Shatner returns to Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga

Captain on the bridge!

In a sure sign that the coronavirus pandemic might be loosening its grip on summer arts planning, the Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour has announced that "Star Trek" stalwart William Shatner will visit Fort Ticonderoga for a July 23-24 event pegged to the actor's 90th birthday.

A Friday email announcing the visit touts a "VIP All-Inclusive Package" for $1,500 featuring a dinner gala, a tour of the facsimile set with Shatner, a "Bridge Chat," photo and autograph.

The email noted that "all events still fall under COVID restrictions. Masks, smaller groups, and distancing will be strictly enforced."

The Set Tour's website currently advertises an early bird general admission price of $49.99 (regular price $80) that includes a regular, Shatnerless tour and unlocks an "a la carte" set of options: $499 for the tour with the actor, $160 for a photo, $80 for an autograph.

The set tour is the brainchild of "Star Trek" superfan James Cawley, and grew from his work producing original episodes of the beloved 1960s series that extended the original show's mythos. The recreated sets have become a magnet for "Trek" fans. Shatner has visited the sets before, and appeared at Proctors in Schenectady in 2018 for a screening of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" after being interviewed by Times Union arts writer and noted "Star Trek" enthusiast Amy Biancolli.

July's birthday celebration will be belated: Shatner turns 90 on March 22.

Call 518-503-5497 for more information.