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" Once Upon a Time in New York City: A Homecoming "
July 2001 USA Convention
Holiday Inn, New York City July 13th-15th 2001

Some Photos From The Convention 

Here are some photos from Gwen Lord from the Convention in USA - 2001.

The following photo shows fans queuing up  to have photos signed by Jay Acovone and David Schwartz.

The photo below shows (L to R) Kathy Bayne, Gwen Lord, and Jay Acovone.

Finally, this photo shows Gwen Lord with Jamie Murray, dressed as Myhr, at this B&B convention in NY city - the last convention he is to appear in, so a poignant memory for all.

- Added 2nd Septmber 2001

Gwen Lord Looks back at 2001 USA Convention... 

The thought of a Beauty & The Beast Convention, fills every true B&B fan with great excitement, so they can attend this yearly pilgrimage, whether it is in England or the USA.

This series as we all know, aired in the USA in 1988, and here we are in 2001, thirteen years on, and the magic this TV series generated then, still lies in  our hearts today.  We can hear in our subconscious Vincent's & Catherine's voices, and see in our minds' eye the episodes, as if it were only yesterday, rather than yesteryear.

I don't know of any other TV series or film for that matter, that generates such emotion within each one of us.

So after much saving up, I purchased my air ticket, and registered to attend -- I was going!!!

New York in July is hot, believe me - but the taxi took me quickly to the Holiday Inn on West 57th street with great speed.  I felt very at home in this oasis of skyscrapers, as this was my fourth visit to New York, my last being six months ago, to see Roy Dotrice ('Father') in his Tony award-winning play 'A Moon For The Misbegotten'.  Kay & Roy were based in New York, so we had many lovely days.  Rex and I with memories to treasure of places we visited.  This time I was with my dear friend Kathy Bayne, the writer of Skyline 1 & 2 in the early 1990's.  She has lived in New York for ever, yet, like so many people, hardly ever discovered what's on her own door-stop.  So we explored New York on a two-day tour, and learned so much.  The Empire State Building took only eighteen months to build --- and also that a building up to 25 floors is just a 'large building' and after 25 floors, its called a 'skyscraper'.

The convention had guests Linda Campanelli, Edward Albert, Jay Acovone, and David Schwartz.  The MC we all love, Jamie Murray, aka Myhr was there to do a con for his last time.  His life needs him elsewhere and so this chapter was ending, and his farewell was mega tearful by everyone.  It will be very hard if not impossible to fill his shoes, and B&B fandom is very sad to lose so lovely and talented a person as he.

Food was well-planned and there was plenty of it!  From Buffet meals midday, to a Banquet on Saturday night, and a roof-top pool-side BBQ party.  Unlimited drinks of tea, coffee, or iced tee 24 hours a day...

The Charity Auction was a riot, as all guests threw everything possible into entertaining the fans, and raising money for their charity for a children's hospital.

Dealers  Room, Art Room, Custumes, Q&A... All in all, a delightful time.  With a message from father to all his friends too (see below)...

The next one is in Florida --- Will I see you there?

Be Well,

Gwen.

A Message from Roy Dotrice, brought to you by the president of the Official Roy Dotrice Fan Association, Gwen Lord...

My Dear Friends,

Another year has passed, since I joined you in Los Angeles last July 2000, along with my 'son', dear Ron Perlman.

Kay and I want to thank you for your kind invitation to join you all, in what has become, a Mecca for friends of the TV series, 'Beauty And The Beast'.

It was our intention to attend this convention in dear New York city, a city that has been so kind to me over the years.  So, it is with a heavy heart, that sadly, Kay and I are unable to be with you all, due to an unexpected commitment, that I am unable to get out of.

I've looked forward to seeing old friends and making new ones, because I'm so very proud, that the role I played as 'Father', gave me the chance to be a part of this extraordinary fandom, and a part of this wonderful dream, that each one of you help keep alive.

I still hope one day, that we will finally get our TV movie.  And to that end, we have to support the conventions, and Fan Clubs, which are the anchor, holding us all together, year after year.

Have fun this weekend, and God willing I'll see you next year, at the next convention.

Take care, God Bless.

        Father .... Roy Dotrice.

Pre - Convention Details... 

FOR LATEST INFORMATION, CLICK HERE

The Members of the BBTV present
Once Upon a Time in New York City: A Homecoming
The 12th International Beauty and the Beast Convention
Friday July 13th through Sunday July 15th, 2001
At the
Holiday Inn - 57th Street Midtown
Convention rates available from Wed. July 11th through Tues. July 17th, 2001
1-800-231-0405
A event sponsored by Once Upon a Time in NYC, Inc., the official charity of the BBTV to benefit
Hale House, an independent organization that has been saving cast-off, sick babies for 30 years.

Registration Form
Convention Prices ..................................................................We Accept Amex, Visa, MC ( Payable in 4 installments if desired)
Standard Registration......................................................................................................................................................$140
EARLY REGISTRATION (Payment in Full)......................................................................................................................$125
Click here to REGISTER ME NOW
Includes: Fri. & Sat    Complimentary Pastries in designated guest rooms sponsored by various organizations.
              Fri. & Sat    Light Lunch with Beverage in the Dealer's Room,
              Fri., Sat. & Sun. Light Mid-Afternoon Snack with Beverage in the Panel Room
              Friday Evening:  Heaps of Hors D'oeuvres during Talent Show and Costume Party
              Saturday Evening Summerfest Banquet

MENU

Caesar Salad
Check One: q..Half Spring Chicken q..Top Round Beef Stroganoff q..Eggplant Parmesan
Served with New Potatoes and Mixed Vegetables
Tiramisu Dessert
Coffee, Tea, or Decaf
(See below for Sunday Brunch Buffet and Sunday Evening Vincent's Rootop Pool Bash Prices)
Early Registration (by 12/31/2000).........................................................................................$125.00 USD REGISTER ME NOW
Includes: Fri. & Sat&nbs
(must be paid by check, cash, or charge IN FULL)
Add'l Fri. Night Hors D'oeuvres Guest .................................# of Tickets.. q x $35 = $_______
Add'l Sat. Banquet Guest .......................................................# of Tickets.. q x $40 = $_______

How many of each entree do you want for your additional Banquet Guests.
Please make sure the number of entrees matches the number of Guests.

q..Half Spring Chicken q..Top Round Beef Stroganoff q..Eggplant Parmesan

Dealer Table Registration
(does not include Con Registration)
Table Registration.......................................................................# of Tables q x $85 = $_______






DAY PASSES
Golden One Day Passes.....................................................................................................$95 q
Includes Lunch and Afternoon Snack on any one of the 3 days as described in the Registration information above. Includes access to Panels, Autograph Sessions, Q & A sessions with Celebrity Guests, Art Room with Costume Display, and Dealer's Room. Events may vary from day to day.

PLUS
Friday Pass includes Opening Ceremonies, Talent Show and Costume Contest and Hors D'euvres
Saturday Pass includes Banquet and Celebrity Auction. Make your choice of entree above.
Sunday Pass includes "All You Can Eat Brunch," Art Auction and Closing Ceremonies.

Must be purchased in ADVANCE. Send in this form or call our TOLL-FREE number
1-877-979-5500 no later than Monday July 6, 2001 so we may reserve your food selections.

General Admission Day Pass ..........................................................................................$45 q
Admission to all Convention events on any one given day and evening and available at the door.
Cash only. Does not include Convention food service although ample food and beverage services may be purchased directly from the Holiday Inn.

****Separately Priced Convention Not To Be Missed Events****

Sunday Celebrity Brunch
Sunday Morning July 15th, 2001

All you can eat of a wide assortment of sinfully delicious brunch specialties. .........................$22 q

Once In a Lifetime After Con Party
Sunday Evening July 15th, 2001
Vincent's Rooftop Pool Bash..............................................................................................$42 q
Sunday from 7 P.M. to 11 P.M. A fun Summer Bar-B-Q Buffet Dinner on the Holiday Inn's Sundeck high in the sky in the cool evening breezes. Go for a swim in the Rooftop Pool as the sun sets over the Hudson River. Watch as New York City's famous Nightscape comes alive and see New York City as Vincent sees it. A breathtaking sight, excellent food, good company, and Cash Bar service. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a truly unique experience.

On the menu: Southwestern Chili, Spicy Buffalo Wings, BBQ Ribs, Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, and Cornbread.

This unique service is available to all Convention Registrants and Golden Day Pass Holders for Sunday, July 15th, 2001 at the additional price.

For Early Birds and Mice: Thursday July 12th

Beauty and the Beast in Central Park (Weather Permitting)

Daytime B&B Central Park Tour and Hero Sandwich & Drinks Picnic Lunch.................$15 q
This will be a walking tour. Raindate to be announced.

Broadway Beauty and the Beast Theater Party

Evening Performance of Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Orchestra and Front Mezzanine.............................................................................................$56 q

More After Con Activities

Monday and Tuesday, July 16th and 17th, 2001
Sneaker, Subway & Bus Tours
Daytime Monday, 16th, Monday Evening, and Daytime Tuesday 17th.
Been to NYC? Done that? Got the T-shirt? We are organizing walking tours of places seen
in Beauty and the Beast. The cost is an MTA Day Pass ($4) and admission to the Subway Museum ($6). Plan on providing or purchasing your own lunch and participate in New York City's favorite pastime, walking and eating. Light clothes and broken in sneakers are best. Perfect for hardy walkers. Wheelchair access will be verified for each tour. Each tour will focus on a particular area in Manhattan Central Park..

New York Philharmonic in Central Park On Tuesday Night We Hope.
Plus fireworks!!! Tuesday Evening, July 17
Usually the last 2 weeks in July on the Great Lawn in Central Park........................................... FREE
Concerts begin promptly at 8 P.M., are dependent on the Philharmonic's schedule and weather conditions. We won't know if the event is to take place until the day of the performance.

Check here if you would like to chance Pizza & Softdrinks in the park before the concert.........q
Champagne and wine are traditionally permitted at these events.

Pre-Concert Dinner at the Tavern on the Green in Central Park
Tuesday, July 17th Pre-Theatre Dinner, 5 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. in one of the loveliest restaurants in New York City. Prices range from $28 to $36 with choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert. Please include 15% gratuity and 8.25% Sales Tax in your budget. We will need to know if you are interested in joining us at The Tavern on the Green across from Catherine's house so we may make advance reservations at this very popular restaurant.

Please check here if plan to attend................................................................................................. q

Any 2 days you choose: Grand Tour of New York Above ............................. $64 q
Suggested for Day and Evening Monday, 16th and Daytime Tuesday 17th.
Gray Line Double Decker Bus Guided Tours for any 2 consecutive days one of which includes a night tour. The Grand Tour Ticket includes admission to World Trade Center, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty avoiding long ticket lines. Hop on and off the buses anytime you want during the tours. An excellent and comfortable way to see New York.
 

Your Order Totals

1. Order Information: Order Total $ ______________.____ US Dollars
 

Name:_________________________________________________________________
( Please Print Clearly )

Address:_______________________________________________________________
 

Address:_______________________________________________________________
 

City:____________________ State _____ Zip or Postal Code__________________
 

Country:__________________ Telephone:_______________________________

CHARGE IT!!!
Check one: Amex q Visa q Mastercard q (No Debit Cards accepted at this time.)
Check here for credit card payment in 4 monthly consecutive installments....................... q
This constitutes a contract for the full amount. The final payment on installment agreements must be no later than May 31st, 2001.

I understand that there is a $2.00 US one-time processing charge for using my credit card. q
Your name (Exactly as it appears on your Credit Card)
 

____________________________________________________________________
 

Credit Card Number: _________________________________________________

Expiration (MM/YYYY) q q /q q q q
 

Your Signature:________________________________

Would you like to SHARE a room and SAVE?
If YES see the next page.

Help Me Find a Roommate Request Form
1. Your name and phone number will be retained and passed to other
registrants looking to participate in a room sharing arrangement. Any
arrangements you make are your own. Once Upon A Time in NYC, Inc. cannot
vouch for any individual so please interview your prospective roomie
carefully to ensure compatibility.
------------------------------------------------------------
2. You are encouraged to make reservations early and find roommates since our
block is small and there are huge savings to be had by sharing.
-----------------------------------------------------------
3. Extraneous charges such as phone or any additional charges to the
cardholder should be arranged for separately.

Non-Convention Room Rates (As a basis for comparison) from 1-800-HOLIDAY

Single $179 + 13.25% Tax + $2 per room Occupancy Tax, 1 King Sized Bed........................$204.72/Night
Double $179 + 13.25% Tax + $2 per room Occupancy Tax, 2 Full Sized Beds......................$204.72/Night
THE ABOVE ARE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL PERSON CHARGES

The secret "GREAT RATE" that they'll give you if you know to ask for it from 1-800-HOLIDAY

Single $159 + 13.25% Tax + $2 per room Occupancy Tax, 1 King Sized Bed........................$181.67/Night
Double $159 + 13.25% Tax + $2 per room Occupancy Tax, 2 Full Sized Beds......................$181.67/Night
NO ADDITIONAL PERSON RESTRICTIONS - ARE IN EFFECT FOR JULY 2000. Possible alternative for July 2001.

Base Convention Room Rates at the Holiday Inn Midtown - West 57th Street
Must be booked through 1-800-231-0405

Single $149 + 13.25% Tax + $2 per room Occupancy Tax, 1 King Sized Bed........................$170.74/Night
Double $149 + 13.25% Tax + $2 per room Occupancy Tax, 2 Full Sized Beds......................$170.74/Night

The prices below represent additional people in a Double Room sharing 2 Full Sized Beds

(We have no idea how they would know how many are in a room unless you tell them or ask for extra keys. We're merely quoting prices.)
Triple $154 + 13.25% Tax + $2 per room Occupancy Tax, 3 people in a double room............$176.41/Night
Quad $169 + 13.25% Tax + $2 per room Occupancy Tax,  4 people in a double room...........$193.39/Night

Rollaway Beds are $15/night additional are limited to one per Triple or Quad depending on availability. Total amount increased to the room charge, including the 13.25% tax is $16.99.

ADJOINING rooms are available. Ask for an adjoining room with the person who has already made a reservation.

ROOM PRICES WHEN SHARED

These are examples for your convenience only. Once Upon A Time in NYC, Inc., or its officers are in no way responsible for the arrangements you make with roommates or with the hotel. We are simply postulating possible room arrangements and cost savings.

All prices quoted include a 13.25% + $2.00 Room Occupancy Tax per room
and represent the TOTAL EXPENSE FOR LODGING PER NIGHT.

Ask for the "GREAT RATE" rate from 1-800-HOLIDAY ($159/Night + 13.25% Tax + $2.00 Occupancy - For a Single or a Double. No additional person restrictions) and do whatever you want. We are not involved. The total is $181.67 split up any way you want. For example, A Double Room split 4 ways would come to $45.42 per person per night. So you save about $3.00 BUT we don't know if the rate will be available for July, 2001. Doesn't hurt to ask.

The prices below are based on the guaranteed convention rates available from 1-800-231-0405 only. There are examples where investigating the availability of the "GREAT RATE" may be a better alternative!!!
                                                                                                                                                                               I will share with.... Pick one below
1. A QUAD which is a Double Room shared by 4 people as defined by the hotel totals $48.35 per person per night.    SMOKER  NONSMOKER  DON'T CARE
 
     a. Add a Rollaway Bed and  and split it 5 ways with a 5th person and it totals  $38.58 per person per night.            SMOKER  NONSMOKER  DON'T CARE

2. A TRIPLE which is a Double Room shared by 3 people as defined by the hotel totals $58.31 per person per night.   SMOKER  NONSMOKER  DON'T CARE

     b. Add a Rollaway Bed and for some strange reason and split it 4 ways with the strange reason and it totals  $48.35 per person per night.
                                                                                                                                                                                   SMOKER  NONSMOKER  DON'T CARE

3. A Double Room shared by 2 people plus 2 unknown friends and split 4 ways totals $42.69 per person per night, if you get away with it or in other words
    4 people sharing a double, in other words still  a  4 way share.                                                                                 SMOKER  NONSMOKER  DON'T CARE
 

4. A Double Room shared by 2 people plus an unknown friend and split 3 ways totals $56.91 per person per night, if you get away with it in other words a
    3 way share.                                                                                                                                                            SMOKER  NONSMOKER  DON'T CARE

5. A Double Room shared by 2 persons would total $85.37 per person per night.                                                          SMOKER  NONSMOKER  DON'T CARE

6. A Single Room shared by 2 persons would total $85.37 per person per night..                                                          SMOKER  NONSMOKER  DON'T CARE

We will do our best to maintain lists of folks looking for a share arrangement and put you in touch so you can investigate the pricing structure best suited to your needs.

Reservation Cut-off Date: June 11, 2001

Holiday Inn - Midtown West 57th Street
440 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
1-800-231-0405
1-212-581-8100

The Holiday Inn is fully wheelchair accessible.
NYC Buses have wheelchair lifts and many Subways stations have elevators to the street.
All our sidewalks are ramped at the corners.
All public buildings, theaters, stadiums, parks, and many restaurants are wheelchair accessible.
We are the world's most wheelchair friendly town.
Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons ride 1/2 fare.
Check here if you need information on how to get 1/2 fare MTA passes..........q
Check here if this is your first convention..........q
We would like to help you get meet and greet your new friends.

Check here your have Artwork or Memorabilia for the Art Room Exhibit..........q

Storage Parking Available for $13.00 per day on premises under the hotel of course.
Don't forget to budget 8.25% Sales Tax.

Please don't plan on driving in Manhattan.
Last Revised: July 24, 2000