‘Star Trek’ convention soars to high notes
By Fleet Capt. Dave Mason
LAS VEGAS — Chase Masterson, forever Leeta from “Deep Space Nine,” amazed fans with her singing of 1960s classics during the annual “Star Trek” convention in Las Vegas.
Music played its usual noteworthy role at the Creation Entertainment convention during early August at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Several USS Angeles members attended the gathering of fans from across the country and around the world.
Masterson sang tunes by The Beatles and others with her band in the convention lounge.
In addition, the Rat Pack performed its annual Vegas concert of “Star Trek” parodies. On stage were “DS9” actors Max Grodénchik (Rom), Jeffrey Combs (Weyoun and Ferengi villain Brunt), Casey Biggs (Damar) and Nana Visitor (Major Kira Nerys), along with Vaughn Armstrong, who has played more than a dozen aliens in various “Star Trek” shows. He got to show his human face as Adm. Forrest on “Enterprise.”
And “Star Trek” music throughout the convention was played by the on-stage house band, the Roddenberries, who introduced the moderators. In addition, the Nevada Pops Orchestra played “Star Trek” music during a special concert.
The musical theme continued with the “Strange New Worlds” cast. At a moderator’s urging, talented Broadway actor Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Uhura, sang some of the lyrics from the “Subspace Rhapsody” musical episode. Fans cheered.
There was plenty of comedy as one fan dared to ask a question of Anson Mount’s hair, affectionately known as Pike’s Peak after his character, Capt. Christopher Pike. Actors sitting next to him put their microphones at the top of his head.
Fans also got the thrill of seeing stars from the original “Star Trek” series. William Shatner, aka Capt. James T. Kirk, had fun teasing fans asking him questions. But one woman at the microphone got the last word during a round of banter with: “Bill, what do you want from me?” Shatner laughed and said, “Just that,” referring to her quick comeback.
Walter Koenig told fans he enjoyed playing Federation President Anton Chekov, the son of his character Pavel Chekov, during a voiceover for the series finale of “Star Trek: Picard.” He said the production team came to his house to record it.
The “Next Generation”/”Picard” trio of Jonathan Frakes (Riker), Brent Spiner (Data) and Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher) clowned around on stage to fans’ delight. When asked to impersonate someone on the cast, McFadden moved like a cat next to Spiner on the sofa and said she was playing Spot, Data’s feline.
Fans were thrilled to see the casts of “Enterprise,” “Voyager,” “Picard” and the 1992 parody/”Trek” homage film “Galaxy Quest,” which was shown at the convention.
There was also a “Battlestar Galactica” presence. Panels included Ronald D. Moore, the “Star Trek” producer and writer who produced the 21st-century remake of the show. And Mary McDonnell, who played President Laura Roslin on the series, answered questions posed by “Picard” star Michelle Hurd (Starfleet officer Raffi Musiker).
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