Picard & Scrooge A Seasonal Treat For Stewart

Playing one role at a time is usually enough challenge for most actors, but Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard) is gearing up to star in 'A Christmas Carol' with barely enough time to change out of his Starfleet uniform.

"It's going to be a lively holiday season," the actor told columnists Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith at Creators.com. He will star in his one-man production of 'A Christmas Carol' on Broadway for eight performances over the holiday, with proceeds going to charity (story).

Stewart is currently involved in filming for the next Trek feature film, about which he remained very positive. "We have a non-Star Trek writer for the first time - a fan, who is also a wonderful, distinguished writer and Academy Award nominee for 'Gladiator,' John Logan. He knows more about Next Generation than any of us. In script meetings, he'd say things like, 'You can't do that, because in episode 87 you said thus and so.' Amazing."

Stewart explained that he had intended to spend a quiet Christmas with his wife, former Trek script supervisor Wendy Neuss, until he was asked to revive his acclaimed one-man production. "It's a great story, and one I think is important to us, especially at this time," he said of the seasonal classic. "It's about the good things that come from thinking of others rather than yourself - the unity and contentment."

The actor revealed that work on the film would halt for Christmas on December 21st, and resume production in the New Year until March. He'll step back into his Professor X role for 'X Men 2' in April or May.

The original interview with Stewart can be found here at Creators.com.

In related 'Nemesis' news, SciFi Wire reported that Whoopi Goldberg (Guinan) has been spotted on the Paramount lot this week. The film is currently shooting at that location.

Previous reports have hinted strongly that the oscar-winning actress will reprise her Next Generation role for a cameo in the film. While these reports remain unconfirmed, another former Enterprise-D crewman, Wil Wheaton's Wesley Crusher is involved in shooting for the a cameo appearance in the film this week.

Until her appearance is confirmed by officially, reports of her involvement should be treated with the same scepticism accorded to any other unconfirmed rumour. The report about the sighting can be found here at SciFi Wire.

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