SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS:
SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 326
 
GUEST EDITORIAL:
 
As Marcy told some of you at the recent Dark Shadows Festival in Tarrytown, NY, she was scheduled for surgery on July 2, 2014.  She’s doing well, but is not able to do email at this time.  So I’m “guest editor” for this ShadowGram Update.
 
Kathleen Resch
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
--ROBERT COSTELLO, ORIGINAL DARK SHADOWS PRODUCER PASSES
--DARK SHADOWS WEEKEND 2014 REPORT & 2015 CRUISE UPDATE
 
ROBERT COSTELLO, ORIGINAL DARK SHADOWS PRODUCER PASSES
 
It is with great sadness that SG reports the death of ROBERT COSTELLO at age 93.  Costello was hired by Dark Shadows creator/executive producer Dan Curtis in 1965 to serve as line producer on the daily Gothic series for ABC. Costello had worked with DS music composer Robert Cobert on earlier television productions and Cobert had recommended Costello to Curtis for the job.
 
Costello remained with DS until mid-1969 when he departed to produce the short-lived "Strange Paradise," another eerie daily serial which was shot in Canada and syndicated to stations in the U.S., lasting a total of 195 episodes over 9 months.
 
Prior to DS, Costello had produced numerous live television dramas including the "Armstrong Circle Theatre" and the initial season of "The Patty Duke Show." But "Dark Shadows" would ultimately be his most celebrated association as he helped develop the show's visual style by enlisting scenic designer Sy Tomashoff, with whom he'd also worked on "Armstrong" and collaborating with the rest of the technical team to establish special effects as DS became more involved with the supernatural world of ghosts, vampires and other spooky elements.
 
In the 1970s, Costello would go on to produce the acclaimed PBS mini-series "The Adams Chronicles" as well as episodes of the long-running soap operas "Ryan's Hope" and "Another World." During this period he also married Sybil Weinberger, who had served as the music supervisor on DS. Costello later taught a television course at New York University and appeared as a guest at Dark Shadows Festivals in the 1980s as well as taping a video interview for the MPI DS releases in the 1990s. 
 
 
DARK SHADOWS WEEKEND 2014 REPORT & 2015 CRUISE UPDATE
 
Over two days in Tarrytown, New York, a thousand fans enjoyed meeting together with actors from the original Dark Shadows to celebrate its lasting appeal. On Saturday, June 28, activities began at noon on the grounds of the Lyndhurst Estate where the motion pictures "House Of Dark Shadows" (1970) and "Night of Dark Shadows" (1971) were filmed. Fan were able to tour the mansion, which features original furnishings dating back over a century as well as traverse the lushly landscaped, sprawling grounds over-looking the Hudson River. The Lyndhurst property features numerous structures including a massive greenhouse, bowling alley, laundry building, guest house, caretaker's cottage, servant's quarters, pool house and stables complex.
 
Autographs with guests David Selby, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker, Christopher Pennock, Marie Wallace, James Storm and Sharon Smyth were held in the carriage house with special screenings and performances taking place in the adjacent courtyard, which was covered with an air-conditioned tent for the occasion. Among the highlights were David Selby singing and reciting his songs "Light & Shadows" with guitar accompaniment by James Storm and David's wife Chip on piano. All of the actors participated in a question-and-answer session and a charity auction of Dark Shadows collectibles was conducted to benefit Lyndhurst, a National Historic Trust site. Saturday evening finished with screenings of "House of Dark Shadows" and "Night of Dark Shadows." Later, at the neighboring DoubleTree Hotel, Sharon Smyth hosted a large group of fans with after-hours ghost stories and fun under the stars.
 
On Sunday, June 29, a Dark Shadows Luncheon began at 11:30 at the DoubleTree. Door prizes were awarded to lucky winners and following dessert, onstage appearances by the actors included a joyful musical trio song-and-dance by Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott and Marie Wallace. James Storm followed on guitar with a few country-folk selections, and Christopher Pennock offered a humorous rendition of one of his Dark Shadows comic book tales. David Selby gave a closing speech to the crowd before the afternoon autograph session began in the adjoining corridor. Late Sunday afternoon, many fans joined an optional Dark Shadows guided tour of the historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where portions of "House of Dark Shadows" had been shot.
 
For 2015, the official Dark Shadows event will be a special Caribbean Cruise with the Stars to Martinique and other islands with Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Jerry Lacy, Kathleen Cody and Marie Wallace, taking place January 10-17. New lower fares are available with a refundable deposit. Details can be found at www.hartfordholidays.com/dsfmartinique2015 or by calling 1-800-828-4813 weekdays, Eastern Standard Time.
 
 
**** The huge Double SG # 122-#123 is the current Official DS Published Newsletter. The late Jonathan Frid (Barnabas) is remembered with photos, biographical information, and career highlights. He also is fondly and gently saluted by MARIE WALLACE (DS’ Eve, Jenny, Megan). Her unique perspective extends outside DS, as they were longtime friends. Jonathan directed a 1993 college stage production of “The Lion in Winter” in Milledgeville, Georgia, in which Marie starred. He earned a Masters in Fine Art in directing from the Yale School of Drama
 
The Double SG also features news and information direct from the DS cast / crew about their projects and activities, Dan Curtis Productions, the DS Festival, MPI, Big Finish Productions, Hermes Press, and others involved in DS today. There are photos, announcements, reports, publicity materials, media coverage, and updates for DS guest/fan gatherings, plus all the DS news and plans.

Dark Shadows Turns 48, by one of my favorite horror authors.

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 322
 
June 10, 2014
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
***** UPDATING: SLEEPY HOLLOW CEMETERY TOUR, SUNDAY, JUNE 29 –
ADVANCE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE WITH CREDIT CARD
 
The DS Festival and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery ask SG to share the following information.
 
--- Dark Shadows Festival Weekend in Tarrytown, NY
Saturday, June 28 – Lyndhurst Estate – Full day activities & programming
Sunday, June 29 – Double Tree Hotel Tarrytown –  Luncheon & Afternoon with the Stars
 
Recent SG Updates have detailed that fans can take a special guided tour of the nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery on Sunday (6-29) evening after Fest activities conclude.
 
---- PURCHASE TOUR TICKETS NOW ONLINE OR PAY AT THE DOOR
Special DS Weekend Afterglow Event – Private Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Group Tour
 
“DS fans interested in the 1-hour guided tour of historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery on June 29 now can purchase tickets for $9.99 a person through the private ticketing link specifically set up for this purpose at:
 
http://www.showclix.com/event/3853464
 
“The tour begins at 5:30 pm.
 
“The above link will remain open until 4:30pm on Sun., June 29 – an hour prior to the tour start time. 
 
“There is no extra fee associated with online purchases. Advance ticket ordering will greatly simplify the arrival process. Please note that Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is not equipped to process credit card payments on site at the meeting point.
 
“If tour payment is not made in advance by credit card, fans may pay the exact amount of $10 in cash upon arrival at Sleepy Hollow that evening.
 
“Before the evening tour, the DS Luncheon & Afternoon with the Stars takes place at the nearby Tarrytown Double Tree Hotel from 11:30am-5:00pm. Fans going on the tour are encouraged to share cars and taxis for the short rip from the hotel to the cemetery, which is located at 540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
 
“The historic site was a prominent filming location for the 1970 movie “House of DS.”  Key scenes shot there involved Willie Loomis (John Karlen) releasing Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) from his chained coffin in the Collins Mausoleum, as well as the funeral of vampire Carolyn Stoddard (Nancy Barrett).
 
“As this is a private tour, fans will not see this event listed on the Sleepy Hollow website. They must use the link provided above. The Fest thanks the Sleepy Hollow staff for making special arrangements for this Fest group tour. The cemetery normally is not open on Sunday evenings.”
 
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, first established as The Old Dutch Burying Ground in 1849, was listed on the Registry of National Historic Landmarks in 2009
 
--- DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL WEEKEND – TWO DAYS IN TARRYTOWN, NY
 
Lyndhurst Estate, 635 Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Double Tree Hotel, 455 S, Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
 
The Weekend presents 2 full days for fans to enjoy meeting our DS celebrities for free autographs and photo opportunities; guest/audience Q&A sessions; guests’ onstage live dramatic/musical presentations; a wide variety of DS items for purchase, the original movies “House of DS” (1970) and “Night of DS” screening in high definition for the first time ever; free tours of historic Lyndhurst Mansion; and much more.
 
OUR DS GUESTS;
NANCY BARRETT, JOHN KARLEN, LARA PARKER, KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT, DAVID SELBY, SHARON SMYTH LENTZ, JAMES STORM, MARIE WALLACE
(Guest appearances subject to personal and professional situations)
 
The Double Tree Hotel now is full, but sleeping rooms are available at nearby local hotels. Please see recent SG Updates for suggestions or search online for Tarrytown / Sleepy Hollow hotel accommodations. Tarrytown is about 25 miles north of midtown Manhattan on the eastern shore of the Hudson River.
 
Marcy Robin

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 320
 
May 20, 2014
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
**** DARK SHADOWS CRUISE WITH THE STARS TO THE CARIBBEAN –
JAN. 10-17, 2015 - SPECIAL DISCOUNT RATE RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE NOW FOR A LIMITED TIME
 
**** “DOCTOR MABUSE” FILMS NOW CAN BE SEEN ONLINE
 
 
**** UPDATING:  DS CRUISE INFO & SIGN-UPS
 
The DS Fest and Hartford Holidays travel agency ask SG to share the following news about the “Dark Shadows At Sea” Caribbean Cruise with The Stars, roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jan. 10-17, 2015. The trip features one-day stops at 5 Caribbean islands, including Martinique, the 1790s “sugar plantation home” of DS’ Andre and Josette Du Pres and Angelique.
 
---- Announcing: A limited time special reduced rates offer now is extended to JUNE 30 for fans who reserve a cabin or stateroom with a full-refundable deposit.
 
Additionally, a cruise coordinator and Hartford Holiday representative will be available during the DS Festival Weekend in Tarrytown, NY, at Lyndhurst Estate on June 28 and at the nearby Double Tree Hotel-Tarrytown on June 29. They will answer fan questions, provide information, explain arrangements, and accept fans’ reservation payments at the special “significant savings” price for the trip.
 
Recent SG Online Updates previously announced and detailed the DS Weekend event at the hotel and at Lyndhurst, the historic filming location for the 2 major movies, House of DS,” (1970) and “Night of DS,” (1971).
 
Fans can book for the cruise now and at the DS Weekend in June. Fans also can make reservations now online or by calling Hartford Holidays (phone number and website below). As a special bonus, those who “book by June 30 and qualify will be invited to attend an onboard private Dark Shadows at Sea Cocktail Party,” featuring the DS cast member guests who are sailing with you: JERRY LACY, MARIE WALLACE, KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT, LARA PARKER, and KATHLEEN CODY.
 
You and the guests also will enjoy a variety of shipboard activities: a Costume Party (bring your costume), screenings, guest Q&As and interviews, autographs, photo opportunities, merchandise sales, and more, as well as time to spend visiting each island.
 
The limited-time savings offer is for double occupancy and varies depending on the category of cabin or stateroom. These discount prices run from $818 to $1038 per person. It includes “all onboard meals, shipboard entertainment, port charges, DS registration, and government fees and taxes Final payment is due no later than 75 days prior to the cruise departure.”
 
Information: Call 800-828-4813 or visit http://www.hartfordholidays.com/dsfmartinique2015/Home.html
 
“Fans who have not already booked and are interested in the cruise should call Hartford Holidays at1-800-828-4813 today!”
 
 
**** 4 DS STARS IN 2 “DOCTOR MABUSE” MOVIES – NOW ONLINE
 
Diretor/writer Ansel Faraj asks SG to announce:
 “Please let the DS fans know that now both “Doctor Mabuse’ and ‘Doctor Mabuse: Etiopomar’ are now available to watch on Vimeo On Demand.”
 
The psychological thrillers star four DS actors.  JERRY LACY has the title role as a manipulative sinister mastermind. LARA PARKER and KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT co-star as mysterious clairvoyant sisters with powers of their own. CHRIS PENNOCK is in the sequel as a devious nemesis to Mabuse and the sisters. All four of them are deadly dangerous to everyone in the tormented city of Etiopomar.
 
Here are  the links to each film
 
DOCTOR MABUSE (2013)
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/doctormabuse2013
 
DOCTOR MABUSE: ETIOPOMAR (2014)
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/etiopomar
 
The first movie is available on DVD with bonus materials directly from the DS Festival website:  www.darkshadowsfestival.com
 
The sequel had its world premiere on Wed., April 30, at Los Angeles’ historic Vista Theatre, joined by 3 of the DS stars, Ansel, and many of the cast. Presented by the DS Festival and ShadowGram, the evening event also featured the first screening of the remastered acclaimed 1974 “Dracula” movie by DS creator Dan Curtis. Also shown was Dan’s 2004 pilot for a new DS TV series for Warner Brothers, which the network ultimately declined. A “humorous horror” short by Ansel and starring Chris also was seen. The audience of 100+ enjoyed free guest autographs and photo opportunities, merchandise sales, and a charity auction.

Marcy Robin

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS:
SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 318
May 12, 2014
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
*** DS PERSONNEL NEWS:
--- 2 REMEMBRANCES: MICHAEL MAITLAND & ALAN MATLICK
--- CONDOLENCES TO MARIE WALLACE
--- 4 DS ACTORS INVOLVED IN 3 DIFFERENT STAGE PLAYS
--- DAVID SELBY & DONNA McKECHNIE IN NEW DS AUDIO DRAMA
 
**** Please Note: This Update was intended for release early this month. However, my computer abruptly failed and required more than a week in repair. I’m now in the process of learning my way around its new features and simply catching up with everything. I appreciate your understanding and patience. Thank you.     - Marcy Robin
 
 
**** PASSINGS OF MICHAEL MAITLAND & OF ALAN MATLICK
 
--- MICHAEL MAITLAND (“Leviathan Child” Michael) passed away 4-23-14 at age 57 after a long battle with cancer. His sister tells SG: “I'm sure that wherever he is, he is very touched by everyone who remembers him. After Mike left acting, he went into restaurant management and concentrated on his artwork, of which he was especially proud.  We will be doing a memorial service for him later this summer and will have an obituary as well.”
 
Michael loved to play softball in NYC’s Central Park. His family and friends have started a < gofundme > campaign to establish a memorial bench with a plaque in his honor near the Park’s ball fields. Fans who wish to support this effort can go to http://www.gofundme.com/8npg98
 
Born 8-27-56, Michael’s acting career included “Edge of Night,” “Search for Tomorrow,” and a guest role on “Emergency.” He was on Broadway in “Mame” and also did other theater work.
 
--- ALAN MATLICK was 59 when he died suddenly 4-17-14. A music composer and writer, he worked in the television industry 30+ years. He was an engineer at WNYC-TV in the 1980s when the PBS station aired DS reruns. He loved the show and created professional-quality music videos using some of Jonathan Frid's original dramatic recitations from the 1969 DS Soundtrack music album and scene clips from the series. These were aired on WNYC during their repeats of DS and subsequently included on the VHS and DVD releases of "DS Music Videos" on MPI Home Video with other footage.
 
An avid music theatre fan, Alan also wrote a Christmas-themed DS play that was presented on stage at the DS Festival in New York with the original series actors.
 
Fans who wish to remember Alan may support “any Humane Society.”
 
--- Condolences to MARIE WALLACE (Eve, Jenny) whose oldest sister Margie “passed peacefully on the eve of Easter,” a short time before her birthday. Marie says Margie had become ill and eventually went into hospice care. “We all miss her tremendously. She was a kind, loving, generous person and oh so nice.”
 
 
**** 4 DS ACTORS INVOLVED IN 3 STAGE SHOWS - EAST & WEST COASTS
 
--- DONNA McKECHNIE (Amanda, Olivia) is an award-winning dancer, singer, and actress. She choreographed the play “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” running at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA, now to June 8.
 
Theater publicity: It stars acclaimed dancer/actress Leslie Caron as “a formidable, headstrong widow who opens her world by hiring a dance instructor to give her private dance lessons.  What begins as a tentative and even challenging relationship between the pair blossoms into an intimate friendship as these two people from very different backgrounds reveal their secrets, fears, and joys while dancing the Swing, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha and Contemporary Dance. This life-affirming comedy with music and dance will be one you won’t want to miss.”
 
The Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna, CA 92651. 949-497-2787. 
 
Tickets are $30-$76. Call the theater or visit http://purchase.lagunaplayhouse.com/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=3584
 
--- MARSHA MASON (Vampire) is directing a production of the comedy “Chapter Two"
 
It runs May 22-June 13 at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA. Performances are weeknights and weekends with Fri. and Sat. matinees.
 
Marsha starred in the 1978 movie based on the play, receiving an Academy Award nomination for “Best Actress Performance in a Leading Role.” It’s a semi-autobiographical story of director / writer Neil Simon – to whom Marsha was married at the time.
 
Theater publicity: “A comedy about love the second time around,” as “a successful writer mourning the recent loss of his beloved wife…meets a vibrant, recently divorced actress. They begin a whirlwind courtship that leads to marriage” in a “hilarious and touching story that asks if you can start a second chapter when you can’t let go of the first?”
 
Bucks County Playhouse is located at 70 S. Main St., New Hope, PA 18938. bcptheatre.org

Tickets: 215-862-2121.   http://www.bcptheater.org/shows-events/chapter-two/
 
--- Recent SG Updates detailed DAVID SELBY (Quentin) and SUSAN SULLIVAN (Ghost) are starring in the prize-winning play “A Delicate Balance” May 3-June 15.
 
The play continues its run through June 15 at the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. (310) 477-2055.
 
Order tickets online:  boxoffice@odysseytheatre.co    Order by phone:  (310) 477-2055 – ext. 2.
 
 
**** DONNA McKECHNIE & DAVID SELBY currently are recording a new DS audio drama episode titled "The Darkest Shadow," in a story that reunites their characters of Amanda / Olivia and Quentin. SG Online Updates and upcoming SG print newsletters will announce and report confirmed details.
 
 
**** The huge Double SG # 122-#123 is the current Official DS Published Newsletter. Jonathan is remembered with photos, biographical information, and career highlights. He also is fondly and gently saluted by MARIE WALLACE. Her unique perspective extends outside DS, as they were longtime friends. Jonathan directed a college stage production of “The Lion in Winter” in Milledgeville, Georgia, in which Marie starred. He earned a Masters in Fine Art in directing from the Yale School of Drama

Since today's the birthday of Forum cousin Uncle Roger , it seems fitting today to share a couple of Martin Donovan's upcoming projects:

Donovan has a part in the soon-to-be-released film Sabotage as the boss of an elite DEA team led by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He's also a series regular in the upcoming futuristic Lifetime series The Lottery, where he's reunited with '04 series cast member Marley Shelton.

Donovan recently guested on the series Homeland, Hannibal, and Motive.