The Improv, a live theatre venue in Irvine, California is presenting a live stage version of the Original Series episode "Spock's Brain.” With a cast of nine recreating the episode using sets, music and sound effects from the original television series, the show is currently running Wednesday nights in July and August. The Improv is located in the Irvine Spectrum, and "Spock's Brain is for adult audiences, 18 and over, must have a valid ID and there is a two item (food or drink) minimum as the venue is a full service restaurant with a full bar. For more information or tickets call 949-854-5455 or visit their site at www.improv.com.

Michelle Forbes Lands Global Frequency Lead

Star Trek's first Bajoran, Michelle Forbes ("Ro Laren") has just signed on to play Miranda Zero in the WB series Global Frequency, based on the popular comic by acclaimed author Warren Ellis. In the series, her character leads a worldwide intelligence organization in which ordinary people are called upon in unusual, often paranormal, emergencies. Forbes can currently be seen in BBC America's miniseries "Messiah," debuting Monday, July 26, playing the deaf wife of British inspector. Global Frequency is a mid-season pilot for the WB.

Kirstie Alley Returns to Comedy in Fat Actress

Cheers veteran and one-time Vulcan Kirstie Alley (Saavik in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan") is returning to series television in an unscripted comedy for Showtime entitled Fat Actress. Co-created by Alley and Brenda Hampton (7th Heaven), the show will follow the actress playing a fictional version of herself in a send-up of her own travails as a celebrity struggling with her weight, career and love life. Showtime has ordered six episodes of the show, scheduled to begin production in September and subsequently airing sometime in 2005.

Frakes' "Thunderbirds" Set to Fly into Theaters

With plenty of experience working on an update of a cult 1960s series, Star Trek: The Next Generation's Jonathan Frakes is bringing his latest directing effort, "Thunderbirds" into movie theaters in the upcoming weeks. Having played William Riker on TNG as well as director on numerous Star Trek episodes and two features films ("Star Trek: First Contact" and "Star Trek: Insurrection"), Frakes has segued behind the camera to make the live-action version of what was originally a show using only puppets. The family-oriented film is already drawing favorable reviews, with the Hollywood Reporter noting, "Full marks, then, to director Jonathan Frakes and his crew for coming up with a piece of whiz-bang children's entertainment." "Thunderbirds" opens July 23 in the United Kingdom and then on July 30 in the United States.

Jason Alexander and Celebs Call for Assault Weapons Action

Joining a huge list of Hollywood's top celebrities, Voyager alum Jason Alexander ("Kurros" in the episode "Think Tank") sent a letter to President Bush and Congress calling for the federal assault weapons ban to be strengthened and renewed. Without action by the President and Congress, the ban will expire on September 13. Other celebrities also lending their names to the cause include Kevin Bacon, Patricia Heaton, Dustin Hoffman, Helen Hunt, Scarlett Johansson, William H. Macy, Robert Redford, Rob Reiner and others.