Horror convention coming to Crowne Plaza in Bethel Park
Halloween is eight months away, but fans of horror can get their fix well in advance at the 2023 Horror Realm convention, which is set for next weekend at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites in Bethel Park.
Promoter and owner Sandy Stuhlfire said about 1,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is bringing together actors, directors, makeup artists, films, and a dealer room where vendors will be selling horror-themed merchandise, including DVDs, collectible figures, posters, clothing and more.
Horror Realm conventions have been happening in the Pittsburgh region annually since 2009, mostly at the Crowne Plaza. This year’s guest lineup is:
n Makeup artist Ve Neill, who has been nominated for eight Academy Awards and won for her work on “Beetlejuice,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Ed Wood.” Neill has also received an Emmy Award for “The Shining” and a daytime Emmy for “Pee Wee’s Playhouse.” Other notable films she has worked on include “The Hunger Games” and “Edward Scissorhands.”
n Actor and producer Tony Moran, who was the unmasked Michael Myers in the original “Halloween” film.
n Brittany Mirabile, the supporting lead actress in “The Purge: Election Year.”
n Gail Kim, a female wrestler, who will appear Saturday only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
n Actor David Howard Thornton and Damiem Leone, the writer, producer and director of the two “Terrifer” films.
n Cast members of “Friday the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives.”
n Stars of the 1988 supernatural horror film “Night of the Demons.”
n Actor and former professional wrestler R.A. Mihailoff, the man behind the Leatherface mask in “Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III,” who is joined by Jennifer Banko, who also appeared in “Leatherface.”
The film program will have more than 30 independent films, both shorts and features, from more than 15 countries, including India, Canada, the United States, Brazil and Iran. The program closes on Saturday night with a special edition of Bad Movie Bingo.
According to Stuhlfire, “Our show offers the opportunity to spend a little more quality time with the guests. It’s a little less structured.”
And, like a lot of other fan conventions, Horror Realm gives those attending the chance to meet up with friends who share a common interest.
“It’s a whole little community, and it’s almost like a reunion for people,” Stuhlfire said.
For tickets or additional information, go online to www.horrorrealmcon.com.