Superman Celebrities - Super celebrities will be guesting at the 30th Annual Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois, Jun 12-15, 2008. Prolific character actor Ned Beatty, who played Luthor's assistant, Otis, in the original Christopher Reeve Superman movie, will be joined by perennial favorite Noel Neill, film's first Lois Lane as well as one of the two Lois Lanes from 1950's TV's Adventures of Superman. Allison Mack, who plays Clark Kent's best friend Chloe, in TV's Smallville, rounds out the group. The special guests will be available to sign autographs.
There's also a new Superman. John Boltinghouse was selected by fans from an online audition video to portray the Man of Steel during the Superman Celebration. Boltinghouse receives a check for $1,000, round-trip travel expense to Metropolis for the Superman celebration, a six-night stay in Metropolis, a personal assistant, and a Superman of Metropolis Award.
Super Museum - While in Metropolis, don't miss the Super Museum, established by curator Jim Hambrick who charged his schoolmates in Los Angeles to tour his Superman Museum in his bedroom, equipped with discarded props he picked from the trash at the studio where Superman was filmed. He settled in Illinois because that's where the only Metropolis in the United States could be found. DC Comics was convinced as well and they named Metropolis the official home of Superman. Visitors will find free copies of the Daily Planet available, giving the schedule for this year's event.
Frequent Guest Noel Neill - Noel Neill is celebrating her 60th anniversary as Lois Lane, playing the part in a 15-episode Columbia serial starring Kirk Alyn. Later she was hired to reprise her role in the George Reeves television show.
Among special events is a 1940's Hollywood Ball to honor Neill's 60th Superman anniversary. It will be held Friday, June 13th at the Baymont Theater, formerly the Amerihost Theater. The event is from 7 to 9:30 pm and Big Band music is provided by the Jerry Ford Orchestra. Attendees are invited to attend in costume, although not required. Ticket information is available from the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce Tickets at 1-800-949-5740.
Hanging Up the Cape - Retired from wearing the blue suit and red cape, Metropolis' most recent Superman portrayer, Hollywood actor Scott Cranford, maintains a website launched in June 2000, heroicworld.com/. He was married in his Superman uniform in June 2002 to Marcella Encinas during the Superman celebration. Cranford's acting record includes a role in Batman Returns, Batman Forever, Batman and Robin, and Predator 2.
For more about things to see and do in Illinois go to my Gather group Illinois Road Trip at http://illinoisroadtrip.gather.com/
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