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Bat Con 2001
Chiller October 2001
By: Ray Dutczak
On the weekend of October 20-21, I traveled to Plano, Texas to be present for
the Batcon Convention. In attendance from the Batman cast were Adam West,
Frank Gorshin, Julie Newmar, and Yvonne Craig.
But most importantly Bob May, our favorite B9 Robot was on hand. I sponsored Bob's appearance at the event, and
we had a wonderful time. This was Bob's first Texas
convention and sales were very brisk. We both did very well and the Texas
fans received Bob with open arms.
On Sunday Bob held a Q+A. So many fans, so many questions for Bob!
He answered them all with his usual flair and humor. All the fans left his Q+A with a bit more LIS knowledge then when they had
arrived. Then, it was time to pack up and head back to NYC for the upcoming Chiller convention that following weekend. The
whole LIS cast would be in attendance for it... 
On the weekend of Oct 26-28 the Halloween Chiller Theatre Extravaganza took
place in Rutherford NJ at the Sheraton Meadowlands hotel. This event was very
well attended and had a special added bonus, all of the LIS cast would be
attending! A little insight. Back in April the whole cast was in attendance
at the FrightVision Convention in Cleveland Ohio to which I arranged. My
buddy Kevin Clement from Chiller was on hand at the show and asked me if I
would organize the LIS end of the Chiller convention like I have done before.
He noted how cool it would be if we could get the whole cast to come out for
the October show. I of course said sure, and went to work organizing the LIS
end of Chiller. As months leading up to Chiller went by I contacted all the
cast members and they all agreed to attend the event. The ball was now in
motion and all was set. This would truly be a winner of a convention!
On Thursday night before Chiller I went and met with Kevin Clement to make
sure what the game plan was as far as where the cast was to be sitting for
the convention and what obligations the cast had as far as a Q+A and such. He
was explaining to me our agenda when over comes June Lockhart who greeted me
with a big hug and kiss. I was thrilled! We spoke for a while and I told her
I would see her tomorrow Friday to explain the seating arrangements and so on.
On Friday the convention opened I got together with the cast to explain when
the Q+A was to be held. I was sitting with Jonathan Harris as I always do
when he attends conventions for Friday night and Saturday as Jonathan had to
fly back to LA on Sunday. Sitting with Jonathan he told many of his stories
to all the fans as they came by to say hello and snap a few photographs. All
of the cast was very well received as the lines for each day of the
convention was endless.
On Saturday the whole cast was to have a Q+A for the fans. I personally feel
that these Q+A are very important to the fans. A time for them to ask
questions of their favorite celebs. I had worked it out in advance with Bob
May and asked him if before the cast went up for the Q+A would go ahead and
be MC for it with introductions and such. He said sure and did. I got the
cast together with a specific time and when it came time a few cast members
had gone up ahead of time. Bill Mumy and Mark Goddard and Jonathan Harris
where first. I went up with June Lockhart to which Angela Cartwright and
Marta Kristen followed. The Q+A went very well and the cast posed for the
fans as a group for a few minutes which was wonderful! On Saturday night we
were treated to a special event in its self. Bill Mumy performed with Kevin
Clements band the Dead Elvi. What a treat this was for all attending.
On Sunday Jonathan was heading back to LA and me and my buddy Dave Goudsward
dropped him off at Newark airport. With a tear in my eye I said goodbye to
Jonathan as we both hugged each other. I speak to Jonathan regularly and
can't say how much I appreciate his support on attending all of these events.
You truly are the "great" one!
On Sunday I had a chance to sit in the Chiller tent and with Bill Mumy for a
while. Bill is another cast member who has always been very supported of all
my endeavors and has been a big help to me with getting these events going
and also my website www.lismemories.com. His kindness and help will never be
forgotten.
Sunday was very well attended also which for a Sunday at any convention is
rare. The cast signed and signed and took photos with everyone. I myself
asked each cast member if they would consent to a five minute video taping
for me and each one said sure! To me this was the highlight of my weekend! I
will cherish this tape forever. I want to thank each cast member personally,
Jonathan Harris, Bob May, Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Angela
Cartwright, and June Lockhart for making this the most special convention
ever. We all have done many conventions together but this one was very
special. Also Kevin and Sue Clement for allowing me to help with the LIS end.
You guys are truly the best!
As Sunday came to a close it was time to say goodbye. A monumental LIS
weekend had just passed. Something many of us LIS fans will never forget!
LIS Forever,
Ray Dutczak
November 2 2001.
Previous News:
June 2001
May 2001
March-April 2001
Dec 2000, Jan-Feb 2001
Chiller, October 2000
Motor City Comic Con 2000
Mid-Ohio Comic Con 2000
September 2000
May, June 2000
Chiller, April 2000
April 2000
March 2000
February 2000
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