It was Spike that drew about 200 people from around the world to the state capitol for Sacramento's first major fan con in three years. However, having a slayer, two witches, and other assorted characters (not to mention a writer who IS a character) really helps.
So, let's start with James Marsters, a Modesto kid who made good. Right off the bat, he encouraged embarassing questions. But the first comments centered on music: his likes (Miles Davis and Al Green) and whether he'll take his one-man show to Los Angeles someday. He wants to do that, when he has more songs and can get a club to let him do a one-man show. He also recalled about how he and Anthony Stewart Head weren't that fazed about doing a musical episode, but the other castmates were. But it all turned out for the best. He said that "Once More With Feeling" was a classic.
He also talked a lot about theater. This is where he got his start, and that he'd like to get back into it again, maybe as a producer. However, he'd like to do the same in movies, although the toughest part is raising the money (as Amber Benson would tell him). He said that Shakespeare's history plays (Richard III, Henry V, etc) were appreciated more by UK audiences than US audiences because the plays are England's history. He said he'ld also like to do Richard II, but not as effeminate as in other productions. he'd like to show that monarch really didn't have as much ambition has he should have to be successful. He also recalled an interesting encounter he had when he was in a drama outreach program with high school students in Seattle.He also said that acting was like "being private in public", but that it can be easier if you have a specific detailed world in your mind with the character included in that world. This shows when he worked on Buffy, he understood the Whedonverse completely, and that helped him in his role.
James is also a man who likes to keep his private life private. He has a nine-year old son, and he prefers to keep th ekid away from the spotlight. However, James told some interesting things about himself. First, he recalled how he has a tough time in New York while trying to break into acting after Julliard. It all changed when his girlfriend decided to leave for Chicago...and he followed her. Once there, he got a new attitude, and it helped him. He also recalled how being in a production of Godspell in Muncie, IN, it was the first time anyone asked him for an autograph. He was reluctant to be too famous...until he saw how Roger Daltrey handled being a rock star.
But would he consider another series, as sone of his other castmates have done? He would, if it was right.
Jame has also gotten into books likely, namely books on tape with the Harry Dresden series. He admits that he prefers reading a book cold rather than prepare ahead of time to get the right feel of the story. He also mentions that reading Harry Potter with his son had led to some very interesting conversations.
James also admits that being 43 can be a strange age for an actor. He's no longer young, and it's tough to find the right character for his age. But with his music theatre and acting, he'll be busy, and popular, for some time.
He was also surprised when a fan asked him if there's anything he'd like to know from her. He asked why she decided to see him. She said that watching the show actually helped her cope with a hugh personal loss. It was a touching comment indeed.
But what dreams does James have for the future? He said "gotta start dreaming". That shouldn't be too hard.
