Get ready to thaw out from the winter freeze with a dose of pure pop culture pandemonium! The NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza Cabin Fever Show is storming Boxboro Regency Hotel, March 7-9, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be an epic geek-fest of epic proportions! But this isn’t your average comic con. Prepare to witness the magic where nostalgia meets nightmare, where Fraggles frolic alongside… Art the Clown?!
Yes, you read that right! Puppetry legend & Terrifier 3 associate producer Bill Diamond, a maestro who’s pulled the strings of everything from Broadway puppets to digital creations, is bringing a truly terrifying treasure: the ORIGINAL set pieces and chair from Terrifier 3! And because no Terrifier experience is complete without the main attraction, a chilling Art the Clown cosplayer will be on hand (don’t worry, it’s not David Howard Thornton, but be prepared to be spooked!). Snag a photo op right at Bill’s booth using your own phone or camera – no prepaid photo op room shenanigans here.
The fun doesn’t stop with spine-tingling clowns! Diamond’s booth will be a veritable puppet paradise, overflowing with iconic characters from Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Monster TV Network, Moonshins, and more. Get ready to unleash your inner child (or maybe your inner goblin) and capture some unforgettable memories! This March, escape cabin fever and dive headfirst into a world of creativity, collectibles, and just a touch of chaotic fun.
The Early Years: From Stage to Screen
The journey of a master often begins with a spark of childhood passion. For Bill Diamond, that spark ignited during his early years as a child actor on Broadway. While most young performers might have been content with traditional acting roles, Diamond’s creative spirit led him down a different path. During his high school years, he demonstrated remarkable initiative by creating stop-motion animation films and managing his own theatre company – endeavors that would later prove instrumental in shaping his career.
The Henson Connection
Perhaps the most pivotal moment in Diamond’s career came at age nineteen when he met Jim Henson, the legendary creator of the Muppets. This meeting wasn’t just a chance encounter; it was a gateway to working on one of television’s most influential shows, Sesame Street. The experience working under Henson’s guidance provided Diamond with invaluable insights into the art of puppetry and television production.
Building an Empire
In 1976, taking the bold step that would define his professional trajectory, Diamond established Bill Diamond Productions. This venture would become a cornerstone in the industry, producing numerous television series throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Shows like “Stuffy’s Place,” “The Land of the Moonshins,” and “Dr. Rock’s Dinosaur Adventures” showcased Diamond’s ability to create engaging content that appealed to diverse audiences.
The Little Shop of Horrors Legacy
One of Diamond’s most enduring contributions to theater has been his work with Little Shop of Horrors. Since 1984, he has been the mastermind behind Audrey 2, the infamous man-eating plant that has become a theatrical icon. His expertise in building and operating this complex puppet has made him an integral part of the show’s road tours, demonstrating the crucial role of puppetry in modern theater.
Overcoming Adversity
The path of an artist is rarely smooth, and Diamond’s career has faced its share of challenges. In 2001, a devastating fire in his Peekskill, New York studio destroyed over 200 puppets and original creations. Many would have been defeated by such a loss, but Diamond’s resilience led him to rebuild in Cornwall, NY. Even when faced with another fire in 2012, his determination remained unshaken, though this time his studio survived with only water damage.
Recognition and Achievement
Diamond’s contributions to entertainment have not gone unnoticed. His three Emmy Awards – one for lighting direction on the YES Network’s Yankee’s Post Game Show (2015), another for set design for the Brooklyn Nets (2017), and a third for set design for the YES Network’s Yankees Buzz in the Bronx (2020) – demonstrate his versatility in production. The 2024 Bronze Telly Award for the first episode of their new streaming series “Gorgo’s Graveyard Shift” cemented his reputation for excellence by joining the other three Telly Awards he (and his production company) have collected: a Bronze Telly Award for producing and directing the show Mike Bennett on the Road in 2008, a 2019 Silver Telly Award for “Gorgo’s Christmas Carol Narrated by Vincent Price”, and a Bronze Telly Award in 2021 for their production of “Claus and the Fairies”.
Innovation in Modern Puppetry
What sets Diamond apart is his ability to blend traditional puppetry with modern entertainment demands. His work spans from classic hand puppets to complex animatronic creatures, showing how puppetry can evolve while maintaining its core appeal. His contributions to The Dark Crystal fan film competition, sponsored by The Jim Henson Company, exemplify this bridge between traditional and contemporary storytelling.
Bill Diamond‘s journey from child actor to Emmy-winning puppeteer and producer exemplifies the evolution of puppetry in modern entertainment. His work continues to inspire new generations of artists and entertainers, proving that even in our digital age, the magic of puppetry remains as captivating as ever. As he prepares for his appearance at the March 2025 NorthEast ComicCon, Diamond’s legacy stands as a testament to the enduring power of this unique art form.
About the Show
What: The NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza
When: March 7-9, 2025
Where: The Boxboro Regency Hotel, 242 Adams Pl., Boxboro MA 01719
Daily and weekend passes available while supply lasts. After-party events Friday and Saturday nights available online.
Friday, March 7: vendors and artists will be open from 4:00 until 8:00 pm, with a preview for VIPs opening at 3:00 pm.
Saturday, March 8: vendors and artists will be open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, with special early buyers access at 9:00 am.
Sunday, March 9: vendors and artists will be open from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, with special early buyers access at 9:00 am
Get ready for a weekend filled with fun and excitement at the NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza! Our annual Cabin Fever Edition is taking place on March 7-9, 2025 at the Boxboro Regency Hotel & Convention Center in Boxborough, Massachusetts.
Families will love exploring the 30,000-square-foot venue, filled with vendors selling comic books, collectibles, cards, and more. But that’s not all – the event also features celebrity appearances, live music, comedy, karaoke, and much more.
If you’re planning on attending the entire weekend, make sure to take advantage of the special hotel deals! For just $119 a night, you can get VIP admission to the event, as well as enjoy all the amenities the Boxboro Regency Hotel has to offer. Most rooms come equipped with mini-fridges and balconies overlooking the indoor pool, and high-end suites even have separate living rooms and sofa beds.
During your stay, you can take advantage of the hotel’s restaurant, fitness center, and other facilities like free WiFi, free parking, and disabled access. The hotel also offers an airport shuttle and on-site business services, like a computer, printer, and fax. If you’re looking for even more dining options, the hotel’s Minuteman Grille American Pub is a must-try, and there are several other nearby restaurants to choose from.
Upcoming Events:
- NorthEast ComicCon: March 7-9, 2025
- MusicCon: June 27-29, 2025
- Collectibles Extravaganza: June 29, 2025
- Collectibles Extravaganza: October 4-5, 2025
- NorthEast ComicCon: November 28-30, 2025