Hi all,
I've been in Dallas at the Renaissance Hotel last weekend and wanted to share my experience:
First, it was great. I didn't buy the VIP packages for big money, I just got an admission ticket (55$) for Sat/Sun, I didn't get any autographs/photos with the cast because they were quite expensive and I just don't care about neither. I was there strolling around, having a word or two with the cast and listened to the panels.
First panel was with the attending couples from Dallas (SueEllen&Peter, Bobby&April, Lucy&Mitch, Ray (without Donna who canceled prior). They made a kind of quiz, well-moderated by William Keck (he is also a huge fan, knowing many details) nice, but no new information here.
Next was a panel with Josh Henderson and Jesse Metcalfe. They always show some scenes to get a discussion going (they used "I'm not my father") - which was great. They talked also about the shortcomings of S3.
Next KL panel with the three ladies. I haven't had the possibility to watch it, but wish I could. Fun and entertaining, mandatory promo for their podcast, too.
Saturday was busier than Sunday. But it was a big area and you could move around freely and easily. Compared to other conventions (judging by people I met) it was very well-organized and people were not pushed through (I can't compare it - I've only been last year at the Southfork reunion).
On Sundays were there two other panels (3's a company). I haven't watched that but they (esp. Barnes and Dewitt) were really fun and entertaining, Harrison was the link to get them on board.
The most interesting panel was the "Dallas pawns".
They first reminisced about BBG who passed away 20 years prior. Cathy Podewell praised both her and Howard Keel with whom she had many scenes with. Hagnan sent her flowers every year on her birthday till his end.
Obviously BBG shared a scene with the secretaries and Kendall in the later seasons (they showed her how to use a computer for some research, I can't remember the episode, too long ago).
BBG then sent a flower to all of them stating "thanks for finally having a scene together" They spoke highly of Kimberly Foster, too.
They all followed Larry's advice - never ask for a raise and regarded that as the major reason for keeping their roles for so long. Deborah Trenelli spoke highly about VP for keeping her on the show, too.
2x Deborah and Danone were really fun. Now, I wish Bobby would have ended up with Phylis after VP left, she is a class act to meet and still beautiful.
Andrew Stevens reminisced how his role changed after Charlene Tilton came back, a really nice, down-to-earth person.
Janine Turner told her story: she was cast on the spot by Katzman at 17, he advised her to move to Hollywood. She had 3 episodes on Dallas but during it's heyday right at S3 (S4DVD). She was very appreciating and she had a link to Barry Corbin with Northern Exposure.
Amy Stoch (Lisa Alden) mentioned like some others how things were developed on the go - so obviously no longterm planning on Dallas.
A romantic relationship with Bobby seemed at first not impossible but obviously did not materialize.
In between the panels the actor took a break or were mingling with the fans. The only one who did not really seem 100% wanting to be there was Jesse Metcalfe. I heard that on Friday (VIP fans paying big money for a cocktail party on Southfork with dinner tables shared with one actor, were unhappy with him - he went to the bathroom after 30 minutes not coming back). He was professional on the panel stage, but otherwise did not seem to really enjoy himself.
Henderson was the complete opposite and just a joy to be around. I was very impressed with Atkins, Stevens, the secretaries and Leigh McCloskey, so positive people. But it's difficult to single one out.
Being asked about future events, Duffy said that they decide case by case and don't want to overdo it.
They all seemed fit, Joanne van Ark and Michelle Kee seemed a bit shaky though.
Christopher Atkins is still so fit, but I was most impressed by Leigh - he never looks like 70, he looks +20 years younger. He must do something right.
For me it was awesome, but also brought some closure. I have met the remaining cast now twice, nothing new will probably happen. I realized that I haven't posted since last year's convention.
Dallas will turn 50 in 2028. It's amazing how this legacy continues.
For those of you who are wondering what kind of people are paying ~1,750$ for the maximum package - the people I met talked about not having the money or time to visit earlier, eg. when Larry Hagman was still around or even during the 80s.
So I and many others were really grateful for people organizing such an event even when the series passed its heyday many decades ago and many actors having left us. It wasn't a charity event for MS like last year, so somebody took a financial risk.
It was important for many of the fans to get that opportunity (- and frankly I did not like every previous post on this fanforum focussing mostly on actors being greedy and having had failed cosmetic surgery). It was truely a positive experience. As a fan you always want more actors to participate, but it's best if only people attend who really want to be there - which in total was the case during this weekend.
I return to Dallas in two weeks, visiting Southfork (probably one more final time).
