To Boldly Go…

“Star Trek Live: Starfleet Academy,” an all new production based on Gene Rodenberry’s beloved “Star Trek” universe that’s designed to play in theme parks and performing arts centers, will beam down to the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville on June 11.

The goal of the interactive show is to use the popularity of “Star Trek” to engage fans “of all ages” and educate them about the wonders of real-world science, according a press release from CBS Consumer Products and educational entertainment producer Mad Science.

Audiences, playing the part of Starfleet cadets, will be taken “on an exhilarating journey with Captain James T. Kirk and Vulcan science officer Spock” that “combines cutting-edge special effects, unmatched audience interaction and an exploration of real space-age technology.”

“‘Star Trek Live’ sparks a world of discovery by teaching and encouraging scientific literacy. Audience members will leave the attraction with an understanding of the different elements of science and technology.”

Here’s a synopsis of the 60-minute show from the release:

“Eager to learn from Starfleet’s best and brightest, Captain James T. Kirk and Vulcan science officer Spock, our cadets assemble, anxious to prepare for their first day at the Academy and an exploration of the legendary U.S.S. Enterprise. As we are introduced to the proud legacy of the most powerful and most advanced ship in the fleet, the Enterprise and Earth itself come under attack from alien forces, leaving the fate of the Federation in the hands of our cadets. Our cadets will have to quickly learn the intricacies of living and working in space, modern space travel and the latest in communication and technology as they draw on the achievements of science in the 21st century. It will require all our knowledge, ingenuity, logic and an exploration of science to discover what is happening and how to set things right before it’s too late!”

In other words, “Set phasers to fun!” Sorry, couldn’t resist. As a friend of mine reminds me when my inner Trekkie takes over, “Geek says what?”

“Star Trek Live: Starfleet Academy” is expected to travel throughout the U.S. and Canda through the end of the year.

Speaking of Trekkies, if you’ve ever had a yen to own the chair occupied by Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (or Counselor Deanna Troi!), you’re in luck. The closing of “Star Trek: The Experience” after a 10-year run in Las Vegas last year means almost 1,000 props and set pieces from the attraction are up for grabs.

A company called Auctioneer Propworx, Inc. will be presiding over the inter-stellar garage sale at a warehouse in Vegas on Saturday.

Besides the chairs occupied by Picard, Troi and Commander William T. “Number One” Riker, other big ticket items in the 24th century haul include three large models of spaceships in need of restoration – the U.S.S. Enterprise A, the U.S.S. Voyager and a Romulan Bird of Prey; a replica of the Enterprise bridge from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and a Borg alcove, as well as costumes and “knickknacks” starting at $10.