THE EARLY YEARS videotape:
Available from Creation Entertainment
http://www.creationent.com/xena/
NTSC - $29.95 USD
PAL - $37.97 USD
When Lucy and Renee first began appearing at our conventions, I thought it might be a good idea to videotape them -- just to be able to look back and reminisce. So, I went out and bought a camcorder. Lucy and Renee thought it
was a good idea, too. And they got copies of all their conventions. When we asked if we could release that footage, they agreed. It's time to share with all the fans that weren't able to attend at the time and the newcomers who
missed out. The camera is a little shaky at times and the color isn't spot on, but the excitement is all there.
I've cut down the fan questions to the basic question they were asking or removed them entirely if the answer stood on its own. And sometimes things were repeated from one convention to another, i.e. what's you favorite episode?
I removed entirely the interviewer at the Santa Monica show. If you were there, you know she asked questions that were so old, even Lucy groaned --- "So you're from New Zealand?" Here are some of the highlights:
1997 -- Lucy in Burbank -- the only one I didn't record myself. A TV camera caught the beginning of the convention. Her very first and she was astounded by the reception she received. But we've got her reacting to the
audience suggestion she sing "Corn" from her first TV sketch comedy series, Funny Business. And her astonishment that they knew about that song! The opening lines of "Deep In the Heart of Texas" and "I've Got a Lovely Bunch
of Coconuts." Her take on the difference between New Zealand and American cultures. Commenting on her real hair color -- "It's mouse, okay, it's mouse!" And one of the most intriguing questions that resulted in her talking about
her journey to discover her femininity.
1997 -- Renee in Valley Forge. Renee as a con virgin! She just couldn't understand why so many people showed up! We heard stories about Tobias the donkey, marinated octopus and, her favorite food, fried green pickles! She leads
the audience in the Porky Pig dance she did when she worked at an amusement park. Someone hands her a staff and she gives a twirling demonstration. She jokes about Gabrielle having her own talk show. And then there was the
debate with the audience about who was the best kisser on the show -- Ted, Bruce or . . . Lucy! The highlight was Lucy calling from her dressing room on Broadway during Grease. Lucy was talking in a funny voice that not only
disguised who it was from the audience, but also Renee -- until she gave the Xena yell. Brought the house down! Lucy and Renee talk about upcoming season three episodes and warn the audience that the friendship will be
undergoing some rough times. Renee mentions that Lucy was feeling very protective of her because Lucy thought the fans might be mad at Gabrielle.
1998 -- Lucy in Burbank. This time we have Lucy attempting a Callisto scream and throwing a frisbee across the room. She talks about, and immediately falls into, the character of Meg. Mentions "someone who will not be named"
hitting stunt people with her staff. Answers a question about her personal philosophy. There's talk of Xena's boyfriends and what part they played in the show. And laughingly tells how that nice girl from Texas has learned to
give as good as she gets when it comes to being teased by New Zealanders.
1999 -- Lucy in Santa Monica. There are stories about Donald Trump's slippers, Renee and cabbages, more Meg, Lucy going "Afro" at a party and Xena shopping at the mall. And it opens with someone asking about Renee getting her
haircut. She denies that Renee cut her hair. When the audience heaves a sigh of relief, she whispers, "I did it" and brings the house down.