KSTP: Orono Woman Plays a Captain in 'Star Trek into Darkness' Movie

A chance meeting with director J.J. Abrams at a fundraising event led one Orono resident to acting part in the new Star Trek into Darkness movie, KSTP-TV reported. Berit Francis explained her role:

I am Star Fleet. I was going to be an admiral but I didn't like the costume as well, so I chose to get demoted to become a captain. It's all about the outfit. What can I say? ...

"I don't know what I'm doing [in the movie]. Because I'm a Midwestern suburban housewife. And how I got this part is still rather surprising."

See the full KSTP-TV report above or at KSTP.com.

Francis has leveraged her role and friendship with Abrams into another fundraiser, this time for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where her daughter received treatment for brain cancer. (Her "scans are looking good, according to the report.)

A Star Trek into Darkness red-carpet fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is set for May 23, 2013 at ShowPlace Icon Theater in St. Louis Park, according to KSTP.

Here are details on the May 23 event: A red carpet reception takes place at 6 p.m. There will be a program with the Francis family at 7:45 p.m. The movie will begin at 8 p.m., and it will be followed by a VIP after-party.

General admission tickets cost $100 and include the red carpet reception and general admission seating. VIP tickets are $200 and include the red carpet reception, VIP seating, a signature cocktail during the program, entrance to the VIP after-party at Figlio’s and a swag bag.

Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

Related:

• Berit Francis at IMDB.com