XENA CON

XENA CON 2014

Hey you guys, we just got back from the 19th XENA CON that was held in Burbank, CA.  The CON was put on by Creation Entertainment over this past weekend.  There were people attending from all over the world, not just the States.  We met people from Paris, London, Spain, Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, and Italy,  From the States, we met people from Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Seattle, Oregon, Arizona and Puerto Rico.  Some were old friends who have attended CONS several times over the years, others were newbies that we enjoyed meeting.  

There were lots of stars.  The XENA CON guests included Tsianina Joelson (Varia, an Amazon), Darien Takle (Cyrene, Xena's mom), Meighan Desmond  (Goddess Discord and Sturgina), David Franklin (Brutus), and the ever-present Steven L. Sears (Co-Executive Producer/Writer).  The very popular Hudson Leick (Calisto) came on after having conducted a yoga class the previous morning.  Hudson always auctions the dress she is wearing at the CONS and raises lots of money for her favorite charity.  Another very popular cast member, Ted Raimi (Joxer), was there.  He so funny.  We love him.  Brittney Powel (Brunnhilda) was there.  She is another popular actress that frequently attends the CONS and she always auctions her bra (really) for her favorite charity.  

We were lucky enough to have Michael Hurst (Iolaus) and his beautiful wife, Jennifer Ward-Lealand (Boadicea/Zehra)  grace the stage.  They must be the hardest working couple in New Zealand.  They gave us an update of their work during the last two years, acting, directing, teaching, doing charity functions, and so on.  We couldn't catch our breath listening to all that they do.  Michael directed the musical Chicago starring Lucy Lawless in New Zealand in December.  It opened to rave reviews and was the hottest ticket in town.    And lets not forget another guest, The Widow Twanky (Illustrious dancer and Instructor) (Michael Hurst) interviewed by Jennifer Ward-Leland.  Another interesting guest was Paul Lynch (Director of Xena episodes Crusader and One Against An Army).  One Against an Army was one of my (me, Cindy) favorite episodes of Xena.  He gave us some insights on the director's job.  Creation should have him back.  He was very good; he got a huge applause.  

Finally, the time came for the stars of the show.  The convention room was full.  Everyone was so excited.  First Renee O'Connor (Gabrielle) took the stage to be greeted with  cheers.  She answered questions and talked about the loyalty of the fans, about her kids  and why she keeps showing up at these CONS.  Next, the beautiful, gorgeous,  real Lucy Lawless took the stage to a standing ovation.  She is so much fun.  She did her Q & A, talked about Xena, about acting in different roles and her latest gig, which was Chicago, the musical. She was all around  just great.   She sang a couple of times, joked and seemed to really be enjoying being there as much we enjoyed seeing her.  For the third part of their appearance, Lucy and Renee were on stage together.  The flashbulbs kept going off for them separately and together.  They had more Q & As, jokes and laughter.  In the end, we were all happy and it was applause, applause, applause.

After Lucy and Renee, there were photo opts.  I (Cindy) took pictures with Lucy, then with Renee, then with Lucy and Renee together.  I was so happy. 

Also during the weekend:  Friday night we enjoyed  a Celebrity Cabaret with Hudon Leick, Steven Sears, and Darien Takle .  Darien was delightful.  Saturday night we also attended the Karaoke Party.    Saturday night there was a disco and cocktail party and a Xena-themed Table Centerpiece contest.  Guests  included Michael Hurst, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Hudson Leick, Darien Takle, and Brittney Powell.

So, next year we will be attending the XENA Official 20th Anniversary Convention: Feb. 20-22, 2015.  It will be the final XENA CON.  If you've been there before or never been, Go!

Check out some of the XENA CON pictures on Sharon Delaney's , who works for Creation, twitter page.  Also checkout  the Facebook.com/XenaMovieCampaign site for a lot of this year's XENA CON pictures.

One request, if you're a Xena fan like us, get on the campaign bandwagon for a XENA Movie staring the real Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor.  No substitutes.

Two great big Hoof Approvals for XENA CON, LUCY AND RENEE and all the guests.