Diana than we actually saw. In contrast to Catherine, they had wanted Diana to have a large network of friends and family that would be a barrier to Vincent.
Their version didn't last long, however. Linda and Shelley, when asked how they would have handled Linda Hamilton’s departure, replied tnat perhaps if they had been in charge, with more attention paid to making sure Linda was happy in her job (their words, not mine), Ms. Hamilton might not have left the show. Sigh.
Roy Dotrice also defended Linda's decision to leave the show, listing the personal tragedies that helped influence her at the time. Roy told us that he had spoken to Ron Perlman and that Ron had recently lunched with Ron Koslow to discuss the movie. As for Linda's possible involvement, Roy wondered that with the almost guaranteed success of her upcoming film, "Terminator II,"she might not have any interest in a movie based on a television show, but that he thought it would be "silly" to do it without her. In retrospect, he felt that they had made the "wrong choice" in regards to third season and that maybe the show should have ended second season. He stressed that the actors were forced to make the best of a "bad job" and had absolutely NOTHING to do with the decisions made. He agreed with James Avery's assessment that once they had "done the deed (had sex)," the tension was gone from the show. (Roy remarked how he knew about all the sex maniacs in our fandom who wanted Vincent to jump into bed with Catherine!) Roy also talked about his new movie project dealing with Olympic figure skaters and how he got his start in acting - "courtesy of Mr. Hitler" in a prisoner of war camp. Roy joked that he was "quite pretty" back then so he essayed the women's roles!
- I don't know what New York convention [Ms. H] was at, but I have to disagree with her comments regarding it. Now, I know it wasn't those-in-charge's fault that the stupid hotel double-booked the convention hall, but the place where we dealers were housed was ridiculous. It was stifling hot, stuffy, dirty and definitely not up to par with Creation's usual standards. As a first-time dealer, there's no doubt in my mind we all suffered because of the fans having to travel back and forth a block to see the guests and then buy whatever zines or t-shirts or buttons they wanted. It was inconvenient for them and there were more than a few unhappy remarks passed about the whole mess.
- Regarding Ms. Helm's comments about some fan wearing a shirt that derided those who hope for Catherine's return, that's JUST NOT TRUE!
My girlfriend, who will remain unnamed at her request, was the one wearing that shirt! The shirt read, "Lou the Barber Lives! It was all a Dream." It wasn't meant to DERIDE anyone! It was meant as a joke. My friend loves Catherine, loves BAB and I have never met a fan more devoted to the show. She debated for weeks, prior to the convention, about whether or not to wear it. I guess some other 'fans' have lost their sense of humor. Thank God they're a minority.
- Frankly, most of those at the convention took the saying for what it was. A joke!! You remember jokes, right? He used to joke all the time in this fandom. Geez, it's enough to make you want to scream.
- Speaking of screaming, perhaps [Ms. H] would like to know exactly what was said to my friend. Perhaps YOU ALL would like to know the nasty, sarcastic remark thrown her way by someone (I know whoshe is, but won't waste the ink printing her name here) who purports to be a B&B fan. Hell, here it is: "Nice shirt," this person says to my friend. My friend smiles and says, "Thanks." The other woman says, rather viciously, "I was only kidding. You're lucky if you get out of here ALIVE with that shirt on." Nice comment, don't you think? I ask you, what kind of 'fan' says something like that? I liked Third Season, I like Diana. Do I have the right to go up to someone wearing a 'Catherine and Vincent Forever' shirt and tell them, you're not a true fan? You don't understand what BAB is all about? You're lucky
if you get out of here ALIVE with that shirt on?
- My friend was shocked and extremely upset when she heard the remark. She asked if I thought she should take off the shirt. I
stated a flat out, vehement no! Hhy should she? Because some rotten apple needed to vent her three-year long frustrations out on her? Guess that person's exhausted all her avenues ranting on and on about Koslow, Dotrice, Perlman, George Martin, Ganza, Lobl, the key grips, the gaffers, the best boys and EVERYBODY and ANYBODY who had ANYTHING to do with the show.
- [Ms. H] also mentioned that someone said the Hamilton fans were going to attack the guests. (ROY DOTRICE, to be exact.) I heard about that firsthand, right after Roy finished speaking. Now, I won't comment on whether it's true, but if you think back a moment (those of you who were there) don't you find it strange that James Avery and Irina left the room by walking down the aisle (through and past the fans) and Roy had to be hustled out a side door leading to some freight elevator or wherever the heck those double doors lead? Just food for thought, kiddies.
- But that's really neither here nor there. I wish we could go back to the beginning when B&B first came on the air. Back to a time
when we all were friends and didn't have to worry about stepping into a room and wondering if you're going to get your head ripped off.
- (Sigh) I guess too much has been said and done to ever go back. [8]
References
- ^ from Once Upon a Time... Is Now #31 (1991)
- ^ from Once Upon a Time... Is Now #31 (1991)
- ^ Creation Con employee?
- ^ comments by Barbara Storey in Tunneltalk v.2 n.3
- ^ from Tunneltalk v.2 n.3
- ^ from Tunneltalk v.2 n.4/5
- ^ from Tunneltalk v.2 n.4/5
- ^ first report from Once Upon a Time... Is Now #32 (June 1991), rebuttal from #33 (July 1991)