With the JJ Abrams’s new vision of Star Trek due next year, the look-backs continue, and here comes Star Trek: The Tour, a 50,000 square foot traveling interactive exhibit of Star Trek sets, props, models, motion-simulator rides, and more from all five Trek series and all ten Trek films. The tour will visit 40 cities around the country, kicking off in Long Beach, California on January 18, 2008.

Look for celebrity appearances by various actors from different eras of Trek, and the folks from Creation, who put on the majority of science fiction-fantasy conventions around North America (and even in Europe) will be on hand autographing collectibles in the sales boutique.

Star Trek: The Tour was assembled by a crew that includes production designer Herman Zimmerman, costume designer Robert Blackman, and make-up master Michael Westmore. Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s son, Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, provides some narration for the exhibits, and the man himself, William Shatner, is serving as the official ambassador of the tour.

Highlights of Star Trek: The Tour include:

*Detailed recreations of original sets from Star Trek: The Next Generation®, including Captain Picard’s quarters, Dr. Crusher’s sick bay, and the majestic NCC-1701-D Bridge.
* The chance to take a ride through a Star Trek adventure in four full-motion, show-based flight simulators.
* An all-new multimedia Encounter Theater, built like a theater in the round with 360-degree video screens. Computer-generated sequences put visitors in the middle of the Star Trek action.
* The opportunity for exhibit-goers to sit on a full-size Enterprise bridge from the original TV series and have their photo taken and superimposed with an image of the original cast – including Spock, McCoy and Scotty – to look as if the Enterprise crew is standing right next to them.
* The ability for guests to star with the original cast in an episode of their choice and watch themselves interact with Star Trek icons such as Spock and Scotty. Guests can take home a DVD of their cameo to share with family and friends.

Tickets are already on sale by calling 213-480-3232, and through www.ticketmaster.com or www.StarTrekTheTour.com. The prices are:
Adults: $30 weekdays / $35 on weekends.
Children (12 and under): $16.50 weekdays / $17.50 weekends
Seniors (65+) and military personnel: $25 weekdays / $30 weekends.

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