DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '08 II => Topic started by: KajunDC on July 22, 2008, 06:20:31 AM

Title: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: KajunDC on July 22, 2008, 06:20:31 AM
Hello everyone.  This was my second fest.  I attended my first at Tarrytown last year to see Frid and made the trek this year for Frid's Burbank return.

Attendance announced on Saturday put the fest at 1500 attendees, with a good third to one half attending their first ever fest (by a showing of hands.)  The most shocking thing about this weekend, besides Jonathan busting his rear end on Sunday (more about that later) was the fact that not only did they have a schedule, but they followed it and managed to stay on time for the most part. 

Let's start with Friday.
High point - Definitely John Karlen's apprearance.  He has lost a ton of weight, though he still has his spare tire.  (Someone near me said he had to lose weight due to health issues but he never said that himself.)  John was funny, very active and thoroughly enjoyed himself.  He came out talking about how scared he was that "Barnabas" was there this weekend and you all know what that can mean for poor Willie.  He also mentioned that he, Frid, Selby, and Lara Parker had dinner together the night before at KLS's house - first time Karlen has seen Frid in over two decades - and they all got to catch up and had a great time.
Low points - The lowest point was the pilot from the 2004 remake.  All I can say is thank God that crap was not picked up.  It was truly horrible.  The story sucked and the actors had no redeeming qualities whatsoever.  The second low point was "Adam and Eve together again" - mostly because they weren't.  Rodan pulled a no-show.  He did show on Saturday and Sunday but offered no apology or explanation for his failure to fulfill his Friday commitment.  Marie Wallace looked great and had not changed (even her clothes) from the Tarrytown fest. 
I did not stay for the movies as I have House of Dark Shadows on DVD and can see it whenever I want.  The Norliss Tapes and the other B stuff they showed did not interest me at all.
Mid Point - KLS and Lara were on stage together viewing clips of their time as Josette and Angelique.  Nothing new here, they both went through the same talking points as last year, the same as the last 25 years.  This past year has not been overly kind to either of the ladies, especially KLS.  She looked as though she aged 10 years in the last 11 months.  Don't get me wrong.  They are both still very beautiful but as amazed as I was last year at how young they both still looked, they both definitely had that "Grandma" look this year.  Also, Lara refused to do her laugh this year.

Saturday
High point - Bob Colbert.  He was very entertaining and has a great sense of humor.  He far and away stole the show on Saturday.
Low points - David Selby.  So many of us were incredibly offended that he turned the DS fest into a political rally.  He effectively alienated over half the attendees with that crap, whether they supported the candidate his was shilling for or not.  It was in incredibly poor taste.  If you want to have a political rally David, fine.  Just tell people what you are doing beforehand.  Over half the attendees were sitting on their hands while a few were up "rapping" the Gettysburg Address.   [ghost_rolleyes]  I know Abe was looking to change his address after that fiasco.  The other low point was Frid's unflattering comments about Grayson Hall.  I understand you may not have liked her or appreciated her acting skills but I mean really, the woman has passed on.  Let's not step on her grave.  Also, and many may not agree with me, I think Frid coming out of the casket sounded much better on paper than it came across live.  He could have really gotten hurt with the way they set it up and it was amazing that the casket did not fall off the flimsy stand they had it on. 
Mid points - Sy Tomashoff was good but his memory seemed to fail him on many of the topics.  He did bring out some interesting facts about scene design.  Frid's "Growth of Barnabas" segment was fine for what it was.  A few clips with very few comments afterwards.  He once again praised Thayer David as the heart and soul of DS, and with that I completely agree.  The DS cast reunion was decent but you could tell how little everyone else thought of Roger Davis.  And when Roger mentioned Don Briscoe's use of marijuana on the set, if looks could kill, KLS would have put Roger 6 feet under right there.  Basically Roger is the only one currently doing anything, and is doing quite well in the real estate market.  (If I had invested the last 5-7 years of my life in that kind of project, I'd be talking about it too.)  He also had his heart surgery which has seemed to take a ton out of the man - as it does with all who go through such an invasive procedure.  It was great seeing Jerry Lacy as he is far and away my favorite non-major cast member from the show. 
NODS is being restored and will be a year (or more) before restoration is complete.  They have been having the actors re-dub some of their lines from footage found where the audio was unusable.  The Depp DS movie is in the very early script stage (still far from any type of guarantee a movie will actually come to fruition) and none of the original cast has yet been approached for cameo roles.  When asked, Frid did not sound like he would be interested in a single scene cameo and said his health (mostly his stamina due to back problems from the fall a couple of years ago) was not good enough to have a role any larger than a small cameo.  But said he would have to see how he felt when and if he was approached with an offer.  I was not there for the fan video segent or the costume segment nor did I stay for the movies shown that night.  Way too long a day for that.

Sunday
High point - the lost DS script.  The actors were Lara Parker, Robert Rodan, Marie Wallace, and Roger Davis.  Marie and Rodan began by reading the script at the mike with no action.  Once it was Roger and Marie, though, we actually saw some action to go with the words.  Roger really got into the role and gave far and away the best stage performance.  He actually interacted with Marie rather than simply reading the lines as the others did.  Lara had very few lines overall but brought the audio passion one would expect from Angelique.  Also a personal high point for me was the Jerry Lacy Many Faces of Trask segment, mostly because of how much I enjoyed the Trask character.  Jerry has great humor to him.
Low point - As much as I hate to say it (and I really do hate to say it as his being there was the only reason I decided to go again), the Frid performance.  He began by giving a recap of the "Growth of Frid as an Actor" which was somewhat interesting.  He then went into reading from the book "The Heiress" in a very monotone, emotionless and, quite frankly, boring reading  (Boring to the point that I was actually nodding off in the chair).  Not the kind of passion I expected or have seen and heard from him in the past, including last year.  He then turned it over to old recorded performances of himself, the first coming from his new DVD Frid-Evil.  As Frid turned toward the screen on his stool he slid off the side and landed hard on his rear end.  He came very, very close to going over backwards off the stage which would have caused him to strike the back of his head.  Fortunately he managed to teeter on the stage edge until others could run to him and assist him back to his feet.  He did a little dance on stage to try and show he was not injured but he was definitely suffering from the immediate effects of the fall, which could be seen in the way he walked.  After that, and understandably so, Frid basically turned the rest of the performance over to the videos with the Yma dream being the highlight, as it was at Tarrytown.  He also presented the Spanish Poe performance at his cousin's house that was on his website for a few weeks.  I'm sure for those that understood Spanish this was good but since most of us did not speak spanish we just kind of watched.  He ended on that note, which I found a little odd as most did not understand the words in the final performance.  The applause at the end was much, much less enthusiastic than in Tarrytown.  I am glad he seemed to be okay after the fall but chances are good he is going to have the lingering effects of that for quite a while.
Mid point - the Banquet.  I ended up sitting by Roger Davis' wife, who was a complete joy to talk with.  Roger was on the other side of her.  She is a very nice and interesting lady and shared some great stories about her life with Roger with me, including how they met at the 1990 fest.  I really enjoyed my time talking to her and feel Roger has got himself one great lady there.  The food was vegetarian lasagna, which I did not eat.  Way too much cheese and pasta for me.  I was disappointed they did not do the roasted chicken from last year.  Dessert was a fruit tart - no staked cheesecake this year.  I also skipped that, so I basically spent $50 to eat a salad, a little bit of broccoli and carrots that were on top of the lasagna, and visit with Roger's wife.  Roger's wife did make it worth it, though.  They showed a video of interview shows from the past (Rick Dees and Soap Net features) with KLS saying the same things, ver batim, that she said on the stage last year and this year.  (It must get mighty monotonous saying the exact same things year after year.)  They also showed a video of some of the restored footage and redubbed audio from NODS.  I hope that the video and audio go under a ton more work as the audio did not come close to matching the moving lips of the actors but I'm sure they will get that worked out before the DVD release - provided that really does ever happen.
I was not there for the early morning/afternoon stage talks of Chris Pennock, KLS and then Lara Parker.  I had little interest in Pennock and have heard all of what KLS and Parker have to say. 

All in all, while I would rate the Tarrytown fest last year as an A+, I would give the Burbank fest, at best, a C-.  Actually, I'll have to give it a D.  This was my second and last fest.  I've seen everything and everyone I've always wanted to see, except those no longer with us, and have no desire or longing to return to another fest, even if Frid makes the trek next year or in the future.  I know my review was overall quite negative and, believe me, no one is more disappointed in that than I am but feel I must call it as I saw it.  I still love the show and, of course, always will.  And I know that Frid is 83 and can't do what he once could do.  But seeing the difference between this year and last year, I think it best that I remember the triumph of 2007 over the tragedy of 2008.  I also feel I have seen the best of what they all have left to offer at this point in their lives.

Overall, I am still glad I went as I I had never been to California and I did meet some more very interesting people and made new friends but I found what I did outside the main event room much more enjoyable than what went on in the main event room.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 22, 2008, 06:41:51 AM
[ghost_mad] I am really disapointed in Jonathan Frid saying things about GH.  This may get delted but I have never liked the guy peroid. I like Barney but not him. I have never had any illusions about meeting him.  I do hope to go next year (if there is one) and at least get a fest under my belt before the primary cast has passed on.  RD--don't get me started.  I don't really think it is in good taste to talk about things (the dead) have done.  OLD NEWS!! We know poor Don had his tribulations rest his soul.   And I just can't understand JF saying things about GH.  She always spoke so fondly of him, from what I have heard and read. According to her biography JF used to run lines and go home with her to get a good meal.  I feel really sad and bummed that GH and DB were disrespcted that way. [ghost_sad]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 22, 2008, 07:01:42 AM
Sorry for the double post.  However, I wanted to say that a week or so ago I posted a post about some actors and it was removed.  At the time I had no idea that certain things were not to be posted in due respect of the family.  I wasn't wanting to speak ill of the dead either.  I just thought some things in fandom were so well known that they could be talked about here.  I can tell you it's something I WILL NOT REPEAT in respect for their famlies! Sorry for the double post again.  I feel slightly disheartened at the moment.  I just wonder what was going through "the legion's" head's when JF said whatever he said.  I would really like know what exactly was said.  Maybe I am jumping to conclusions.  I find myself very protective of GH. 
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap
Post by: Midnite on July 22, 2008, 07:12:44 AM
Once it was Roger and Marie, though, we actually saw some action to go with the words.

Ah, but that great kiss between Adam and Eve preceded her scene with Roger Davis.

Quote
Roger really got into the role and gave far and away the best stage performance.  He actually interacted with Marie rather than simply reading the lines as the others did.  Lara had very few lines overall but brought the audio passion one would expect from Angelique.

I'm glad you enjoyed Roger's performance, and it's with all due respect to you that I say that I feel the opposite about it.  First off, he is the only participant that didn't say his lines into the microphone but instead faced the other actor in his scenes.  And I'm sure more will be explained about the script in the coming days, but one scene called for Jeff to escalate in his physical intimidation of Eve, and Marie Wallace became so increasingly uncomfortable that she felt the need to announce, "Pretend he's choking me" in an apparent effort to thwart Roger.

I don't know what happened with Lara Parker's microphone but I would assume the audio crewmember had good reason to attempt to make an adjustment to it while she continued reading.   So her ad lib, "We can get to the moon..." seemed, to me at least, unprofessional and totally unnecessary.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 22, 2008, 08:35:18 AM
I also want to say that I wasn't trying to flame Frid or anything.  I just am slightly I guess you could say let down.  Alas these actors are not perfect nor am I!! 
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: MirandaD on July 22, 2008, 09:16:53 AM
Personally, I appreciate it when an actor has the guts to tell the truth when asked a questions -- Frid in no way disrespected GH.  Somebody asked him about her and he told the truth as he saw it -- he said her acting style was a little much for him.   Who here can honestly say she wasn't "over the top" at times, maybe even more so than most of the other actors?  I *loved* her on the show but I have to admit that I did see her that way too.  It didn't make me enjoy her any less.

I think if questions are asked of the actors, people deserve the truth, not some Pollyana candy-coated  answer.  I appreciate their honesty, and think more of them for having the guts to answer hard questions honestly and not do the easy thing, which is to answer in polite, trite platitudes. 
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 22, 2008, 09:19:05 AM
Well then that is nothing to fret over.  I took it as he said terrible things about her.  Yes Honesty is the best policy!!  I would agree.  I would want the truth if I were to ask a question!! No harm no foul.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: MirandaD on July 22, 2008, 09:40:38 AM
KajunDC,

I have to agree with you totally on the quality of Roger's acting.. I was blown away at how good he was. 
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Jackie on July 22, 2008, 01:04:46 PM
I listened to Frid answering questions and his answer about Grayson was not a put down, IMO.  It was more her acting style he remarked on and he did compliment her too.  I think his words about her style were "over the top".  Does anyone disagree with that?  GH can really put on the "juice" and I LOVE her as Julia and all the other characters!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Raycheetah on July 22, 2008, 01:05:00 PM
Thank you for sharing your experience with those of us not fortunate enough to attend, KajunDC. I'm sorry that it wasn't all you might have hoped, but at least you were able to enjoy some of it. Having run and attended numerous (general sci-fi/media) conventions, I know all too well how hard it is to achieve consistent quality throughout, and how disappointing a less than stellar event can be, especially after a previous such having been much better.

Thanks, again!

-Raycheetah =^[.]^=

P.S.: I'm glad to hear Jonathan wasn't seriously injured by his fall!

Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: fridfreak on July 22, 2008, 02:14:32 PM
Jonathan Frid is a gentleman and only gave his opinion about her acting style.  In no way was that a put down.  Give tha man some credit.  He has stated before that some of the acting styles were "over the top"  on the show.  That is not new.  Grayson, being larger than life , and I have read her biography by RJ Jamison, could at times be larger than life and therefore over the top in her acting style. Hey, that was Grayson at her best.  In any case, Dark Shadows is still going strong because of their combined efforts-especially Frids.  IMO- he was the best along with Hall and KLS!!   
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 22, 2008, 02:18:33 PM
Oh yes our beloved Grayson was 'over the top' at times.   I think it depended on who was directing her.  Lela ""MORE MORE MORE" Swift could often times titter on way to over the top camp.   I like her (Grayson's)  stuff directed best under Henry Kaplan and some other directors.  Don't get me wrong.  Lela has some good GH episodes to her credit too.  Glad to hear that JF complimented GH as well.   And yes I have heard JF is quite the gentleman.  I am glad he wasn't hurt during his fall!! 
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Maybellique on July 22, 2008, 03:20:27 PM
Thank you- THANK YOU for that wonderfully detailed account of this year's fest. I'd have to say I fully agree with you regarding
the 2004 remake. Blech! I saw a few minutes worth of it and then had to walk out, at the one and only fest I attended. I
don't know what it was... It just did not play up to my expectations. Sadly, those expectations weren't very high, to tell you
the truth.

I'd love to see pictures, if anyone has them or can direct me to some. :) ~DJ
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: 4everfridean on July 22, 2008, 03:54:36 PM
JF was not feeling particularly well Sunday, either -- I ran into him as he was leaving breakfast and when I asked him, "How are you?" he replied, "Terrible, how are you?  I can barely walk."  Also, my husband (who was among the first time attendees, despite being a casual fan at best) had a ringside seat for what led to the fall.  Basically, what happened was, he backed up to sit on his stool, and didn't go far enough, he started to lower himself too soon.

I also think there was a difference in energy between this Fest and 2007.  But I liked the more laid back vibe this year, and having my husband and 12 y/o son there as first-time attendees (my first Fest was '06) made it special indeed.  We are still on vacation, will not get home until Saturday, but I'm going to try to post some pix before the week is out.

Julie  :-)
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Ronny G on July 22, 2008, 04:12:28 PM
I was there, and I did not feel that Jonathan was being disrespecful to Grayson.Someone in the audience asked him about her because he had talked about Thayer David.  Jonathan said, "she was a bit much" but he was referring to her acting style. I think he felt guilty saying that because he said, "I really shouldn't say this" He al;so said, We got along. and I respected her.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Gothick on July 22, 2008, 04:30:13 PM
Thanks for those who clarified Mr. Frid's remarks about Grayson.  I recall Louis Edmonds telling me on one occasion when I was asking for stories about Grayson "a little bit of Grayson goes a long way" said very fondly and with a sly wink.  He then told a story about seeing her in Happy End with her arm in a cast because she had just broken it earlier that day.  In his dry way, he paid tribute to her incredible showmanship and professionalism.  I appreciated his candor.

I'd love to hear more about what Mr. Frid said about Thayer David.  On the one Dave Brown cassette I bought years ago, in one of the 1980s get-togethers Frid was recalling how Thayer was like everyone's uncle on the set, even though he was the same age as himself, Louis, et al.  He talked about how kind and encouraging Thayer was.  Alexandra in her foreword to one of the KLS pompress books shared that Thayer battled depression for years.  What an incredible man, and incredible artist, he was.

G.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: joe integlia on July 22, 2008, 05:01:58 PM
heres 1 of my pics from digital camera. i still need to get 35mm developed.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 22, 2008, 05:52:23 PM
I was there, and I did not feel that Jonathan was being disrespecful to Grayson.Someone in the audience asked him about her because he had talked about Thayer David.  Jonathan said, "she was a bit much" but he was referring to her acting style. I think he felt guilty saying that because he said, "I really shouldn't say this" He al;so said, We got along. and I respected her.

Thank you, Ronny G!  I think this account captures the moment perfectly.

Fantastic picture, Joe.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 22, 2008, 06:13:50 PM
Also, my husband (who was among the first time attendees, despite being a casual fan at best) had a ringside seat for what led to the fall.  Basically, what happened was, he backed up to sit on his stool, and didn't go far enough, he started to lower himself too soon.

That's not it either.  He was given a chair on Saturday but said he preferred the stool so that's what was provided for Sunday's presentation.  Unfortunately, it wasn't one of his best decisions.  He wanted to watch the video from an audience seat because his line of sight from the stage gave him too awkward a view of the screen, so he came down off the stool but didn't land correctly.  It was thankfully not a hard fall and he was helped to his feet, smiled and showed the audience he could walk fine, and then he moved down into the front row and his Reader's Theatre continued.

I noticed on several occasions (and I'm sure Nancy can attest to this) that he prefers his independence when moving about.  He's flying home-- across the country-- alone.  God bless him, and I think it's an accomplishment that fans can take to heart rather than one stage misstep!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: joe integlia on July 22, 2008, 06:24:01 PM
heres another. they show up small here but if u click on the image u can enlarge.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap
Post by: KajunDC on July 22, 2008, 06:31:12 PM
I don't know what happened with Lara Parker's microphone but I would assume the audio crewmember had good reason to attempt to make an adjustment to it while she continued reading.   So her ad lib, "We can get to the moon..." seemed, to me at least, unprofessional and totally unnecessary.

The problem was that Jim Pierson, having no apparent clue how those mikes work - meaning that particular mike picks up best from the side rather than from the top as many mikes do - decided to change the position of Lara's mike in such a way that the audio could not be heard so the tech had to go up right after him and put the mike back where he originally had it.  Lara was just frustrated that she was interrupted by both Jim and the tech - Jim's fault, he should keep his hands off what he doesn't understand - and Lara made her comment as a way to break the tension.  I can understand her feelings at having one guy move something only to have another immediately come and move it right back to where it was, and should have been.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: loril54 on July 22, 2008, 08:38:01 PM
I wanted to say. I am glad that JF went on. What a performer. He got right back up and continued. Though he went off and
on the stage. He was even at his table for a bit, and he went to the banquat.  We all forget his age and his zest for life. Being
physically challanged I like my own independence also.  I am very glad he made the effort to come at all and fly across country.
Reports are hs is doing fine.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: 4everfridean on July 22, 2008, 08:49:52 PM
Also, my husband (who was among the first time attendees, despite being a casual fan at best) had a ringside seat for what led to the fall.  Basically, what happened was, he backed up to sit on his stool, and didn't go far enough, he started to lower himself too soon.

That's not it either.  He was given a chair on Saturday but said he preferred the stool so that's what was provided for Sunday's presentation.  Unfortunately, it wasn't one of his best decisions.  He wanted to watch the video from an audience seat because his line of sight from the stage gave him too awkward a view of the screen, so he came down off the stool but didn't land correctly.  It was thankfully not a hard fall and he was helped to his feet, smiled and showed the audience he could walk fine, and then he moved down into the front row and his Reader's Theatre continued.

My husband saw what he saw.  He had a perfect angle to see from, we were in the second row on the left, in the middle of the row.  That's how he fell.  Nothing to do with chair or stool (that said, I agree with you the change from chair to stool was not the best thing for JF to do).

Quote
I noticed on several occasions (and I'm sure Nancy can attest to this) that he prefers his independence when moving about.  He's flying home-- across the country-- alone.  God bless him, and I think it's an accomplishment that fans can take to heart rather than one stage misstep!

He certainly does, but there were a couple of times he did accept help this particular occasion.  Are you sure Mark wasn't going to be with him, though?  If JF did fly it alone, I'm really proud of him, since I think it's been several years since he's flown anywhere.

I wanted to say. I am glad that JF went on. What a performer. He got right back up and continued. Though he went off and
on the stage. He was even at his table for a bit, and he went to the banquat.  ...

I wasn't aware he had been at his table, that's GREAT. 

Julie  :)
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: borgosi on July 22, 2008, 09:33:01 PM
Other than JF's fall, I loved everything about the fest and this was my second.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 22, 2008, 09:42:12 PM
Sorry, 4everfridean, my point was that it was the move from his seated spot that got him into trouble.  Didn't mean to offend, and how funny is it that we had the same seats on opposite sides of the aisle?  It's like the PT mirror image slide in Frank Borzellieri's presentation.  [ghost_cheesy]

Are you sure Mark wasn't going to be with him, though?  If JF did fly it alone, I'm really proud of him, since I think it's been several years since he's flown anywhere.

Exactly, he hadn't flown since the 90s!  I'm sure; Mark left Sunday night (babies don't wait ;)) so it fell on Pierson to take JF to the airport.

Hi again, borgosi!!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Dawn on July 22, 2008, 11:50:55 PM
Just read through everyone's thoughts here and I'll add my observations.  As a loyal GH fan, JF's comments were not unexpected and not unflattering.  Yes, Grayson was a bit much and over the top.  Not news.  But the manner in which he said such was not derrogatory.  He included himself in that obrservation as well and made due note of the nature of the soaps.  He respected her and complimented her in the very scene he had just shown with himself, Grayson, and Thayer. 

As for JF, he was well yesterday when I spoke to him before leaving the Fest.  He was not injured in the fall as he kept telling us.  As he stated, "I just let it happen."  Smart move.  He was well attended to for those who wondered.  And yes, he was flying back solo today.  Direct flight.  First class.  Driver waiting to take him home. 

I will add a couple of personal notes here.  It was nice to meet those of you who stopped by the Frid table and introduced yourselves. 

It was great to visit again, Midnite.  I'm glad we had time to spend together this year.  I'm especially glad that you got to speak with Laura.  Old times.   

Gothick, the responses in the great hall to GH were as resounding as ever.  You would be proud since it wasn't just the JList making theselves known.   [ghost_wink]

Dawn
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Teresa on July 22, 2008, 11:57:50 PM
Sounds like everyone has some interesting views on the fest! I really wish I could have been there to see it.  As far as GH I think she was "over the top" but that was the beauty of her. She put all she could into her character and seemed to enjoy it with immense pleasure. Good for her.  She never did anything low key and she made her characters stand out and be notice. I think sometimes that can put others on guard and some just don't like that. Doesn't mean they don't like the person.  I can't wait for next year!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 23, 2008, 02:23:01 AM
It was great to visit again, Midnite.  I'm glad we had time to spend together this year.  I'm especially glad that you got to speak with Laura.  Old times.

Me too.  *hugs*
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Nancy on July 23, 2008, 02:35:43 AM
I just wonder what was going through "the legion's" head's when JF said whatever he said.  I would really like know what exactly was said.  Maybe I am jumping to conclusions.  I find myself very protective of GH. 

I don't understand your upset.  In the audiotape interview with Grayson Hall made shortly after DS went off the air, she referred to JF as "a dumb actor."  I don't consider that flattering though I think that had more to do with her not understanding why he did not capitalize on his fame the way other actors would have.
Nancy
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 23, 2008, 02:58:06 AM
I don't understand your upset.  In the audiotape interview with Grayson Hall made shortly after DS went off the air, she referred to JF as "a dumb actor."  I don't consider that flattering though I think that had more to do with her not understanding why he did not capitalize on his fame the way other actors would have.
I have never heard the interview SO I cannot really comment on it.   I wish just upset because people were saying he dissed GH personally.  I didn't mind that he didn't like her acting style fine.  One poster though made it seem he was saying he didn't like "HER".  Its just misunderstandings and some people's interpretation of what he said at the fest. I aplogize for jumping to conclusions!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Nancy on July 23, 2008, 03:05:50 AM
Frid is one of the few DS actors who doesn't criticize his colleagues in public.  He considers it rude.  He certainly had his likes and dislikes as anyone would but unlike let's say Lara Parker and even KLS at times, he doesn't make fun of them.  He was hesitant to even say what little he did about GH and, again, that is a frequent criticism by other actors.  She was an intense actress and sometimes that leads to overacting.  Sometimes.  But the chemistry between GH and JF throughout the series was part of what made the series hum.

Nancy 

I have never heard the interview SO I cannot really comment on it.   I wish just upset because people were saying he dissed GH personally.  I didn't mind that he didn't like her acting style fine.  One poster though made it seem he was saying he didn't like "HER".  Its just misunderstandings and some people's interpretation of what he said at the fest. I aplogize for jumping to conclusions!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: MagnusTrask on July 23, 2008, 03:09:59 AM
....she referred to JF as "a dumb actor."  I don't consider that flattering though I think that had more to do with her not understanding why he did not capitalize on his fame the way other actors would have.

Maybe she was joking that actors in general were a bit dumb, including herself perhaps, about taking advantage of opportunities.   
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: loril54 on July 23, 2008, 03:47:56 AM
We can't really speculate what anyone thinks, or what was their intentions. You also
have to wonder what some articles would say.

Without hearing the audio tapes I can't say what Grayson  said.

Jonathan meant no disrespect. Just think he was talking about how he went up on his
lines with the sceen when he finds out Josette marries Jerrimiah.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: David on July 23, 2008, 04:12:28 AM
Let's start with Friday.
...
Low points - ... The second low point was "Adam and Eve together again" - mostly because they weren't.  Rodan pulled a no-show.  He did show on Saturday and Sunday but offered no apology or explanation for his failure to fulfill his Friday commitment.  Marie Wallace looked great and had not changed (even her clothes) from the Tarrytown fest.
...
Mid Point - KLS and Lara were on stage together viewing clips of their time as Josette and Angelique.  Nothing new here, they both went through the same talking points as last year, the same as the last 25 years.  This past year has not been overly kind to either of the ladies, especially KLS.  She looked as though she aged 10 years in the last 11 months.  Don't get me wrong.  They are both still very beautiful but as amazed as I was last year at how young they both still looked, they both definitely had that "Grandma" look this year.  Also, Lara refused to do her laugh this year.

Saturday
...
Low points - David Selby.  So many of us were incredibly offended that he turned the DS fest into a political rally.  He effectively alienated over half the attendees with that crap, whether they supported the candidate his was shilling for or not.  It was in incredibly poor taste.  If you want to have a political rally David, fine.  Just tell people what you are doing beforehand.  Over half the attendees were sitting on their hands while a few were up "rapping" the Gettysburg Address.   [ghost_rolleyes]  I know Abe was looking to change his address after that fiasco.

First of all, it's OK to disagree with Selby's politics.
Be that as it may, hearing Selby's politics~~or Chris Pennock's homeless advocacy~~is far more intersting than hearing the same DS anecdotes again & again.
Both men gave us more insight into who they really are as people.

RE: Kathryn & Lara: both women are in their mid 60s & look incredible.

This implies that Marie is not a clean person, and that's clearly not the case.

David

(edited by admin)
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: retzev on July 23, 2008, 05:36:13 AM
I very much enjoyed your detailed and personalized account of the weekend, KajunDC.  Much more than a rote list of events, your personal opinions and insights almost made me feel like I was there. If I had been one of the estimated half of those in attendance who had never been to a fest before, I would have felt a bit cheated, not to mention condescended to, if Selby spent the time that I had paid for stumping for a political candidate. And it's nice to know that Marie Wallace's beautiful face and unique style of dress remains unchanged, she is one of kindest people I've ever met. Be sure to post any more remembrances from the fest that you may have forgotten in your earlier post [happy11]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: joe integlia on July 23, 2008, 06:05:17 AM
another picture to share.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 23, 2008, 06:08:31 AM
Thanks JOE.  I am glad to see JK has spunk and has lost weight.  It will only make him feel better and lead a healthier life. :)   That is not to alienate anyone.  I myself lost about 50 pounds last summer and it was hell...but it was worth it!!  I feel better all around.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: joe integlia on July 23, 2008, 06:16:56 AM
congrats on your weight loss and karlen looked great. heres another shot that shows it more.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 23, 2008, 07:34:52 AM
ON Lara Parker and KLS age.  I saw pics of both women and I thought they looked great this year.  Yep they have aged.  So have I.  I am aging as I am typing this comment.  It's gonna happen to us all.  But life goes on until we are aged away.........Unless your a vampire of course [ghost_cheesy]

Also I love Lara Parker and did a zine devoted to her so I am not trying to point out her age for meanness.  If IMDB is true she looks amazing for her age.   Her IMDB says she was born in 1937.  That would actually make her 71 this year.  No wonder I love LP.  If IMDB is true she was born the 27Th of Oct. and that makes her a  Scorpio like me. I was born the 26Th.  I have never met a Scorpio I didn't like.  Also KLS on IMDB is listed as 1945 which would make her 63 this past January.  Does anyone know if these dates are correct?? Or have they done the GH thing and "tinkered" with there age?  [ghost_wink]

Tanks!!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: joe integlia on July 23, 2008, 08:49:59 AM
here see how great they look.....
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 23, 2008, 10:15:50 AM
They look great.  I am not overtly fond of "older" women with really really blonde hair like Kathryn's but its her hair not mine I just think on "older" women it makes them look washed out. I like her best with dark hair or a more honey blond would be nicer.   IMHO!  Nonetheless thanks for the great pic :)
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Janet the Wicked on July 23, 2008, 12:59:17 PM
heres 1 of my pics from digital camera. i still need to get 35mm developed.

What's Old Man Selby doing, taking a nap?
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 23, 2008, 02:41:23 PM
I believe he is just looking down.  I think he looks handsome :)
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: adamsgirl on July 23, 2008, 05:06:14 PM
I have to agree with those who said that Frid's comment about GH wasn't nasty or disrespectful at all. He was, as always, a gentleman.

I had a wonderful time, all around, at this year's festival, but for me, the lowest point was the banquet food. No, we know it's never a great meal, but I easily could have done the rubber chicken thing instead of that awful veggie lasagna. It was as if someone used Elmer's Glue to keep it all together. I didn't eat it, but two of my roommates who did got sick from it -- eeeewwww! And no cheesecake? Hey, that gave AngeliqueWins and I nothing to stake, as was mentioned! Darn! A tradition we had to forego until next year.

The only other comment I have concerning Frid was, I didn't feel he was well-served by those who should have been looking out for him. Last year, when Nancy was there, she was unbelievably attentive and made sure he was taken care of well. I didn't get that sense at all this year. In fact, I saw him wandering around by himself several times. That's fine for the younger actors, but for him, it had to be a bit annoying to have to deal with some overzealous fans who wouldn't give him his space. That's just my opinion, of course, but it made me kind of angry to see that happen to him.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Julia99 on July 23, 2008, 05:27:49 PM
Also I love Lara Parker and did a zine devoted to her so I am not trying to point out her age for meanness.  If IMDB is true she looks amazing for her age.   Her IMDB says she was born in 1937.  That would actually make her 71 this year.  No wonder I love LP.

Well LP's college roommate at Vassar was Jane Fonda. .you do the math.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Julia99 on July 23, 2008, 06:09:23 PM
They look great.  I am not overtly fond of "older" women with really really blonde hair like Kathryn's but its her hair not mine I just think on "older" women it makes them look washed out. I like her best with dark hair or a more honey blond would be nicer.   IMHO!  Nonetheless thanks for the great pic :)

Taeylor Taeylor. .so young. .  [ghost_tongue] keeping up the hair color can turn into a full time job after a while. .that is generally why older women go blonde, e.g. KLS or Barbara Walters.  .to keep the darker color you have to dye it every 2-3 weeks and wheeze with the toxic fumes!

Dying tips from J99!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: joe integlia on July 23, 2008, 06:14:54 PM
another pic: Jerry Lacy.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Julia99 on July 23, 2008, 06:34:14 PM
I feel slightly disheartened at the moment.  I just wonder what was going through "the legion's" head's when JF said whatever he said.  I would really like know what exactly was said.  Maybe I am jumping to conclusions.  I find myself very protective of GH. 

I was not there this year but I saw the video clip of the Q/A.  Grayson is tough enough to take it no worries.  There is plenty of evidence, Oscar nom not withstanding, that she was capable of subtle, quiet performances as well as Absolute OVER THE TOP and that versatility is why many love her. 

J99
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: KajunDC on July 23, 2008, 09:03:21 PM
She was an intense actress and sometimes that leads to overacting.  Sometimes.  But the chemistry between GH and JF throughout the series was part of what made the series hum.

I would have to say that all of them "overacted" on the show, but that was part of the appeal.  As stage actors the majority of the troupe were used to having to project themselves to the back rows of stage theatres.  On camera, that comes across as "over the top."  But had they played the show as as most TV shows are acted, it would certainly not have stood out the way it did.  I credit the show's success much more to the stage acting presentations and uniqueness of it as opposed to the supernatural aspects.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: KajunDC on July 23, 2008, 09:30:21 PM
First of all, it's OK to disagree with Selby's politics.
Be that as it may, hearing Selby's politics~~or Chris Pennock's homeless advocacy~~is far more intersting than hearing the same DS anecdotes again & again.
Both men gave us more insight into who they really are as people.

RE: Kathryn & Lara: both women are in their mid 60s & look incredible.

This implies that Marie is not a clean person, and that's clearly not the case.
Obviously it is okay to either agree or disagree with another's politics.  However, that was not what this weekend was about.  If I wanted a political rally, there are many more, much better educated sources to hear from on both sides of the aisle.  Besides I paid for a DS convention and as someone who had never seen Selby live before, I was interested in his DS, Falcon Crest and career comments.  The performance would have been fine without trying to tell us that David "knows" who Abe would have supported in this presidential race over 140 years after his death.  Some may be that gullible but not all of us.   [ghost_wink]

Yes, KLS and Lara are in their 70's and they do look very beautiful, as I said.  My point was where they looked to be around 50 last year, they definitely looked much closer to their actual ages this year.  I was simply surprised by the change that can occur in 11 short months.  I did not say, or imply, that they are falling apart.

I said Marie looked great so I don't see where you get your implication.  She was the one who pointed out the fact that she wore the exact same outfit as at last year's fest and I was simply making a humorous remark about her own comment.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: KajunDC on July 23, 2008, 09:41:16 PM
I myself lost about 50 pounds last summer and it was hell...but it was worth it!!  I feel better all around.
Congratulations Taeylor!

I weighed 280lbs almost five years ago and, thanks to the birth of my beautiful daughter, I got motivated to lose 115 lbs in 7 months and have kept it off ever since, even through Hurricane Katrina where we lost our house.  We have been back in our new house, had to start over from scratch for the last 1.5 years.  (I live just north of Lake Ponchartrain north of New Orleans.)  No dangerous surgery - just a very healthy diet and plenty of exercise.  And it definitely makes life much better.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 23, 2008, 09:48:01 PM
Taeylor Taeylor. .so young. .  [ghost_tongue] keeping up the hair color can turn into a full time job after a while. .that is generally why older women go blonde, e.g. KLS or Barbara Walters.  .to keep the darker color you have to dye it every 2-3 weeks and wheeze with the toxic fumes!

Well I am also a Professional Colorist so I pretty much know how hard it is to keep grey hair dark.  I still think it looks bad on older women. I think it makes them look OLDER and washed out.  Just my opinion though!!  [ghost_tongue] [ghost_wink]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: KajunDC on July 23, 2008, 09:49:23 PM
Well LP's college roommate at Vassar was Jane Fonda. .you do the math.

When asked about working with Peter Fonda, lara stated she was 3 years older than he.  So if you can find Peter's age, simply add 3 years and you'll have Lara's.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 23, 2008, 09:51:09 PM
Yes, KLS and Lara are in their 70's and they do look very beautiful, as I said.

Actually Lara is 71 and KLS is 63 according to IMDB! :)
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Dawn on July 23, 2008, 09:56:04 PM
The only other comment I have concerning Frid was, I didn't feel he was well-served by those who should have been looking out for him.

I might take offense to that if it were true during the course of the actual fest weekend.  But since I know personally how well JF was attended, I would have to make an assumption that these events occurred after the group left on Monday morning as I too witnessed several people swooping in like vultures.  I can assure you that members of the team were in his company as he came and went, during mealtimes, and out and about for coffee.  However, there were times he wished to be left to his own devices to study or review.  It's a request we could honor as ultimately, he calls the shots.  Members of the team were at his disposal in all venues during our stay. 

Oh, and I loved the comments from this post about the food.  I too would take rubber chicken.  Gag.

Dawn
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 23, 2008, 10:08:05 PM
I didn't get enough time to modify my post.  I am Professional Colorist, however I changed career paths a few years ago and focus on makeup mostly now! :) Which I have been meaning to do a DS makeup post.  I have the same hair color as Miss Hall.  :)  However at 30 I am already notcing a few gray hairs.   [ghost_wacko] OVER IT!!   
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 23, 2008, 10:20:58 PM
Wow, congratulations to both of you on your weight loss!

The performance would have been fine without trying to tell us that David "knows" who Abe would have supported in this presidential race over 140 years after his death.  Some may be that gullible but not all of us.   [ghost_wink]

My recollection of what was said about Lincoln and the current race is that David Selby was discussing a scene in the later chapters of his book in which Lincoln and Charles are drinking beer in a cafe, and the former gets to the subject of when things are going to get better.  At this point, Selby made the comment that one "could make a very good case from Abraham Lincoln for Barack Obama," and it's at this point that he also brings up his respect for John McCain.  I can't say I recall any presumption that Lincoln (a Republican) would support either candidate.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Gothick on July 23, 2008, 11:39:05 PM
I'm looking around for a full account of Darren Gross' NoDS restoration panel.  I remember seeing a note by MB to post any accounts of this in an already existing topic which I seem unable to locate.

I did see that Kousin Kajun (sorry, couldn't resist) reported briefly about the restoration.  What I'm looking for is more about what Darren said and something about the newly restored sequence he debuted at the Festival. 

I do hope that Darren's presentation wasn't bumped this year.  That's the kind of thing that tends to have me reaching for that little doll and those sharp black pins...

G.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: adamsgirl on July 23, 2008, 11:43:12 PM
I might take offense to that if it were true during the course of the actual fest weekend.  But since I know personally how well JF was attended, I would have to make an assumption that these events occurred after the group left on Monday morning as I too witnessed several people swooping in like vultures.  I can assure you that members of the team were in his company as he came and went, during mealtimes, and out and about for coffee.  However, there were times he wished to be left to his own devices to study or review.  It's a request we could honor as ultimately, he calls the shots.  Members of the team were at his disposal in all venues during our stay.

I meant no offense, Dawn. I was just commenting on what I observed, not having the full story. I can imagine Mr. Frid is quite independent, so I understand what you're saying. Too, I did see him a few times on Monday, but he was with Jim Pierson most of those times. I'm grateful he came at all this year and appreciate what went into that tremendously.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: joe integlia on July 24, 2008, 12:26:31 AM
darrens discussion was not bumped but full of technical problems trying to get the dvd player to work. we almost didnt see the restored scene with sound untill somebody hooked up a portable dvd player and it worked. once again as with the depp movie project panel(?)not much was said that we didnt already hear before.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Jackie on July 24, 2008, 02:56:14 AM
I recently heard JF's statement about GH.  I listened to it over and over while dictating his words.  I want to shed light on this subject so others can read what he said about his co-star, the lovely Grayson Hall:

"I had a lot of fun with her. She was a great person to work with, I believe. But I always felt it was over... I was bad enough at times [laughter], but overacting ... but I think there was something a little too much of it, but however every once in a while like everybody on this show... it's a great thing about these soaps I guess, you have a chance to do something at least once or twice or three or four times out of the time you're on the show.  We all had good moments and we all had bad moments and in between. But with all due respect she was ... I liked her and I liked being with her ... but she was, I thought at times, a bit much.  Although that scene right there [NOTE: we saw the scene of Stokes, Barnabas and Julia doing a seance] she was quit good. I shouldn't even be talking like this about her.  I have great respect for her."

I thought JF was very gracious in his sharing his POV with the audience.  It allows us to get to know the person, like the other actors being themselves and having fun on stage sharing a piece of themselves.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 24, 2008, 04:15:35 AM
THANKS!! :0)
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Bob_the_Bartender on July 24, 2008, 04:16:23 AM
My recollection of what was said about Lincoln and the current race is that David Selby was discussing a scene in the later chapters of his book in which Lincoln and Charles are drinking beer in a cafe, and the former gets to the subject of when things are going to get better.  At this point, Selby made the comment that one "could make a very good case from Abraham Lincoln for Barack Obama," and it's at this point that he also brings up his respect for John McCain.  I can't say I recall any presumption that Lincoln (a Republican) would support either candidate.

During his long and successful career, the late Johnny Carson never publicly endorsed or campaigned for any presidential candidate (even though Mr. Carson was a lifelong Democrat).  The late, great James Cagney (one of Hollywood's so-called "closet conservatives") was a lifelong, close friend of former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon.  Beloved comedian Bob Newhart is a close friend of U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy.   I think that it is extremely admirable that these three very talented men possessed the class and the wisdom not to bore everyone else to tears with their own respective political viewpoints and preferences.  Besides, you just end up alienating half of your paying audience if you do.

Bruce Springsteen, Julia Roberts and George Clooney (along with , perhaps, David Selby?) would be advised to take a page out of the book of Messrs. Carson, Cagney and Newhart, imho.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: MagnusTrask on July 24, 2008, 07:56:00 AM
I'm grateful to see the "flaws" in guests as well as strengths, if stumping for candidates is a flaw.

I'm glad to get the context for Mr. Frid's GH remarks... thanks.  He was bending over backwards to express respect even as he was trying to be honest about a colleague's possible minor occasional shortcomings, and it pained him that he'd even broached the subject.    He may have felt a responsibility to speak a little bit of truth as he saw it, since he was being paid to be there and talk about DS.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: joe integlia on July 24, 2008, 08:34:23 AM
there is an excellent photo montage of the festival posted on youtube. www.youtube.com/user/swfan007
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 24, 2008, 08:52:47 AM
Quote from: joe integlia
there is an excellent photo montage of the festival posted on youtube.

Whoa, very nice!  Thanks, Joe.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Gothick on July 24, 2008, 03:22:07 PM
Thanks, Joe, for your report about Darren's panel.

Just how many technical glitches can one DS Festival have, anyway?  Were they trying to recapture the spirit of a particularly blooper-laden episode?

I keep thinking of people switching mics in front of Lara and the expression on her face... it must have been choice.

G.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 24, 2008, 04:26:00 PM
I keep thinking of people switching mics in front of Lara and the expression on her face... it must have been choice.

Apparently it was only adjusted, but it riled her nonetheless.  I'd suggest it was because she was in character but I know better.

A microphone did fall during the script reading, I think because Roger Davis got a little too animated.  And don't get me started about his ad libs.

It's a shame, really, that this Reader's Theatre wasn't treated more seriously by all the actors, Robert Rodan's and Marie Wallace's performances aside.  The Fest managed to assemble the entire cast of this discarded script; who knows if they'll be able to accomplish that again?  This could have been a real gem.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 24, 2008, 05:00:16 PM
there is an excellent photo montage of the festival posted on youtube.

Thanks so much for providing the link, joe. It's a beautiful montage.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Gothick on July 24, 2008, 05:17:55 PM
Nice montage.  Nice to see Bob Cobert looking so fit and in such a great mood!

G.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Janet the Wicked on July 24, 2008, 07:42:00 PM
OMG! THAT IS WICKED!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Miranda on July 24, 2008, 08:23:05 PM
While I am still not sure about that Willie freeing Barnabas from the coffin bit at the Fest Saturday, one thing great about it was that it gave the fans the great chance to see the two Jo(h)ns together on the stage again.  I also  think it was great that JF and JK had dinner with David Selby and Lara at KLS's house--to be a fly on the wall during that dinner (or a bat???).  It sounds like poor John Karlen had had a bad time having had a close friend just die, etc, so I am sure it cheered him to be able to see Jonathan again last weekend after so many years, that wonderful hug between the two of them after the coffin skit said it all!!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 24, 2008, 09:25:07 PM
You read my mind MIRANDA.  I would have loved to have had a microphone hidden in her house :) Of course on the other end of the spectrum it may have change our view or preception of some of them. So maybe not!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: borgosi on July 24, 2008, 10:39:31 PM
Everything that I had read about Selby's appearance at the fest said that he would be doing a reading from his book "Lincoln's Better Angel". This being an election year and Lincoln being who he was I don't know why anyone wouldn't expect politics to get in that. When you add to that the fact that Obama is black I would have been extremely susprised had his name not come up.

I'm not going to get into who I want to win the election, but I don't mind others, stars or not, giving their opinion.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Janet the Wicked on July 25, 2008, 01:32:53 AM
While I am still not sure about that Willie freeing Barnabas from the coffin bit at the Fest Saturday, one thing great about it was that it gave the fans the great chance to see the two Jo(h)ns together on the stage again.  I also  think it was great that JF and JK had dinner with David Selby and Lara at KLS's house--to be a fly on the wall during that dinner (or a bat???).  It sounds like poor John Karlen had had a bad time having had a close friend just die, etc, so I am sure it cheered him to be able to see Jonathan again last weekend after so many years, that wonderful hug between the two of them after the coffin skit said it all!!

No kidding. I am dying to hear about it and will call Old Man Karlen to get the scoop. Poor John. He reminds me so much of my pop, who in later years, declared that all of his friends were dropping dead around him. Every time we meet up with JK, he has some near and dear friend dying. Not a very positive attitude. But JK does walk the Malibu Beach every morning, lunches with old pals, and in general has a good time.
My girl, Niki, had a cement plaque dedicated to JK at her college here in Aiken, commererating his service in the Korean War. When John saw that, he was touched, to say the least.
I'm pleased to see that Wilie is still one of the best loved characters  - Mine and Niki's, of course, and so is Pop Karlen.
And if you told me years and years and years ago, when I was seven, that I would be hiking through the cemetary in Tarrytown with my favorite DS actor, I sure as hell wouldn't have believed you. I will never, in all my born ding dang days, ever forget that wonderful Saturday when the old man called me a hillbilly because I put ketchup on my scrambled eggs. And that, my dear freinds, is my happy JK moment.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: KajunDC on July 25, 2008, 02:01:28 AM
He reminds me so much of my pop, who in later years, declared that all of his friends were dropping dead around him. Every time we meet up with JK, he has some near and dear friend dying. Not a very positive attitude.

My mother always said when you reach the point where you find yourself going to more funerals than weddings, you are not long from the pine box yourself.  It is always unnerving when your own mortality stares you in the face.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: ProfStokes on July 25, 2008, 04:00:23 AM
Most of your high points made my list as well, KajunDC. John Karlen and Bob Cobert were both very funny in their appearances, and Karlen impressed me as being more upbeat than he did at previous Fests. I did not see David Selby's segment at all; I used that time and the auction hour to get something to eat.  Now I'm sorry I missed it.  It sounds like it was quite entertaining. 

I had been hoping that Jonathan Frid would participate in the big cast reunion, but for whatever reason, he did not.  That panel was very lively nevertheless.  Even with Roger Davis's comments about his money and Don Briscoe (actually, I was more irked that he brought up Karlen's son), I thought he was better behaved than in some of his previous appearances.  In any event, I'm glad that he's still with us, and was able to attend the Festival.

Saturday
Also, and many may not agree with me, I think Frid coming out of the casket sounded much better on paper than it came across live.  He could have really gotten hurt with the way they set it up and it was amazing that the casket did not fall off the flimsy stand they had it on.

I thought the entrance from the coffin was the most exciting part of the weekend. After spending so many years trying to downplay his role as Barnabas, to be willing to get into a coffin and play the vampire again for his fans...what a tremendously good sport Jonathan Frid is!  I'm afraid the possibility of a safety hazard didn't occur to me at the time, and I'm glad there were no problems with the stunt.  I was standing in the back of the ballroom when Karlen came out, and though I realized what was happening , I couldn't see any of it once the front rows jumped up to get their photos (I screamed and cheered along with the crowd anyway  [ghost_cheesy]).  I'm very grateful to joeinteglia for sharing his video.  That is a priceless moment!

I enjoyed Frid'is Saturday video presentation and was particularly thrilled by the attention he paid to Thayer David (my only minor quibble is that I think the scene of Stokes visiting the Old House for the first time and critiquing Barnabas's furniture and hospitality would have been a more fun clip to discuss than the seance to contact Philippe Cordier).  I was actually somewhat underwhelmed by Frid's Sunday appearance.  I was under the impression that he would be performing all of his readings ("Washington Square," "Richard III," and "Yma Dream") live. Instead, he only read for "Washington Square" and  part of (I believe) "A Midsummer Night's Dream".  The other performances were all on video, and these were more lively and energetic than the live readings.  Frid's video performances were very dynamic and delightful; he has an excellent voice.  The last video was of Frid performing "The Cask of Amontillado" in Spanish.  My Spanish skills are lousy so I could only pick out one or two words, but the cadence and the rich sound of Frid's delivery were still fun.  While Frid's Saturday appearance was packed wall to wall, the back half of the auditorium was nearly empty for most of his Sunday panel. I saw lots of people leaving in droves as the videos played. I don't know if these people were bored with watching videos, if they were desperately hungry for something to eat, or if they wanted to get ready for the banquet early.  It was just something that surprised me and made me a little sad.  Nevertheless, I'm very grateful that Frid was willing to attend a second Festival in a row and made the long trip to Burbank for the benefit of the West Coast.  [ghost_grin]

Quote
I was not there for the early morning/afternoon stage talks of Chris Pennock, KLS and then Lara Parker.  I had little interest in Pennock and have heard all of what KLS and Parker have to say.

I found Pennock's presentation to be very uplifting.  Instead of reading from his comic books, he had brought a DVD of a short film called "Cardboard Signs" in which Pennock plays a homeless man strugglign to maintain his dignity and his long-term relationship.  It's a much more mature role than Jeb Hawkes. Apparently, the director was only 17 at the time this movie was made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90q0xoIBo3U  At first the DVD would not play; it kept freezing.  The organizers tried three times to clean the player, and then to change the disc. In the interim, Chris's daughter Tara performed the song "Defying Gravity" from the musical Wicked (she sounded nervous, but she does have a lovely voice).  A Q&A line also formed, but only one person got to ask a question before the movie was up and running again.  I thought it was a beautiful movie, and I'm glad that we were able to watch it after all.

Saturday's costume gala (I missed the first half of the Collinsport Players' skit, but what I did see was quite funny) was another high point.  This year's group of performers seemed to have all been professionally trained.  They all sounded beautiful.  A gentleman dressed as a vampire sang a jazzy tune that I didn;t recognize.  AngeliqueWins sang a charming parody of "Beauty School Drop-Out" about Angelique (a capella!), then she and adamsgirl performed a duet of the Collinsport chant.  Afterward, adamsgirl herself sang a solo, "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables to illustrate Angelique's thoughts about Barnabas marrying Josette. victoriawinters sang her own parody as Victoria after being bitten by Barnabas (instead of "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady, it was "I Could Have Bled All Night").  A woman dressed like Pansy Faye sang, "I'm Tired" from Blazing Saddles.  And then there was Julie singing her DS medley. :) Peter Mac wrapped up the show by dressing as Angelique and singing in character as Lara Parker, venting her frustration because her character has just been killed off. This song was a riot! Sara, Angela, and their friends reenacted a drawing room scene of Carolyn, Vicki, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Johnson discussing Barnabas's arrival.  Another woman dressed in a poodle skirt performed the twist (or in Rev. Trask's book, 'devil dancing').  Among the costumes were a luscious Eve, two lovely Josettes, a historically accurate Naomi and Joshua, borgosi in his elegant suit and cape, and "Sam the Umbrella Man," a peculiar figure from Jonathan Frid's earlier presentation.

I thought the performance of "the lost script" was a big disappointment. The script just wasn't very good! It was heavy on dialogue with no real action, and nothing happened to advance the story arc.  According to Davis, Dan Curtis's own notes on the script say, "Lose this!"  Roger's performance seemed pretty listless to me (though as Midnite remarked, this may be because he wasn't speaking into the microphone and was hard to hear).  I was more impressed with Robert Rodan: his voice is still deep and resonant, and he read Adam's lines with the character's typical befuddlement and impatience. 

I was also very bummed out that we didn't get to see any fan videos.  [ghost_sad]  On Friday, Richard Halpern tried to play a DVD of "Baby Dark Shadows," but the disc would not cooperate.  DLA75 had also brought a new DVD of music videos to the Fest, but that would not play either.  There was one very old video of Willie ("Who Can it Be Now?") that screened just before Marcy Robin's talk on Saturday morning, but no block of fan-produced media like we usually see.  [ghost_tongue]

By far, the lowest point of the Festival was the banquet. 
Quote
I basically spent $50 to eat a salad, a little bit of broccoli and carrots

You and me both.  I've attended the banquets since 2002 and the main course has always been chicken.  Imagine my dismay when this year, the wait staff plops a plate of goo in front of us.  It's lasagna.  I'm allergic to cheese and have been since I was a baby, so I could not eat the dinner. I couldn't even eat the vegetables because they were also drizzled with cheese.  There were two other people at my table who had similar dietary problems (one could not eat dairy and one could not eat pasta). I asked for an alrernate meal, but was told there was none.  (I've heard conflicting reports about this: someone told me that people at another table were able to order chicken, and KLS mentioned that she had asked for a non-vegetarian meal, but when my friend Jeff asked Jim Pierson about this, he was told that Kathryn had only been kidding). Jeff, who played Barnabas in the Friday night skit, requested that the waiters bring us each a plate of steamed vegetables.  This was supposed to take only 5 minutes, but it was more like 20.  In the meantime, we partialed out the last two rolls of bread amongst ourselves. When the waiter did return, he had only brought vegetables for Jeff, not for myself or the lactose-intolerant lady.  Our seatmates were eating dessert before we got served.  [ghost_angry] I ended up going to the Daily Grill (in-house restaurant) and splitting a chicken dinner after the banquet. I was pretty angry about this. I talked to a number of other people in the Daily Grill who said they had been unable to eat the banquet meal either.  Apparently the lasagna was served because it was a cheaper alternative to the chicken, but it seems to me that much of the food was wasted on those of us who could not eat it.  You can't please everybody, but chicken (with an alternative for the vegetarian fans) is a relatively inoffensive choice (I've never heard of anyone allergic to chicken). I was tempted to ask Pierson for a partial refund to cover the second dinner that we ended up having to purchase, but ultimately decided that nothing would come of it.  I enjoy attending the banquet as a final closing celebration with my friends; I sure hope that next year's menu is an improvement over this year's, otherwise I may have to discontinue that tradition. $50 is too much to spend on just bread and salad.  [ghost_mad]

ProfStokes
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 25, 2008, 04:21:23 AM
Thanks, ProfStokes, for adding your take on the Fest. I look forward to your reports every year - even the years when I attend the Fest myself.

(my only minor quibble is that I think the scene of Stokes visiting the Old House for the first time and critiquing Barnabas's furniture and hospitality would have been a more fun clip to discuss than the seance to contact Philippe Cordier).

Most definitely. Stokes' first visit to the Old House is a classic DS scene. The Philippe Cordier seance? Not so much.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Gerard on July 25, 2008, 04:51:46 AM
I've attended the banquets since 2002 and the main course has always been chicken.  Imagine my dismay when this year, the wait staff plops a plate of goo in front of us.

Well, you must remember, you were in California.  If it had been chicken, you would've had thousands with picket signs screaming and rampaging about how many chickens had to be murdered to feed you.  Don't forget:  FUR IS MURDER!...To Clean!  (Kidding!  I'm just kidding here about California!  I lived there for awhile.  I just had to get a little pun in here.)

Gerard
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 25, 2008, 05:11:31 AM
An additional Festival highlight was the Friday night skit by the Collinsport Players, a dramatic presentation written by Jeff Thompson that seemed to be a departure from the troupe's usual fare.  ProfStokes perfectly captured Victoria's confusion and loyalty (if bitten by the acting bug, I'm convinced she would succeed at a stage career; oh hell, she can do anything she wants).  Kudos also go to impressionist Jeff Black for his meticulous portrayal of Barnabas.  Julia Hoffman, cognizant of the danger imposed by Vicki's recent return from the past, was (I believe) played by Eileen Berger, and Jonathan Harrison gave an impressive performance as Barnabas' most formidable opponent-- Count Dracula himself.  Our own victoriawinters assistant directed.   [clap]

Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: ProfStokes on July 25, 2008, 05:15:28 AM
  If it had been chicken, you would've had thousands with picket signs screaming and rampaging about how many chickens had to be murdered to feed you.  Don't forget:  FUR IS MURDER!...To Clean! 

Ah, yes, I remember that "30 Days" episode.  [ghost_tongue2]  Well, perhaps we could have tofurkey next time?

ProfStokes
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: ProfStokes on July 25, 2008, 05:19:32 AM
I'm just going to add my take on the events to this thread.

Friday
******
Robert Rodan was unable to make it to the Adam and Eve reunione because of traffic.  We were told that he would be present later in the weekend. In the meantime, Marie Wallace watched all the video clips herself and commented on them, gushing over Humbert Allen Astredo as Nicholas Blair. (That reminds me--the first act in Saturday's costume gala was Michael Culhane as Nicholas Blair, who led the audience in a salute commemorating the 40th anniversary of Astredo's first appearance on DS.  Apparently, Jim Pierson was going to send Astredo the video.) All of the actors' panels featured extemely lengthy video clips.  Usually, a 2-3 min clip is played to highlight one or two characters or to generate some conversation, but these were entire scenes, each at least 5-10 mins long, and there were 4-5 of them per panel. Personally, I would rather watch fewer videos and have extra time for Q&As.
 
"Willie Remembers" came next.  While on-stage, Karlen wore sunglasses almost the entire time, looking quite cool and reminding me of Jack Nicholson. In between video clips, Johnny joked a lot about his role as Willie and how he had to drain cows for Barnabas ("Not one, not two, but three or four cows a night!  Do you know how hard it is to sneak up behind a cow?  Do you know what they do? They don't say 'Moo'").  He praised Dennis Patrick and reminisced about all the fun and laughter they shared. After seeing a clip of Willie talking with the Eagle Hill Cemetery caretaker, he also asked for a minute of silence to honor "Whatever his name was" (Daniel Keyes). One of my favorite questions for Johnny came from a woman in a wheelchair.  She recalled the Las Vegas convention 10 years earlier.  "You were kind enough to push me all the way down that long hallway at the MGM Grand to get to the ballroom," she said.  "Oh, good. I thought you were going to tell me that I pushed you into the pool," Karlen laughed.  He said the Vegas Fest was his favorite.  Another lady asked him "a burning question that we ladies have wanted to know for the past 40 years." Since Willie had to help Barnabas find a new wardrobe for the 20th Century after releasing him, she wanted to know, "Does Barnabas wear boxers or briefs?"  Karlen chuckled before reporting to the amusement of all, "He doesn't wear anything." Another fan complimented him on all the weight he'd lost and how good he looked.  "The secret is to get rid of all the junk food," he explained.  "You've got to have the willpower to just throw it out.  Don't worry about the people in Shanghai and Thailand; they aren't going to be able to get it, so just get rid of it."  I thought he was hilarious!

I missed Lara and Kathryn's Q&A because I had to get ready for the Collinsport Players' skit. Thank you to everyone who attended our performance of "Curtains"!  I know it was very late and you were probably hungry, chilled, and tired from so much sitting already, but I appreciate that you came and supported us anyway! :)

Saturday
********
Marcy Robin was delayed, so her opening talk was cut short (mainly she reviewed how all of the actors died).  Pierson spoke for five minutes about the Depp movie, and then we watched an episode of the comedy series "JJ and the Governor" guest-starring Joan Bennet (in her yellow tent dress from House of DS) as a madam trying to make a political donation to the title character.  This show was a lot funnier than I'd expected it to be, and Joan was terrific.

Stuart Manning took the stage for the Big Finish panel and revealed that we will soon be hearing a new audio drama (maybe two) from our own Mark Rainey!  [clap2]  Stuart said that the next season of audio dramas has already gone into production and should be available by the end of the year.

I was in and out of the room for Sy Thomashoff's talk.

Bob Cobert was another laugh-a-minute guest. He came onstage dancing to the DS soundtrack and pretending to conduct the music.  Throughout the panel, he'd whistle and sing the songs (e.g. "Bee bee be bop be bee be bee"). He even came up with some lyrics for Josette's music box ("Hello, Jo.  This is your music box...")  Cobert retold the story of how he became a composer: "I was supposed to be 'My son the Doctor.'  I did several years of medical school, but I just hated it.  I'd always loved music and finally I told my parents that I wanted to be a composer.  Well, naturally they were thrilled.  Now instead of 'My Son the Doctor,' I was going to be 'My Son the Unemployed Composer.'" Cobert admitted that he's always been a lousy pianist and hated practicing piano.  "I finally begged my parents, 'Get me a clarinet or a saxophone, anything but a piano!' So they gave me a clarinet, and I couldn't put it down.  They'd say, 'Son, don't you want to eat?'  I just kept playing."  

He also told a funny story of how his kids, who were DS fans, were completely unaware that he wrote the music for it until a classmate pointed it out.  "They asked me, 'Dad, are you Robert Cobert?' I said, 'Yes, that's my name.'  
'Do you write the music for Dark Shadows?'  
'Yes, Dark Shadows puts food on our table, puts clothes on your back, sends you through school.'  
"Oh, OK.'"  

He also mentioned what a thrill it was to take the kids Christmas shopping at Macy's and, upon visiting the record department, to learn that "Dark Shadows by Robert Cobert" was the Number 1 album.  We learned that all the DS music, except for the theme song, was recorded in London because it was cheaper.  Cobert told another amusing story of how he came up with the DS theme (the paycheck and the need to eat are always his inspiration, he says) and how Curtis mucked around with the base during the initial recording of the song. Curtis was sure the song would sound better without the base.  Cobert tried to discourage him, pointing out that the experiment would waste both time and money, but he insisted.  Upon hearing the baseless tune, Curtis asked, "What happened?" After that he never interfered with Cobert again. We also learned (it was news to me anyway) that Cobert was commissioned by MGM to co-write the score for the wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco.  (They had asked a friend to write the main theme but the studio, to whom Cobert was contracted, needed a B-side song so they could release a record of the music.  So he wrote "The Mediterannean Waltz").  Lastly, Cobert flirted with a young woman who asked a question (which I can't remember now) at the mike.  "We'll talk later," he promised her.  "I'll give you my phone number," she offered.  Members of the audience whistled.  "Just don't expect too much of me," Cobert warned, "I'm 83 years old.  But I am a very good kisser.  At least that's what I tell myself."

Frid's first panel was called "The Growth of Barnabas" where he screened clips of his favorite scenes from the show (Barnabas meeting David at the Old House, Barnabas and Burke having their 'duel' conversation at the Blue Whale, Barnabas hearing Sarah's voice singing for the first time in over a century, Barnabas learning Josette and Jeremiah were married). He discussed how mortified he was during the last scene because he forgot a line.  He managed to persuade the editor to let him back into the studio after hours in exchange for a publicity favor in order to fix the scene and cover up the gaffe.  Frid also mentioned what a wonderful actor Thayer David was and how much he admired him and enjoyed working with him.  He played three clips of Thayer's characters (Ben, Sandor, and Prof. Stokes). The last scene was of Stokes conducting a seance to communicate with Pierre Cordier, the ghostly lover of Danielle Roget. After the clips, Frid took a few questions from the audience, including the question about Grayson Hall, whether he would accept a cameo role in the new movie (no), and what he thought of Johnny Depp playing the part of Barnabas.  Frid confessed that he does not know who Depp is.  "I have not been to a movie theater in years.  I think the last film I saw was Titanic...maybe one other.  However, I'm told that he's a very good actor."

The cast reunion followed, featuring David Selby, Chris Pennock, John Karlen, Lara Parker, Jerry Lacy, KLS, Roger Davis, Marie Wallace and Robert Rodan.  I had hoped Frid would participate in this event too, but perhaps he was too tired. It's always a treat to see the actors interacting and teasing each other. At one point in the Q&A, a fan asked Pennock if he was still selling his comic books and Karlen exclaimed, "He's a shill! Pennock planted him!"  

Pennock was asked about his death scene as Gabriel in 1841 parallel time and whether he intentionally gave the middle finger to the camera (because that's what it sure looks like--MB, is there a screen cap anywhere on the board?)  "Oh, I was very angry to be killed off," Pennock admitted.  "I was not ready to leave.  But no, I wasn't crazy enough to do that.  I don't remember that at all." Pennock also said that he would be appearing in a comedic play in Idyllwild and another short film in which he plays a sociopath ("It's a stretch, I know.") who sells drugs to teenagers.

Lara Parker gushed about her new grandson Wesley, the light of her life.  "After he was born, I went online to visit different Bad Mother-in-Law websites and read the advice.  'Don't ever criticize your daughter-in-law or question her.  Don't tell her what to do with the baby.'  She wants him to develop at his own pace so she tells us not to play with him or challenge him.  When she leaves him with me, I listen to all of her instructions and say, 'OK'.  Then I wait for her to leave and I wait about 10 more minutes in case she comes back--sometimes she does.  Then, I take him out of the playpen and say, "Come on, Wesley! Let's play!"  Her enthusiasm was adorable.    Lara also mentioned that she is writing a new DS novel set in the 1920s where Elizabeth is a flapper who falls in love with Quentin.  "Of course, he doesn't age, but she does." Her description of the book sounded fascinating.  I've always like the Roaring 20s as a setting for DS.  I simply wasn't sure if Elizabeth's age on the series fit the timeline (would she be old enough to be a flapper?) but after seeing the "Characters' Ages" topic now in Current Talk, I'm satisfied.

Someone asked Karlen about working with Tyne Daly on "Cagney & Lacey".  He said they still keep in touch and had had dinner together recently.  "In all the years we worked together, we never once had to exchange notes on our scenes.  That's remarkable for an actor."  Karlen also started reciting Shakespeare at one point.  He was pretty passionate.  He confessed that he misses acting ("I stopped doing it because I just got lazy") but that he is considering getting back into the business. I was thrilled to hear this.  I think Johnny's work on the DS audio dramas is spectacular and I would absolutely love to see him on TV again, or the stage.

The biggest surprise of the panel was from Roger Davis, returning to the Fest for the  first time since 2003.  He told us that his brother had recently died of a heart problem, and it inspired him to get a cardiogram of his own.  "The doctor told me, 'You have a blockage.  In another 90 days, you'll be dead.'  It was the same thing that killed Tim Russert.  I had a bypass and I've been on a special diet ever since."  He talked about attending events for "Alias, Smith & Jones" with Ben Murphy.  "Murphy told me, 'I would have been nicer to you if I had known this was going to be the high point of my career."  

The cast was asked if they ever attended conventions for their other shows besides DS (e.g. "Falcon Crest," "Smith and Jones," "Cagney & Lacey.")  Nearly everyone all said no.  "We only love you!" John Karlen declared. The cast was also asked about their most memorable moments on DS.  Selby remembered the studio catching fire and the fire department coming to put it out.  Karlen remembered everyone going out for drinks to the Brittany du Soir after taping.  Roger Davis recalled that when he played vampire Dirk, he rushed at Joan Bennet and she fell over. "That's because you pushed her," KLS scolded.  "I didn't mean to," he argued back.  "I just get so caught up in my roles."  The panel talked at length and were very interesting.  I think a lot of people from the audience missed this event though because they had gone to get food.

I missed Darren Gross's Night of DS panel because I was getting ready for the costume gala.  :'( A couple of people told me the next day that there were technical difficulties and Darren was not able to show the special restored scene after all! This clip did play at the banquet (the one good thing about the event).  It's a scene where Angelique (in the past) is playing Quentin's Theme and tells Charles that it reminds her of him when he's away.  They flirt--right in front of Charles's wife Laura, who accuses Angelique of bewitching her husband.  It was a splendid scene, one that really helps to round out the characters.  The only downside is that Diana Millay's voice sounds so much rougher and older than she did in 1971, so it's not a seamless redo.  

Sunday
*******
After Frank's lecture and Chris's video, KLS spoke.  She complimented his short film as a compassionate study of homeless life, explaining that she knows a lot of people in show business who have fallen on hard times and are now living out of their cars.  Kathryn volunteers with the homeless through her church during the weekends.  She is working on three different novels right now, including two mysteries, and has also just filmed a commercial for Actonel (Osteoporosis medication).  "Apparently at my age," she joked, "the only commercials you get to make anymore feature body parts that don't work anymore or are falling off." She spent the bulk of her Q&A outlining her vision for Maggie's character in the new movie (see my reply to "Movie Cast Ideas" in Current Talk '08 II).

Jerry Lacy watched clips of all of his performances as Trask (but not Tony Peterson).  Asked what was 1795 Rev. Trasks's first name, he christened him Orville, then admitted the character had never been given a first name.  Lacy was also asked if he'd ever received hate mail because his characters were so evil.  "If I did, nobody ever gave them to me."

I missed Lara Parker's Q&A, the auction, and the first part of the "lost script." I've already written about the rest of Sunday's events.

Each night of the Festival, I stayed up until the wee hours socializing with other fasn, both old and new friends, and had a blast!  On Saturday night, we even had a little birthday celebration for Minja and sheenasma in the corridor between the West Wing tower elevators and the Daily Grill.  The friendships and camaraderie are always the highlight of these events in my book.  [ghost_smiley]  I already can't wait for next year.   [ghost_grin]

ProfStokes
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: ProfStokes on July 25, 2008, 05:23:59 AM
An additional Festival highlight was the Friday night skit by the Collinsport Players

Thank you, Midnite! [blshy]

ProfStokes
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: joe integlia on July 25, 2008, 05:37:55 AM
there were many technical problems with both video and audio as reported by prof stokes and others. Richard Halpern did not get to play BABY DARK SHADOWS which would have been hilarious. Darren had problems playing his restored scene and Chris Pennock had problems playing his movie. The reason for all this is due to home burned dvds. some dvd players (especially older model dvd players)have problems playing these types of discs no matter how much u clean them. to keep this from happening in the future the festival needs to have a later model dvd player available to play the various types of dvds being brought in by fans and actors. better yet they should take the time to play the dvds ahead of time to make sure they play but i doubt theres time to do that.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 25, 2008, 06:06:01 AM
Pennock was asked about his death scene as Gabriel in 1841 parallel time and whether he intentionally gave the middle finger to the camera (because that's what it sure looks like--MB, is there a screen cap anywhere on the board?)  "Oh, I was very angry to be killed off," Pennock admitted.  "I was not ready to leave.  But no, I wasn't crazy enough to do that.  I don't remember that at all."

Yes, there's this from the History Slideshow for March 23rd:

(http://www.dsboards.com/eventimages/0323ds_9.jpg)
1971: Ep #1237 - After struggling with Morgan, Gabriel (in Chris
Pennock's last episode) is skewered by a suit of armor's sword.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Darren Gross on July 25, 2008, 06:27:03 AM
there were many technical problems with both video and audio as reported by prof stokes and others. Richard Halpern did not get to play BABY DARK SHADOWS which would have been hilarious. Darren had problems playing his restored scene and Chris Pennock had problems playing his movie. The reason for all this is due to home burned dvds. some dvd players (especially older model dvd players)have problems playing these types of discs no matter how much u clean them. to keep this from happening in the future the festival needs to have a later model dvd player available to play the various types of dvds being brought in by fans and actors. better yet they should take the time to play the dvds ahead of time to make sure they play but i doubt theres time to do that.

Even worse is they rented a piece-of-s**t Pioneer player, and Pioneers are notorious for being extremely problematic with DVD-Rs, and even some store-bought DVDs.  When I worked at a DVD testing lab, the majority of problems always happened with the Pioneers... 
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Ronny G on July 25, 2008, 07:10:59 AM
Does anyone who attended the fest remember the name of the novel that Lara says is the inspiration for her next novel in which Elizabeth and Quentin meet in the roaring '20s? She mentioned it during the cast reunion on Sat. and KLS said she liked that book, but I forgot.

Also, for those who attended the banquet. Sorry to hear about the food. How about the autographed picture of Jonathan Frid? Any chance of a screen cap or description of the photograph? I assume it must be him as Barnabas. Is it a rare shot? Is it an 8 x 10? Details, please. [ghost_smiley]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: ProfStokes on July 25, 2008, 08:30:25 AM
Pennock was asked about his death scene as Gabriel in 1841 parallel time and whether he intentionally gave the middle finger to the camera (because that's what it sure looks like--MB, is there a screen cap anywhere on the board?)

Yes, there's this from the History Slideshow for March 23rd:
Wow, thanks, MB!  [ghost_cheesy] If our club is able to attend Pennock's play, I may print this out to show to him.  Maybe it will refresh his memory. ;)

ProfSotkes
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 25, 2008, 03:21:41 PM
THANKS PS I really enjoy your accounts they almost make me feel as if I were there. :) Anything else you think of don't hesitate to post it for us!!!  AGAIN thanks!!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 25, 2008, 04:09:34 PM
If our club is able to attend Pennock's play, I may print this out to show to him.  Maybe it will refresh his memory. ;)

It may be as simple as he was just holding his jacket closed so that whatever they used to strap the the sword on didn't show underneath. But at the same time it would certainly be interesting to confront him as to why he used, uh, that particular finger arrangement.  Freudian slip perhaps?  [ghost_cheesy]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: adamsgirl on July 25, 2008, 05:31:53 PM
Just two things to add to this thread:

1) I LOVED the first skit by the Collinsport Players! Everyone was phenomenal, and the script was imaginative and creative. Of course, our Prof. Stokes was a standout to me, but the rest of the cast performed very well. It was, as Midnite said, a departure from the usual comedic stuff and quite welcome and enjoyable.

2) The banquet food was atrocious and inedible! In fact, two of my roommates got sick from it. I tried it but was unable to eat it. It was as if someone put the lasagna together with Elmer's Glue! I, too, wound up eating at the Daily Grill afterward, which ticked me off. As Prof. Stokes said, we spent too much money just to have bread and salad. Then again, there have been festivals where even the chicken dinner was inedible. Bottom line, really is, it's not about the food. It's about the fun and being with friends. While I'm not happy about throwing away money, so to speak, I won't forego next year's banquet. It's just too much fun! And hey! Maybe next year, AngeliqueWins and I will get to stake the traditional cheesecake. This year, there was this godawful fruit tart which was disgusting! I dont' know what the filling was, but it almost tasted rancid. Everyone at my table just nibbled at the fruit and threw the rest out. What a waste!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 25, 2008, 07:21:09 PM
Even with Roger Davis's comments about his money and Don Briscoe (actually, I was more irked that he brought up Karlen's son), I thought he was better behaved than in some of his previous appearances.  In any event, I'm glad that he's still with us, and was able to attend the Festival.

Roger, Roger, Roger.  I am also glad he is recovering from his medical crisis, but based on the way he ticked off my close friend, I'd say he was as obnoxious as ever.  During Sunday's activities he went into the Daily Grill where of course he did not go unrecognized, and another friend noticed him snatching bread from off the bar (meant for someone else, I might add) so she offered him some of her fries which he took, but then he reached over her and put his hands (uninvited and unwelcome) into my friend's plate and grabbed the lettuce and tomato off of it.  Had he asked, she would feel very differently, but he caught her so by surprise that she didn't even have a chance to react.

Quote
I thought the performance of "the lost script" was a big disappointment. ... I was more impressed with Robert Rodan: his voice is still deep and resonant, and he read Adam's lines with the character's typical befuddlement and impatience.

I've listened to his voice as the conductor in the DS Reborn tape over and over and couldn't get that it was Rodan, but in the Lost Script enactment, I could hear both the conductor's voice and Adam's, if that makes sense.

But I still say that something can't be "lost" once you've found it, but I already harped on that well before the Fest, lol.

Quote
Jerry Lacy watched clips of all of his performances as Trask (but not Tony Peterson).

In that "Many Faces of Trask" segment, shouldn't there have been a clip of the butler?  JL is just so handsome, which apparently prompted one fan during his Q&A to tell him she wanted to hug him and smell him.  Security!!!  ( ;) j/k)

And speaking of security, you were really REALLY missed, Nancy Kersey.  To your replacement, if you are reading this, lighten up, dude.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: PennyDreadful on July 25, 2008, 07:57:41 PM
Thanks to everyone for posting their observations of the Fest.  It's enjoyable reading about everyone's experiences.  Wish I could have made it. 
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: lee7189 on July 25, 2008, 08:00:34 PM
Hello.  Long time fan first time festival attender here.  I missed a lot of events because I don't like to keep a strict schedule of activities when I'm on vacation - I keep it casual.  This did result in my missing a lot, though.  Just means I have to attend next year!

I recently viewed Jerry Lacy's interview on the Dark Shadows dvd's and became really entranced with him.  So very handsome!  I was very anxious and happily did get his autograph and a picture taken with him.

Another love of mine is John Karlen.  What a character!  Was fortunate enough to get his autograph but my camera was malfuntioning so no picture.  I absolutely loved seeing the clip of Willie in the dream curse.  Talk about over the top!  It was truly fantastic.  The audience roared and I had tears coming down my face.

I attended David Selby's event but didn't get his autograph or picture.  David still so very handsome.

I didn't get close to Jonathan Frid.  Wanted to respect his space.

I met, got autographs and pictures taken with the ladies.  Wow!  They are all so beautiful.

I enjoyed the festival events that I did attend but by far the best part for me was the other fans.  I met so many wonderful people and look forward to seeing some or all of them at future festivals.  So many animated converstions about the show's characters, different timelines and parrallel time.  I would look over at my husband sitting there quietly (he's not a fan) and realize how bizarre this all must have sounded to an outsider.  It made me smile.  
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: ZackGolem on July 25, 2008, 08:14:14 PM
Did anyone go to the Big Finish panel? I'd be interested to know if they revealed anything about their new audio series that isn't already on their website. I loved the virtual Dark Shadows episode format of the first series. I'm less enthused about "dramatic readings". I'd like to know if there was any info about the casting/plots that might increase my interest.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 25, 2008, 08:23:38 PM
Hi, ZackGolem,

Reply #81 might have what you're looking for.

Late edit: For plot info click:
Back in the Shadows Again

Welcome, lee7189!  Your account has the distinction of being the 1000th on DS Forums.   [ghost_grin]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: lee7189 on July 25, 2008, 08:45:31 PM
Thanks.  And Neat!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: JVjr on July 25, 2008, 09:10:59 PM
Hi KajunDC, i agree, its a shame you didnt enjoy the fest. as much as you did, but it could be that after your first fest. experience, which was fabulous, this one may have just been a let down fest. I have been to over 20 of these fests., and have pretty much seen and heard everything as well. The thing i look forward to the most now is seeing all my friends i have made over those 20 + years of attending the fest. They all mean alot to me and to get to see them all and spend time with them once a year, keeps me going. The fest. also has something new for me to enjoy every year, and i like the fan events like the Players and the costume gala. I find it very interesting of all the new first time attenders. I should probably bring back the old Cheep Production Fan Videos for all the new attenders to watch, for future fests. My hope is that sometime soon we will make a new Cheep Production video for the long time attenders who have seen them already. So basically KajunDC, i am letting you know that not coming back to the fest. again may not be what you want. Please think about it. I missed this years fest., but am hoping to make next years fest. If anyone knows when the next fest. is, and where, please post it for me. Thanks, JVjr   
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: PennyDreadful on July 25, 2008, 09:25:16 PM
Stuart Manning took the stage for the Big Finish panel and revealed that we will soon be hearing a new audio drama (maybe two) from our own Mark Rainey!  [clap2]  Stuart said that the next season of audio dramas has already gone into production and should be available by the end of the year.

That's wonderful news!  I'm so glad they have Mark onboard for the audio dramas.   

I still need to pick up the two stories with KLS and Alec Newman.  Has anyone listened to those yet?
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 25, 2008, 10:20:00 PM
Missed you, JVjr!!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Mark Rainey on July 25, 2008, 10:45:59 PM
Quote
That's wonderful news!  I'm so glad they have Mark onboard for the audio dramas.

It upsets me very little, as well.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: ProfStokes on July 26, 2008, 12:48:45 AM
Did anyone go to the Big Finish panel? I'd be interested to know if they revealed anything about their new audio series that isn't already on their website.
I did remember something else, ZackGolem.  When asked about the possibility of recording "Labyrinth of Souls," Stuart mentioned what a great villain Count Petofi was and that they had actually hoped to use him in Season 1 of the audio series.  He didn't say for sure that the character would reappear in the next batch of dramas, but that was the impression I got...  [ghost_wink]

ProfStokes
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: verusselle on July 26, 2008, 12:56:08 AM
Welcome, lee7189!  Your account has the distinction of being the 1000th on DS Forums.   [ghost_grin]

Just curious how this can be the 1000th account when the total members count displayed on the home page is currently 878, as of this posting.  Are there account holders who are not considered to be members?


Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: GooberCollins on July 26, 2008, 01:05:59 AM
This seems like a fairly peaceful forum most of the time. I find it hard to believe that 122 of its users had their accounts deleted at some point.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 26, 2008, 01:20:53 AM
Actually, the vast majority of those 122 accounts were never approved. As we mentioned back when Jonathan Frid registered, potential members go through a vetting process before being approved and a percentage just don't make it. (Does that mean that no one with less than honorable intentions ever manages to slip by? No. But be assured that we do indeed catch onto them because they inevitably trip themselves up in spite of themselves.  [ghost_smiley])
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 26, 2008, 01:24:44 AM
Which leads me to wonder have any of the DS stars registered and post on this board??
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: GooberCollins on July 26, 2008, 01:25:46 AM
That surprises me. I always figured that that was only to check for crude usernames or duplicate email addresses; I had no idea there was a thorough vetting process. Technically, though, Lee's account is the thousandth to sign up, not the thousandth member. The way I see it, if your account wasn't approved, you're not a member.

In response to Taeylor, Jonathan Frid posts occasionally; that's all I know of.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 26, 2008, 01:31:17 AM
Lee's account is the thousandth to sign up, not the thousandth member. The way I see it, if your account wasn't approved, you're not a member.

Which is why both Midnite and I have referred to accounts.  [ghost_wink]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: ProfStokes on July 26, 2008, 01:33:45 AM
Marie Wallace also has an account but hasn't posted in a while.

ProfStokes
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 26, 2008, 01:35:47 AM
And other DS actors have visited on occasion, but have never chosen to post...
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: GooberCollins on July 26, 2008, 01:39:04 AM
I'm typing this on something that handles the quote feature incredibly poorly due to sticking the quotes in the wrong place and lacking copy/paste functionality (and it's not the board's fault; this thing just doesn't have it on any site).

@MB: Exactly.

@Comments about the actors signing up, I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing that info.

Anyway, I must thank everyone who provided coverage of the Fest, though I am disappointed with a few things, notably the fact that we have practically no new information about the movie. But the fact that HoDS and NoDS are nearing release on DVD is far better news than anything I got from this year's E3.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 26, 2008, 02:16:12 AM
Once in a great while, a member will re-register for some reason.  In these cases, help is offered to get them back on track, at which point the duplicate account is deleted.

Deleting difficult members is not necessary with all the other options for dealing with problematic behaviors at our disposal.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Gerard on July 26, 2008, 02:47:29 AM
Actually, the vast majority of those 122 accounts were never approved.

I don't want to belong to any DS message board that will accept me as a member. 

(Kidding again!  Just kidding!  I couldn't resist but quoting the great Groucho Marx!  I'm thrilled to be a member here!)

Gerard
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Darren Gross on July 26, 2008, 07:42:51 AM
Does anyone who attended the fest remember the name of the novel that Lara says is the inspiration for her next novel in which Elizabeth and Quentin meet in the roaring '20s? She mentioned it during the cast reunion on Sat. and KLS said she liked that book, but I forgot.

Probably The Great Gatsby
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: victoriawinters on July 26, 2008, 08:54:37 AM
victoriawinters sang her own parody as Victoria after being bitten by Barnabas (instead of "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady, it was "I Could Have Bled All Night"). 

It is actually "Barnabas Bit my Neck".  The rhythm of the words fit perfectly with the tune.  I am hoping to be You Tubed soon. 

The banquet food was atrocious and inedible! In fact, two of my roommates got sick from it. I tried it but was unable to eat it. It was as if someone put the lasagna together with Elmer's Glue!

lol... I agree with most everyone here that the lasagna was inedible.  I ended up getting a bottle of wine from my room and drinking my dinner with friends.  It seemed to get better after that. *hic*

Missed you, JVjr!!

I especially missed you Jvjr.  I’m going to call you soon!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Miranda on July 26, 2008, 06:48:10 PM
JvJjr, you make some interesting points, but if Kajun DC was like me and only wanted to go (back) to a Fest if JF was there, then that may explain why he may not be that gung ho to go back anytime soon.....it certainly can get expensive, one reason I opted not to go, though my kids could both have benefitted from the trip (NOT to the DS Fest)....
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: LdyAnne on July 27, 2008, 07:27:56 AM
Deleting difficult members is not necessary with all the other options for dealing with problematic behaviors at our disposal.

Hmmmmm that make a mind wander, like bricking a naughty member up in the basement???

 [diablo]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Taeylor Collins on July 27, 2008, 07:53:28 AM
LdyAnne Ha!  That was funny.  You made LOL.  Thanks I needed that!   [ghost_tongue2]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Midnite on July 27, 2008, 08:07:50 AM
Hmmmmm that make a mind wander, like bricking a naughty member up in the basement???

MB, they're onto us!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 27, 2008, 05:27:37 PM
 But little do they know that thanks to the diabolical developers at SMF, we also have things far worse in our arsenal. Far, far worse! Mwahahahahahahahaha!!
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: GooberCollins on July 27, 2008, 08:12:44 PM
Can you use your floating head to attack them in the night? I know that that feature is provided by BBS, but I don't know about SMF.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Janet the Wicked on July 27, 2008, 08:56:40 PM
Once in a great while, a member will re-register for some reason.  In these cases, help is offered to get them back on track, at which point the duplicate account is deleted.

Deleting difficult members is not necessary with all the other options for dealing with problematic behaviors at our disposal.

Uh oh...
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Pansity on July 28, 2008, 10:31:05 PM
Hi -- I haven't been around for a very long time, so no clue who remembers me and who doesn't.  I was at the Burbank fest, so here's a few comments:  I agree that Jonathan's comments about Grayson are being taken too seriously.  He commented on a range of acting, the over the top being not only part of that, but a part that the fans have commented on quite often as well.  The "missing" episode was interesting, but one can see why it wasn't produced. I can't add anything new to the comments on John Karlen, Marie Wallace, et al.  I DO have to agree however that Jonathan's readings from The Heiress, etc. were without expression, monotone, and, to me, disappointing. I expected far better from having heard the readings on his website.  And I agree with everyone who said the Banquet was not up to par.  The non choice of foods was not a good move, given the prevalence of food allergies -- and the meal chosen was practically designed to cover most of the major food allergies. 

As to the comments stating that David Selby's talk was nothing but electioneering -- as borghosi says so well in the quote below, I wonder what those who witnessed it and were offended were expecting.
Everything that I had read about Selby's appearance at the fest said that he would be doing a reading from his book "Lincoln's Better Angel". This being an election year and Lincoln being who he was I don't know why anyone wouldn't expect politics to get in that. When you add to that the fact that Obama is black I would have been extremely susprised had his name not come up.
The book has been out since last year, and it's clear in any materials about the book what it covers, as well as it being a reworking of the original play Lincoln & James which was presented at a Fest some years ago, and there are many write ups on the play from those who saw it.

I didn't see the play, so I was very happy to hear that a novel was being made from it.  I am a long time history buff, with emphasis on Lincoln (also Teddy Roosevelt and the Victorian/Gilded age, which is why the 1897 storyline is my favorite).  I read the book before I went to the fest, and I had a reasonable idea what to expect from Selby's talk on the book.  I did not see the mentions of Obama as "electioneering" but the drawing of some of the same parallels which were used in the book, as well as perhaps an attempt to make it clear that the book had been written first.  For those unfamiliar with the publishing industry, it often takes years for a book to see print, and with historical novels this time is spent revising and rechecking both the story itself and the historical facts so that (hopefully!) no embarrassing glitches see the light of day.  So, by the time the book is published, the author ends up knowing their facts inside outside and upside down and can probably recite the major portions in their sleep.  That I think was a lot of the problem with Selby's presentation.  He knew his facts and his trains of logic to a degree that he didn't realize that the audience wasn't working from the same knowledge of facts.  I know that even having read the book, I found some of his seques between his opinions and experiences and those of the characters in  the book a bit confusing at times.

Some thoughts on the mentions of Obama:  The parallels drawn are based in historical fact and as a matter of fact some that were mentioned in the talk and the book can be found on the website of the Lincoln presidential library.  During the talk Selby referred to Illinois being basically fenced off from black migration in Lincoln's time.  The website provides some examples of the laws in effect.  It seems then to be a natural parallel to use the example of the state having those policies, but having progressed to the point where a candidate such as Obama can exist and be a viable presidential candidate. Also, Selby's official website  notes a number of newpaper interviews with him about the book.  The reporters mention similar interchanges regarding Obama, but are careful to note that Selby would not state his preference in candidate for the record.  Maybe its just me, but if i were "electioneering" for a candidate, why would I NOT use my name to publicize my choice of candidate with a potential newspaper audience in the hundreds of thousands, but "electioneer" instead at an event with under two thousand people.  Doesn't seem logical to me.

And on a final note -- the oft critiicized rap version of the Gettsyburg Address.  That is directly from a scene in the book, where lead character Charles Huggins and Lincoln are at a church service where a youth does the rap version of the Address.  The purpose of the scene is to illustrate the fact that the words are not just words on paper to be read, their true meaining lies in being SPOKEN. 

If anyone is interested, I have my review of the book up on my website : http://mediafanfiction.tripod.com/jeanniesdavidselbysite/id38.html (http://mediafanfiction.tripod.com/jeanniesdavidselbysite/id38.html)

My apologies if this has ended up disjointed.  I wrote a previous post that was eaten by the internet when I tried to pull up my site to copy the url. [8311]  Hopefully I remembered all the points I meant to make.

Jeannie
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: GooberCollins on July 28, 2008, 11:05:51 PM
Everyone who's bothered to do their research on the subject knows that the whole presentation wasn't campaigning for Obama. What can't be denied is that he did make it perfectly clear that he was endorsing Obama; whether Selby making his politics known in that context was acceptable conduct or not has been argued to death on other threads, and is something that I personally don't want to get back into. I go to these boards to discuss DS, not politics, so that's my absolute last word on the subject.

Off that subject, yes, I feel that Frid's comments on the subject of Hall were blown vastly out of proportion. It's not like he said she was a bad actress; he just said her acting style was a bit over the top, which anyone who's actually watched DS can agree with.

Does anyone know if Frid requested to do the readings or was requested to do them? Either way, the guy's what, 83 now? The fact that he showed up at all is commendable; even moreso when you take into account the things he did at the Fest, especially getting out of the coffin.
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Angelique Wins on July 29, 2008, 06:08:29 AM
Just setting the record straight...

Also, Lara refused to do her laugh this year.

Lara did not refuse to do her laugh.  She said she would do it "tomorrow" (Saturday) and she did.  If she would have gone into more detail, she might have given away a bit of the Collinsport Players' skit.

Judy
[9366]
Title: Re: FULL Burbank Fest re-cap - Frid falls on stage Sunday!
Post by: Julia99 on August 16, 2008, 11:21:01 PM
I was not there this year but I saw the video clip of the Q/A.  Grayson is tough enough to take it no worries.  There is plenty of evidence, Oscar nom not withstanding, that she was capable of subtle, quiet performances as well as Absolute OVER THE TOP and that versatility is why many love her.

a video clip of the moment:
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=J3-DKotcayA