Fox's gut-wrenching cancellation of the cult series Firefly didn't stop Joss Whedon and the Serenity from giving it's characters the closure they deserved through the film of the same name. A decade after the show's cancellation, fans across the world continue to prove year after year that you Can't Stop the Serenity at the annual event celebrated each year in more than 100 cities in nine countries worldwide.
This weekend is Dallas' turn dust off their brown coats at the Lakewood Theater (1825 Abrams Parkway) for the eighth annual event hosted by the North Texas Browncoats with the traditional screenings of Serenity and Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog, Whedon-esqe trivia, contests (including the Evil Laugh Contest, a crowd favorite) and a record breaking attempt to sing the praises of our favorite orange-hatted hero. Items to be auctioned and raffled throughout the day include original artwork, real-life replicas of River Tam's weaponry and more. And of course, don't forget your costume. If the Texas heat is too much for one of those long, heavy brown coats preferred by Mal, no problem -- steal your buddy's lab coat, throw on a pair of goggles and practice your freeze-ray skills. Or draw a hammer on a T-shirt and call it a day in swashbuckling Fillion style.
Don't write this thing off as simple nerd-debauchery. Can't Stop the Serenity's not just an excuse for nerds to geek out. All proceeds from the event are donated to Equality Now, an organization co-founded by Joss Whedon's late mother. Equality Now strives to achieve legal and systematic change that addresses violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world. Since the event's inception in 2006, Can't Stop the Serenity has raised more than $800,000 for the organization. Join the Browncoats, their friends and the community, and aim to misbehave for a noble cause. This year's events have already raked in $20,978.03. Dallas' event will be dedicated to the memory of 6-year-old murder victim Alanna Galagher of Saginaw whose parents are active and passionate members of the North Texas Browncoat family.
Here's rundown of Sunday's schedule.
12 p.m. Doors open 1 p.m. Opening remarks/first contest 1:30 p.m. Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog 2:15 p.m. Evil Laugh Contest 2:30 p.m. Lunch break 3:45 p.m. Costume Contest 4 p.m. "Hero of Canton" (record breaking attempt!) 4:30 p.m. Serenity 6:30 p.m. Raffle 7 p.m. Auctions
Tickets cost $18 and will be available at the door. You can buy booze but not food so plan ahead. A lunch break and food map will be provided. Packed lunches are welcome.
