DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '05 II => Topic started by: Midnite on August 12, 2005, 08:28:15 PM
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Chiller Theatre (http://www.chillertheatre.com/) October 28-30 in E. Rutherford, NJ
Guests Page (http://www.chillertheatre.com/gt/gtc4.htm) lists David Selby, Nancy Barrett, KLS, Lara Parker, Marie Wallace, and Diana Millay
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That is so cool Midnite. I live about an hour or so from the event. Just when I thought I was out of DS, they pulled me right back. LOL
Thanks again for the news.
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And Denise Nickerson. I swear that wasn't there earlier, lol.
I hope you can attend, jimbo. There are a few guests that I'd love to meet up with at an autograph show, but unfortunately I can't get away that month.
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I am definitely going to make an attempt to attend this Dark Shadows on the road convention. It should be an exciting one. Sorry you won't be able to go. That would have been great.
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I would LOVE to meet John Zacherley!!! I remember his show from the early years....(which tells you more about how old I am than you need to know...[lghy]) and how my brother and cousins and I would con our folks into letting us stay up and watch him. ;D
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Diane and I went to our first Chiller last fall. Any DS fan who has never been to one should be aware of a few things. First, the lines just to get in may be very, very long. Tickets at the door were running 2-3 (or 4!) hours or so Saturday and Sunday. Then, it may take another 1-2 hours to get into each tent where the stars are. Autograph lines within the tents vary widely. Most people, once you are in the tent, you will be able to walk right up to or wait 2-5 minutes. The longest lines may be 15-20 minutes for a big draw, like Elvira or Catherine Bach was last fall. The tents are still crowded so it may be a little damp or chilly outside, but muggy inside the tents. The crowd will be a little different than the DS crowds; more serious goths along with horror fans from multiple generations , and be aware a lot a people are there to meet the pro wrestlers. Chiller has lots of pro wrestlers on their guest list. Lots. And a few porn stars. My wife called Chiller, "The land of black t-shirts." On the positive side, once you make it through the line, no one will be brow beating you if you need three or four autographs from say David Selby or Lara Parker. On the other hand, they may not be free like at DS. Your only real limit will be how much money you have. Cash will go quick at Chiller. The DS people have a reputation for being on the less expensive side at this show. Someone like David Carradine may charge $25-$30 per signature. June Lockhart, well, she prices by the object when she's there.
I don't remember there being many panels at Chiller, although I'm told there were some. There aren't as easy to locate. Its a big hotel. There are 2-3 big tents and 2-3 ballrooms full of dealers, as well as a multitude of additional rooms with anything from art exhibits to live bats. I think you would be able to find just about any horror/scfi or fantasy movie on any format you've ever wanted. This would also apply to models and toys. Be aware the dealers floors can get very crowded and at some point someone's backpack full of sharp objects will bang into you unapologetically. :-X I would say Chiller isn't really kid-friendly, especially for under 10-12, unless you regularly let them watch R and NR films. Be aware the costumes on Saturday Night's Monster Ball call be very risque and the music is loud and varies from Rockabilly to Metal.
Its not at all far from NYC, the rooms sell out quick, and surprisingly, the restaurant turns over tables pretty quickly and they have a pretty good buffett.
I had a great time at Chiller, but its not the "extended family reunion" atmosphere of Dark Shadows.
Michael
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Chiller Theatre's web site (http://www.chillertheatre.com/ch4.htm) has been modified to indicate that Lara Parker will not be attending this event.
Though it is not yet reflected on the Chiller web site, David Selby will not be attending Chiller Theatre in October 2005.
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Thanks for the info, MsC. :)
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Just curious, besides me anyone here planning to go to Chillah? [frankie]
Michael
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Since it's on the Calendar, I went to the link :-* Midnite :-* provided. I read alot of information on Chillers site...I certainly remember 6-fingered Chiller Theatre; but I'm not really sure what this convention is. There are certainly A L O T of celebrities going to be there, but to reiterate, NOT David Selby or Lara Parker. While just looking at Midnite's post and Chiller's site, I don't actually see Denise Nickerson mentioned; perhaps I misunderstood Midnite. It's sounds expensive and too crowded...if Connie twisted my arm however.....
Patti
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I'm not really sure what this convention is.
The FAQ might help. You can find it by following the 1st link in the main topic.
While just looking at Midnite's post and Chiller's site, I don't actually see Denise Nickerson mentioned; perhaps I misunderstood Midnite.
Really? Follow the 2nd link. She's listed under "Dark Shadows Reunion" in the grey area and her bio w/ photo are directly below that.
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It's sounds expensive and too crowded...if Connie twisted my arm however.....
Well, I'd be glad to come up and twist your arm, but it would sure as hell have to be for a better reason than some chiller thriller thing.
[wave]
[nut]
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I'm not really sure what this convention is.
The FAQ might help. You can find it by following the 1st link in the main topic.
Anyone interested in a more in-depth look at Chiller might want to check out the documentary (for lack of a better word) UnConventional, released in 2004. Chiller plugs it on their web site, and it's available from Netflix. It shows the weekend's events through the eyes of convention guests, staff, and attendees. Like Trekkies, it does tend to focus on the more extreme fan behavior, but it's still interesting.
The DVD also has a promo for the Horror Channel, billed as "Coming in 2004." The opening menu footage from the early DS DVDs has been swiped for the background graphics.
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Nancy Barrett's name has been removed from the Chiller guest list. [hall2_sad]
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Nancy Barrett's name has been removed from the Chiller guest list. [hall2_sad]
MsCriseyede, you can tell David and Nancy Chiller's isn't THAT scary. [hall2_huh] I know my friends that are going with me are kinda disappointed both of them have canceled. Then again, I've been bigging them for years to come to the DS Conventions with Diane and I for years.
On the other hand, Chiller has added Burt Ward so I'm pretty happy to get my Batman book and photo signed! [Bat] I'll also be in line to get a Willy Wonka pic from Leonard Stone aka Mr. Beauregard, who was also Farnum on "Lost in Space." Okay, I'm in line for Barbara Eden, Larry Hagman and Bill Dailey, George Romero, William O'Connell and the cast of "Blood Feast." [hall_tongue] Thursday the road trip begins and it can't get here quick enough!
Michael
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[hall_grin] Well my fellow Collinwoodies, my friends and I are about to hit the road. I may not have net access until next week. I wish everyone a HAPPY ans SCARY HALLOWEEN!!! I will have a report on Chiller at my return!
Michael [hall2_grin] [hall2_angry] [hall2_smiley] [hall2_kiss]
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Hope you have fun! I wish I could go.... [hall2_sad]
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Links to two articles about the event that mention DS and/or the DS stars:
Night of the living TV-show reunions (http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051028/ENT/510280331/1031/ENT)
Blasts from the past - For space geeks, horror buffs and couch potatoes, it's Super Bowl weekend (http://www.nj.com/entertainment/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1130475246165620.xml&coll=1)
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quote from The Star-Ledger (http://www.nj.com/entertainment/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1130475246165620.xml&coll=1):
Also, look out for a reunion by some cast members of the "Dark Shadows," the gothic/supernatural soap opera that ran between 1966 and '77
77!!! Wow....where was I??
Patti
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I attended Chiller Theatre on Saturday and I had a great time. Kathryn Leigh Scott is such a sweetheart! I had never met her before, so you can imagine how happy I was to finally meet her and get her autograph. She didn't charge me for the autographs since I wanted her to sign a couple of Dark Shadows books that she had written. I was also able to get a picture with her. Marie Wallace was very friendly and funny. Marie asked if I wanted the book signed as "Crazy Jenny" since my name is Jenny. :-) I'm a pretty shy person, so I was happy to find out that the actors of the show were all very friendly and down to earth; I was just wondering if anybody else has had a similar experience with any of the cast members of DS.
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The cast of Dark shadows are so nice and gracious with there time when you meet them. I have met so many of them at conventions over the years. They are all great. I am glad that you enjoyed meeting them. You should go to a Dark Shadows Festival because there are more guests that attend the annual festivals. The festival is in NYC next year. Find out all the details at www.darkshadowsfestival.com
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[frankie] My Chiller Report
This was my second Chiller experience. Our ladies of Dark Shadows had great tables just to the left of the autograph tent entrance. Immediately on the left was Katherine, who really did look lovely, as always. She had an especially beautiful outfit on Saturday with a golden yellow dress and black cape. (It was a little chilly by the doorway) Marie as always was a burst of energy in a red blazer and matching scarf. I picked up Marie's autobiography, which I reminded her she sold out of in Hollywood. (BTW, I do recommend the book to all of Marie's admirers.) Diana was in great spirits in a pretty black outfit. Next to Diana in the corner was a table for MPI. From the corner, next was "Count Yorga", Robert Quarry, star of the vampire film I always thought was AIP's take on Barnabas. Next to Robert Quarry was Leonard Stone, aka Mr. Beauregard from the original "Willy Wonka." he was pretty easy to talk to and happy to take a photo. He also had photos from his "Lost in Space" appearances as "Farnum." Next to Mr. Stone was our Denise who was doing a brisk business with Wonka photos as Violet. This may be her's and Leonard's first show together, but you Denise fans will have to tell us. I didn't have a chance to speak to Denise as she was out from her table when I got my Leonard Stone photo. I talked to Katherine and Marie several times over the weekend. (Just to the left of the DS ladies was the very dear Zacherly, who was still flying the Ghoul flag high! Got my CD signed.) [gramophone]
Katherine was especially interested in which of the guests were getting traffic. I notes to her that Barbara Eden's line was 1 and 1/2 hours long when I was in it Friday night, and I heard it averaged 2-3 hours Saturday and Sunday. Larry Hagman's line was generally shorter. I should note that Larry sat back behind his table and was really chatting with the autograph buyers. Barbara Eden did talk with you a bit when you finally reached her table, which by the way was about 2 feet higher than any else's, which I hear was her manager's request. She looks great, and gave everyone a nice smile. She was charging $20 for regular signatures and photos, but $40 for toys and it was $10 to have a photo with her. That one I paid. Larry Hagman was charging $25 per signature and $15 for a "photo opportunity." I passed on that one but got a photo with Larry at the concert Saturday night, for free. ;) Bill Daily was next to Barbara and is a real sweetheart, one of the most approachable people there and no charge for photos. Bill said he was having a great time and appreciated the fan attention. He said he lives in Mexico now "where no one cares what I did." I told him he was funnier on Newhart than Jeanie and he said, "Well, yeah. Newhart had great scripts, but Jeanie's scripts were Katherine notes she had been at a TVLand show with John Karlen doing autographs and they both noted Barbara Eden's lines were much larger than Larry Hagman's. I think Larry's "handlers" put people off a little, and although perhaps an okay guy, just not as approachable as Bill Daily (or our DS ladies.)
I also told Katherine how "Batman" [Bat] Adam West and Burt Ward "Robin" were doing good business. Burt doesn't do many shows, so I was happy to finally meet him and get a bat-photo and bat-book signed. Burt was charging $30, but I heard Adam West was charging $40 !!! (over the weekend, rumors flew around he was $50 or even $60 on Saturday.) Adam's business was a bit middling due to those prices. The second longest line at the convention was the auteur of the original "Night of the Living Dead" and most of its sequels. Average wait, 45 minutes to 1 and 1/2 hours. There were plenty of zombies and zombie fighters with shorter lines. I would say my favorite was the original "Barbara" of the first film, Judith O'Dea, who is a super friendly person. My ex roommate has a severed arm prop he has the NOTLD people sign, and she though it was a real hoot!
I also enjoyed meeting Clint Eastwood regulars William O'Connell and Geoffrey Lewis (also in Salem's Lot), Karen Allen, the "Blood Feast" gang who were a hilarious bunch especially Gore director Hesrchell Gordon Lewis, along with KLS's fellow former bunny Connie Mason (my wife says Connie was among the people KLS mentioned in "The Bunny Years." I forgot to ask KLS if she said hello to her), the gorgeous Kari Wuhrer, and Bobby "Boris" Picket of the original "Monster Mash." The latter especially meant a lot to me as when I was in 8th grade, being the "monster kid", on "Dare Day" at school, I had to sing "The Monster Mash" in front of the class. You know, its ironic that hardly anyone remember the original song, "The Mashed Potato" that is was a parody of.
I picked up a few cool toys, a greatly discounted Sideshow Karloff Frankenstein's Monster and the companion Fritz, two Planet of the Apes chimponauts, and a really cool DS item, which was a Philadelphia area newspaper photo of Jonathan as Barnabas which folds out to be a full newspaper size page. It's circa 1967 or '68, and in tinted color, similar to the cards. Its one of the largest Barnabas photos I've seen available. I hope to get it framed and matted. As with any old newspaper, its somewhat fragile, but otherwise in good shape. (The back side is the color funnies.) If any DS fan from PA remembers any context or story about this, please let me know. [vampy]
Last thing I wish to mention is the music bands on Saturday night. [6283] They opened with the Ubangis, who reminded me of the Cramps with a mix of psychobilly and surf, then the Pete Best band, who did classic Beatles songs (Pete was the original drummer, prior to Ringo), then the Dead Elvi, Chiller's house band, who did some Halloween rockers and backed up Zacherly and Bobby "Boris" Pickett on "The Monster Mash." Zach and Dr. Skull (I think that's his name), did "Dinner with Drac." Later, Pete best came back and with an introduction by TV's Charles Manson, Steve Railsback, (in the TV movie with DS's George DiCenzo) performed "Helter Skelter" with the Elvi.
Chiller is crowded, Chiller is long lines, Chiller is expensive, but it can be an experience like no other. This is no the "family reunion" of the Dark Shadows conventions, but its a heck of a great way to spend Halloween.
Michael
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Michael, thanks for the great report!. I've been looking forward to your comments on the event. One of these days I'll have to try and make it to Chiller.
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CyrusL - sounds like it was a lot of fun!
I think I know what photo of Barnabas you're speaking of. Lucky. :P
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Hi! Chiller Theatre sounds like fun...is this a traveling type show? Would love to have met Larry Hagman...he seems so likable. I used to work in the CNN building in Hollywood and one night while leaving the building...Barbara Eden was standing there in a robin's egg blue suit! She looked very nice...tiny but her head seemed big (I don't mean it in a bad way- it is just an observation). The mos stunning person I saw while working in the building was Meredith Baxter- she is absolutely beautiful with piercing blue eyes.
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The cast of Dark shadows are so nice and gracious with there time when you meet them. I have met so many of them at conventions over the years. They are all great. I am glad that you enjoyed meeting them. You should go to a Dark Shadows Festival because there are more guests that attend the annual festivals. The festival is in NYC next year. Find out all the details at www.darkshadowsfestival.com
Thanks for the link. :) Kathryn and Marie both told me that I should attend next year's festival. I'm really happy that it's going to be in Brooklyn because my boyfriend lives there. By the way, if anyone wants to stay over at his apartment for the fest, let me know (it's actually a decent sized apartment).
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Yes, Adam West was charging $40 per autograph. >:D Talk about milking the fans dry...I avoided that line. And why was Barbara Eden behind that pink curtain? I have to say that John Landis was very friendly though I must confuse that when I met him I just stood there like a grinning idiot because I was awestruck. How embarrassing.
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It sounds fun, but very expensive.
Julianka [gramophone]
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Thank you so much, CyrusL and JennieSim80 for sharing your experiences at Chiller! I was wondering how that event went. I wish I could have been there myself, but in lieu of the real thing, I've enjoyed reading your reports. :)
ProfStokes
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Sounds like a keen time, Michael. Excellent report.
I attended a convention once where Russell Johnson was asking for ten or fifteen bucks for an autograph. It seemed odd that some of the actors were charging a fee for their sig. I reckon it suppliments their income. Or maybe they are donating the money to a charity. Any ideas on this?
Janet
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Sounds like a keen time, Michael. Excellent report.
I attended a convention once where Russell Johnson was asking for ten or fifteen bucks for an autograph. It seemed odd that some of the actors were charging a fee for their sig. I reckon it suppliments their income. Or maybe they are donating the money to a charity. Any ideas on this?
Janet
Good question, many of the actors do donate much of their fees to charity. Both Linda Blair and Burt Ward were donating their monies to animal protection charities, I think Linda's is the SPCA, Burt is part of an organization called "Gentle Giants" which helps the very large dogs like Great Danes. Kari Wurher was donating her monies to the American Cancer Society. Several others mentioned charities, but most of the time it is suplemental to the actor's income. I think Adam West's money went to the Adam West Foundation, which keeps him in dark glasses. 8)
Michael
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form the article Blasts from the past @ nj.com
"The pocket protector crowd"????? Chiller is about as far as you can get from the image of Star Trek/computer geek fans you can get at a convention. Diane has dubbed it "the realm of black t-shirts." The crowd at Chiller overall (not everyone but the majority) is a mixtures of rocker looking types. It looks more like an group ready to head bang at AC/DC mixed with the Slayer and hard Goth types. Again, an article written by someone who probably watched the trailer for "Trekkies" and said, "Okay, done my research." Sheesh. Let's hope this guy doesn't cover DS's 40th!
[5393] [eviltongue] Michael