DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '11 II => Topic started by: Mysterious Benefactor on August 19, 2011, 03:31:13 PM
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'Dark Shadows!' Vampires, Werewolves and Zombies Invade Brooklyn This Weekend (http://mcbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2011/08/dark-shadows-vampires-werewolves-and.html)
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Another article: Cast of 'Dark Shadows' to hit Brooklyn for 45th reunion (http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2011/08/19/2011-08-19_still_casting_big_shadows.html)
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since no one has started a separate thread shall we use this as the fest report topic?
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If you want to, that's fine. [ghost_smiley]
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cool...
i don't have much to add yet i was there briefly last night and about to head back for the day(i live in brooklyn).
they did screen the 2004 pilot which i have never seen and with the exception of the absurd ending(which apparently dan curtis himself disliked intensely)i thought it was rather well done. at some moments actually quite chilling and certainly had alot of potential. according to craig there were to be some casting changes should it have progressed to series but he didn't say who.
i felt the casting was good with a few exceptions....blair brown as liz and kelly hu as julia were just WRONG. the actress who played carolyn(i'm blanking on her name)was very good. angelique for her very brief appearance was quite good as well. interesting that here carolyn and angelique were brunette and vicki a blond. speaking of vic marley shelton was better than i thought she'd be but even when i got past the blond thing i still thought she was too old for the part.
funny even though it's only seven years old it looked quite dated in ways i'm not sure how. again alot of wasted potential.
more to report later...
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So I take it that yet another screening of the '04 pilot was the:
"Friday, August 19
...
9:30 Dark Shadows Surprise
..."
And here I thought maybe the surprise would actually be something surprising. Apparently I lost my senses there for a bit and should have known better. But at the same time, I love the '04 pilot and believe it should be shown to as many DS fans as possible and as often as possible, so in that sense, it's all good. [ghost_wink]
Carolyn was played by Jessica Chastain, the actress who has been getting quite a bit of attention lately for her recent films. Quite a few topics have been posted about her lately.
And if I'm recalling correctly, I think Marley Shelton was 29 when she shot the pilot. Interestingly enough, that would have made her the same age as Alec Newmwn. Imagine Vicki and Barn being the same age. (Though maybe the characters weren't supposed to be the same age. And I don't honestly remember if Vicki's age even came up in the pilot. Though they may have aged her intentionally yet again (Vicki being 20 at the start of the original DS but 25 in the '91 version)...)
Changing reels and looking over the schedule, the only other thing I'm particularly curious about is today's discussion about the Depp/DS film. But since they've only set aside the usual 30 minutes for it, I'm not expecting much new there. It would be extremely nice to be mistaken, however...
Thanks for the report, michael_c. [ghost_smiley]
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I'm sorry I am missing it this year. I am stuck in Boston dealing with a very bad, frustrating situation.
I'm sure it is just as well they did run the WB pilot since no doubt there were many fans there who had never seen it.
Thanks Michael for the interesting report!
G.
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NYC-based writer & arts reporter, Will McKinley, tweets about the Fest (and some replies):
willmckinley Will McKinley
At the #DarkShadows festival in Brooklyn. #Twilight fans, come on by and see what you'll look like in 40 years.
1 hour ago
willmckinley
86-year-old #DarkShadows star Jonathan Frid takes the stage to thunderous applause.
58 minutes ago
willmckinley
#DarkShadows star Jonathan Frid on stage introducing a collection of clips featuring his character, Barnabas Collins.
56 minutes ago
willmckinley
I would guess there are about 2,000 #DarkShadows fans here, or 1,000 with very patient spouses.
52 minutes ago
willmckinley
Jonathan Frid's #DarkShadows presentation is focusing on his early, black & white scenes. He really was stunningly creepy.
46 minutes ago
PlumBerryK Kelly Jean
@willmckinley I would watch Dark Shadows every day after elementary school. I think it's how my mom learned English!
30 minutes ago
LJonte LJonte
@willmckinley I love, love, LOVE Dark Shadows. Barnabas was the first 'angsty' vampire in pop culture, though he rarely gets credit.
26 minutes ago
willmckinley
Frid's Barnabas had a fascinating arc, from villain to action hero. I wonder which version Depp will portray. #darkshadows
24 minutes ago
willmckinley
In 1969 #DarkShadows had an audience of 20 million people every day. Few primetime shows do those kind of numbers today.
18 minutes ago
DanTillotson Dan Tillotson
@willmckinley Hundreds of TV channels in the UK - and not one of them running Dark Shadows to my knowledge. Loved it on the 90s SF Channel.
16 minutes ago
willmckinley
Jonathan Frid is walking around with the wolf's head cane he used in #DarkShadows 45 years ago.
6 minutes ago
ninatypewriter Nina L. Diamond
@willmckinley A million thanks for live-tweeting the #DarkShadows festival. I interviewed Jonathan Frid 20 yrs ago & he was a delight.
6 minutes ago
willmckinley
Frid concludes and introduces Kathryn Leigh Scott, who played his doomed bride Josette. #darkshadows
3 minutes ago
willmckinley
@DanTillotson every episode of #darkshadows is available on DVD, and hundreds are available to stream on Netflix.
1 minute ago
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willmckinley
Kathryn Leigh Scott is reading from her new novel "Dark Passages" based on her days on #darkshadows
5 minutes ago
LJonte
@willmckinley Is there a site for the new production?
32 minutes ago
willmckinley
@LJonte not yet
4 minutes ago
It would certainly be nice if he's still tweeting when they do the Depp Shadows panel in about three hours or so (most likely or so knowing how everything runs late)...
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Some other recent Fest related tweets:
graceplanet Grace
At Dark Shadows Festival..Quentin signed my book...too dreamy. Theyre auctioning off original episode reels of film http://twitpic.com/692gyc
1 hour ago
ariaofthesoul Denise B
An amazing year to be back at the #DarkShadows Festival. Amazed how many people are attending their first fest this year!
17 minutes ago
jedibunny jedibunny
Just watched clips of Dark Shadows w/ Jonathan Frid at the DS Fest. Special nerds will feel me on this. :) #fb
12 minutes ago
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The next batch from Will McKinley:
willmckinley
#DarkShadows star David Selby (Quentin) on stage, reading from his book "My Shadowed Past"
32 minutes ago
willmckinley
David Selby tells #DarkShadows fans he modeled his character's pompadour hair and long sideburns on Elvis.
23 minutes ago
willmckinley
David Selby played Gage (the lawyer) in "The Social Network" in 2010. #DarkShadows
17 minutes ago
willmckinley
David Selby: "I would slowly duck behind the sofa, and when I came back up I was" the werewolf. #darkshadows
11 minutes ago
FrankJayGruber Frank Jay Gruber
@willmckinley Did Nancy Barrett ever show up? I was there last night+was told she might not come. I'll be there again tomorrow. Thanks.
55 minutes ago
willmckinley
@FrankJayGruber Nancy Barrett does not appear to be here.
9 minutes ago
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Another recent tweet:
ariaofthesoul Denise B
Many cast members are on stage at the #DarkShadows fest for the annual reunion.
7 minutes ago
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The next batch from Will McKinley:
willmckinley
10 members of original #DarkShadows cast reunite in Brooklyn in front of replica of original set http://yfrog.com/h2hilvbj
34 minutes ago
willmckinley
#DarkShadows stars Roger Davis, Sharon Smyth, Marie Wallace, David Selby, K.L. Scott, Lara Parker, Kathy Cody, Jerry Lacy, Chris Pennock
30 minutes ago
willmckinley
Producer Jim Pierson announces that Kate Jackson has done dialogue looping for the restoration of NIGHT OF #DARKSHADOWS
19 minutes ago
willmckinley
#DarkShadows actor Roger Davis was apparently not well liked by star Joan Bennett. "I was young," he says.
17 minutes ago
(I doubt many would accept that as an excuse. [ghost_wink])
willmckinley
Producer announces that NIGHT OF #DARKSHADOWS restoration is using a voice artist to double for the late Grayson Hall.
12 minutes ago
willmckinley
HOUSE OF #DARKSHADOWS (1970) and NIGHT (1971) will be released on Blu Ray in conjunction w/ Tim Burton DS film in 2012.
8 minutes ago
SusanLM4 SusanLM4
@willmckinley Thanks for live tweeting of #DarkShadows event. It's just like I'm there...well, almost. Wish I was! Keep it coming!
10 seconds ago
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Over in the Depp/Burton DS Production topic, DS film specific tweets begin here:
NYC-based writer & arts reporter, Will McKinley, tweets about the Depp/DS film discussion during the Fest's reunion panel:
And another thanks:
jam6242 Jane
@willmckinley Thanks for tweeting info from Dark Shadows convention. Was one of those kids who ran home to watch. Will never forget it!
26 minutes ago
And:
willmckinley Will McKinley
#DarkShadows actors are signing autographs for fans while the 1990 NBC reboot starring Ben Cross plays in the main ballroom.
10 seconds ago
There probably won't be much tweeting until the Depp Shadows panel starts. It was supposed to start at 6:30 pm ET, but everything seems to be running about an hour and 10 minutes late. And considering some years, that's not actually bad. [ghost_wink]
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willmckinley Will McKinley
Original #DarkShadows star Lara Parker (Angelique) asks where all the new fans have come from. "Netflix!" the fans yell.
30 minutes ago
And apparently to make up some time they started the Depp Shadows panel before the autograph signing session ended. But the tweets about that panel are also in the Depp/Burton DS Production topic...
And I don't know if there will be any more interesting tweets tonight. But I'll check in in a couple hours to see. And if so, I'll certainly post them...
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willmckinley
Costumed fan at #DarkShadows convention in Bklyn. http://instagr.am/p/K0ujQ/
1 hour ago
bonbar Bonnie Barber
@willmckinley That #DarkShadows pic is going to give me nightmares! I watched that show religiously yet it terrified me. Even had the game!
1 hour ago
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willmckinley
Me w/ #DarkShadows star Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie/Josette) http://yfrog.com/kg60718077j
53 minutes ago
willmckinley
Me w/ #DarkShadows star Lara Parker (Angelique) http://yfrog.com/kkejqrsj
52 minutes ago
willmckinley
Me w/ #DarkShadows star David Selby (Quentin Collins) http://yfrog.com/gy8jkgoj
49 minutes ago
willmckinley
Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn L. Scott (Maggie) & David Selby (Quentin) at #DarkShadows Fest http://yfrog.com/gyqoojxj
34 minutes ago
And in response to a tweet up above in reply #15:
willmckinley
@bonbar You should have kept your game. They auctioned one off for $75 today!
23 minutes ago
Plus some comments:
ninatypewriter Nina L. Diamond
@willmckinley You looked quite dashing in the photos and Lara Parker (Angelique) hardly looks any older than she did 40 years ago. Spooky.
22 minutes ago
willmckinley
@ninatypewriter Thank you. I know, it's weird how good they all look.
21 minutes ago
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Many thanks MB for collecting all those tweets. and those are some great photos.
That's too bad about Nancy not being able to appear. I hope she is OK.
G.
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Oops - I missed a follow-up:
ninatypewriter
@willmckinley Hmmmm.... could it be because they're (*cue the #DarkShadows theme)....VAMPIRES?
52 minutes ago
And what's this person's problem:
TanaButler Tana Butler
Another add to my Global Settings: block #DarkShadows
31 minutes ago
Though she has a surprise coming to her because if she really wants to block everything about DS, she'll have to block a lot more than that because very few people who tweet about DS use that hashtag the way they should. [ghost_wink]
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She seems to be in contact with some people who are using the hashtag tonight, so to just outwardly say that is... odd. [ghost_wacko]
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ginareign Regina J.
David Selby...such a gentleman. I got a picture with him (fuzzy, but it's a picture!) Lara Parker was so nice. Dark Shadows festival--a hit!
1 hour ago
And also:
Greg_Bashjian Greg Bashjian
@willmckinley Not being there stunk but having you and others tweet it live was a great thing and is very much appreciated and a big help.
1 hour ago
Greg_Bashjian
@willmckinley Well Will, it's time to sleep, though I'll be keeping an eye on your feed. Will u be tweeting the fest tom as well?
1 hour ago
willmckinley
@Greg_Bashjian Unfortunately not. Just today!
52 minutes ago
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Here is like a mini report, the much anticipicated Depp movie presentation was quite a bust, just Jim Pierson (yes, he has his hands in THIS Ds pie as well), just showing pictures of JF, Lara, KLS, and David Selby filming at Pinewood and telling us a lot that we already knew if one read Shadowgram. And I was quite disappointed that Jonathan did not join the cast reunion, his presentation on the evolution of Barnabas as a character was quite interesting, but it was over a good 90 minutes before the cast reunion, and to me he could have caught his breath and been able to join in the cast reunion, but that is just MY opinion. Still, I am looking forward to Jonathan and David Selby's performance tomorrow, that should be something to see!!
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A few post mortem tweets about yesterday's Fest experiences:
TunaOddfellow Tuna Oddfellow
Amazing day. I spent time with so many good peeps. I was feeling Dark Shadows over load for a while. I am none the less, revved up to play!
9 hours ago
Rosemary_Guiley Rosemary E Guiley
Saw Jonathan Frid, David Selby, other original cast members of Dark Shadows yesterday at the DS con in NYC. A real treat!
2 hours ago
ivingdeadgirl livingdeadgirl
Took 3 hours to get home from NYC due to traffic last night. However, Dark Shadows geekdom has been accomplished!
38 minutes ago
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Well, either the Fest events are deathly dull today, or they're so exciting that people can't even bring themselves to look away for even a few minutes because so far this is the one and only tweet about what's been happening today:
ahmiowa Aletia Morgan
David Selby has really been abailable &friendly to fans. Impressive! #dsfest
22 minutes ago
And that's hardly surprising when it comes to Selby because he's always extremely gracious in person...
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Maybe I spoke too soon - here's one other:
ToddHellsKitch ToddHellsKitch
At 45th Anniv Dark Shadows Festival. Saw Barnabas and Quentin, Angelique, and Rev Trask! Hung out with Maggie Evans for a while. Bite me!
4 minutes ago
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**RD Alert for the the photo**
rosee1963 Rosa D Foster
Nerd alert my husband getting his Dark Shadows laser disk signed. OMG http://yfrog.com/kjji3vpj
8 minutes ago
And I'm sure this guy is so proud. ::)
bobbyabate Bobby Abate
Cut the line for the dark shadows banquet. Holding court with the handicapables.
4 minutes ago
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FrankJayGruber Frank Jay Gruber
And that's a wrap for the 45th Anniversary #DarkShadows Festival from scenic (and rainy) Brooklyn, NY.
6 minutes ago
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Interesting that one of the last reported tweets implies that Jerry Lacy was there. I didn't realize that. Now I'm really bummed I missed out!
G.
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yes lacey was there. he was supposed to do a reading with nancy barrett but she had to cancel for personal reasons. apparently they arranged for him to do something with lara parker instead but i had to leave mid-afternoon after the david selby/jonathan frid reading so i missed several late appearances.
b.t.w. roger davis' son is incendiary. imagine davis in 68 but way cuter. roger himself not great. apparently he has been unwell in recent years. but that didn't stop him from taking over the cast reunion with some ridiculous real estate deal story. made a point of telling everyone about all of the millions he's lost in some hotel deals lately. i think pierson finally cut him off. [ghost_rolleyes]
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oh and last night they did a showing of a 1967 CBS presentation of "the crucible". sort of a televised play that had a very DS "feel".
it starred tuesday weld but featured several DS actors including clarice blackburn, thayer david and kathy cody. it was very interesting. blackburn was as usual brilliant. very much the puritan witch crazed zealot we saw her portray later as abigail collins during the 1795 storyline. her performance there had to have been at least partially inspired by this.
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Wow, Michael, I'm very envious that you were able to see the tape of "The Crucible." It was announced to be presented many years ago--and if I am remembering correctly, it was announced two years running for different Festivals (one might have the Las Vegas Festival?) but Pierson either kept forgetting to bring the tape, or it simply wasn't available at the last minute.
Do you remember anything about Thayer David's work in the play?
That is so sad that Nancy was unable to attend. I hope she is OK.
Best, Gothick
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They did show the 2004 DS pilot as the "surprise" they had in the schedule.
I hated it it, it was way too campy and everyone seemed to be overacting with the exception of the actor playing Barnabas who I thought was pretty good in the role. The dialogue was badly written for the most part. I thought David was done ok as a sociopath! Angelique looked good herself. Willie Loomis was a joke prior to his releasing Barnabas (who climbed walls like Spiderman). Carolyn acted and dressed like a tramp.
I am glad the WB didn't pick this up.
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Joey, for what it's worth, I agree with many of your criticisms of the WB 2004 pilot. My least favorite things were Vicki's arrival at Collinwood and welcome by Elizabeth--the tone was so extremely off I still have no idea what they were doing--and the finale which was just WAY over the top.
The stuff with a bloodcrazed Barnabas hovering in the trees was very creepy, although I think it was ripped off from an earlier film (maybe directed by Tarantino? or John Carpenter? I never saw it--I generally avoid post 1970s horror films--but I saw stills). I did think Alec Newman made a wonderful choice for Barnabas. I will be very surprised if Depp hits the mark to the degree that Newman did, in fact.
G.
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"campy" is a word that seems to cling to every variation of DS there is. you just know the burton project will probably end up with that label as well given his over the top sensibility.
in her miniskirt and black leather jacket this carolyn was in the minxy barabara blackburn rather than the nancy barrett tradition. i sort of liked her. a much younger carolyn for the film will certainly bring a new take on the character.
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Hey guys! I hope everyone had fun this weekend! I was planning on attending as well, even booked the hotel, but my sister had to have some serious surgery last weekend so we canceled so she could get the rest she needs. I didn't see anything in the tweets or anything mentioned - did Stuart speak about the audio dramas, any new news or comments on Season 3?
I'm bummed I missed Jerry Lacy. Was Chris Pennock there? I know he was having some kind of family emergency and I hoped everything had turned out OK.
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Stuart did speak about the DS audio dramas, but I don't remember if he said anything about a third season. I bought the first two seasons but havent gotten around to listening to them yet.
Chris Pennock was there and said his family emergency had gotten better and thanked the fans for their support.
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BenCossette Ben Cossette
My impressions of the 2011 Dark Shadows convention. First off, every person I talked to had nothing (cont...) http://trunc.it/hxipe
11 hours ago
(Click on the link to read the full report.)
RD now charges for his autograph if you don't buy a photo?! (My reaction would have been the same as Mr. Cosette's) And wow, that's a far cry from the 1989 Fest when RD went down the autograph line handing out autographed copies of his supplement page to the program (he was such a late addition that year that it was too late to bind his page into the program) for free to everyone standing there - whether you wanted it or not...
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Wow, Davis had the longest line after Parker? Incredible.
As we all know, usually the majority of people who attend the DS Festivals have never attended one before. And in most cases, they never bother to come back. Sounds of Cossette is done with the experience himself.
G.
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Wow, Davis had the longest line after Parker? Incredible.
When I read that I wondered if people were feeling sympathetic, figuring that if RD was charging for his autograph, he needed the money? [ghost_undecided]
As we all know, usually the majority of people who attend the DS Festivals have never attended one before.
This tweet would seem to indicate that the availability of DS on Netflix is responsible for a lot of new fans:Original #DarkShadows star Lara Parker (Angelique) asks where all the new fans have come from. "Netflix!" the fans yell.
And on any given day I've noticed dozens of people tweeting about how either they're getting DS from Netflix or they're disappointed that the whole series isn't available there. I'd assumed most of the tweets have been coming from people who were already fans and who are checking DS out again. But perhaps a lot of them really are new fans who are just discovering the show because of Netflix. But at any rate, the notion of Netflix helping to create new fans is a really interesting one.
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Another report and some very nice photos:
MarkedOut MarkedOut.com
45th Anniversary Dark Shadows Convention Report - MarkedOut.com http://fb.me/IYFzOY43
2 hours ago
And there's also this:
bobbyabate Bobby Abate
Dark Shadows dinner was a trip to a parallel universe that I may still be stuck in.
3 hours ago
I still can't believe that he cut the banquet line and then tweeted about it like he did...
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Blood-Thirsty Fans Flock to 2011 'Dark Shadows' Convention at Brooklyn Marriott (http://mcbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2011/08/blood-thirsty-fans-flock-to-2011-dark.html)
‘Dark Shadows’ Draws Blood at Brooklyn Marriott (http://brooklynheightspress.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/dark-shadows-draws-blood-at-brooklyn-marriott/#more-1561)
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Kathleen Cody is chatting about the Fest at her Facebook page. Participants in the thread include Barry Pearl, who played Doody in the film Grease!
Has another celebrity DS fan been ID'd?
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JasmineLuca Jasmine Luca
HAD SUCH A GR8 TIME!!! THE DARK SHADOWS CAST (FROM THE 60s & 70s) WERE INCREDIBLY SWEET THEY MADE OUR VACA. SUPER SPECIAL #LOVEDARKSHADOWS!
18 minutes ago
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Random thoughts about the weekend:
The '04 pilot wasn't much of a surprise, but I'm glad I finally had the opportunity to see it. Echoes of SUSPIRIA -- the saturated colors, Vicki's arrival during a rainstorm, finding no one there to meet her (at least initially) -- and I like that the writer dispensed with the issue of Vicki's parentage, or did I miss a line of dialogue? It's possible, consider that a small group of fans insisted on having a loud conversation in the ballroom during the screening. The ending was botched, but I think with work, it could have been a success. Of course, if it had been picked up, would the Tim Burton film be happening?
David Selby sitting at his table in the dealers' room, and not a fan in sight, believe it or not!
Marie Wallace and Chris Pennock sharing the stage for a lively discussion. I think Marie might be the my favorite Fest guest. She seems genuinely glad to be there, and doesn't have dollar signs in her eyes...
Bobbi Ann Woronko t-shirts?
People standing in line to buy Bobbi Ann Woronko t-shirts?
The highly-anticipated "Depp Shadows" panel, during which Jim, um, Pierson informed us that, uh, Pinewood Studios has, uh, hair and make-up people, who use, um, make-up and, uh, hairspray and, ummmmmmmm...chemicals...
The mass exodus when Kathy Cody introduced THE CRUCIBLE. A shame, because it was a terrific production, with George C. Scott, Colleen Dewhurst, Tuesday Weld, Melvyn Douglas, Will Geer, and Fritz Weaver (no lightweights, they!), not to mention Ms. Cody, Clarice Blackburn and Thayer David (as the Putnams), Dana Elcar, John Harkins, and cult favorite Catherine Burns (Oscar nominated for LAST SUMMER). Would love to see this get a DVD release.
Julia Duffy stomping around the lobby of the Marriott, looking as if she'd rather be anywhere else in the world than at a DS Festival.
Donna Wandrey and Marie Wallace talking about their vampire roles with grace and humor. Would love to see them share the stage in something other than a DS Fest panel.
Being on the receiving end of an unprovoked scowl from Jonathan Frid as he and his companion were leaving the hotel restaurant this morning. Should I be flattered, offended, or scared?
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‘Dark Shadows’ Brings Blood Lust To Brooklyn Marriott Conference (http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=27&id=45582)
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More tweets and photos:
FrankJayGruber Frank Jay Gruber
@davidselbycom and Jonathan Frid performing together at the #DarkShadows Festival on Sunday. http://pic.twitter.com/2ZnYA4P
2 hours ago
FrankJayGruber
Jonathan Frid at this year's #DarkShadows Festival. http://pic.twitter.com/JzuGq1U
1 hour ago
FrankJayGruber
Lara Parker ("Angelique") +Jerry Lacy ("Rev. Trask") leave the stage arm-in-arm Sunday at the #DarkShadows Festival. http://pic.twitter.com/jcIBIus
1 hour ago
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Many thanks, Claude North, for those astute and delightfully witty comments. How sad that so many fans rushed to leave as the rare occasion to view "The Crucible" was offered to them. Makes one think of a New Testament quote, but I'll spare you. At least in this instance they were being rude to a videotape. I still remember how painful the behavior of fans was years ago when David Selby and his acting partner presented the play Selby had written live on stage. Imagine getting to see a play of this calibre practically for free given the low prices charged by the Festival committee for Registration. It wouldn't have been so bad if fans had simply left, but they kept going in and out throughout what was a thoughtful, sensitive, beautifully crafted performance.
Interesting to see that the Brooklyn Eagle in their blurb on the series plot has Barn "awakening" in 1972--the correct year for Depp Shadows, but not for the original series... which was well off the air by '72...
G.
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Interesting to see that the Brooklyn Eagle in their blurb on the series plot has Barn "awakening" in 1972--the correct year for Depp Shadows, but not for the original series... which was well off the air by '72...
Especially when in the paragraph just above it it says that DS "aired from 1966 to 1971." How quickly they forget the years the show ran. But then I swear there has to be at least one thing wrong in practically every article about DS...
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‘Dark Shadows’ Draws Blood at Brooklyn Marriott (http://brooklynheightspress.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/dark-shadows-draws-blood-at-brooklyn-marriott/#more-1561)
All right. All right. Hold the phone. The picture of the costume gala people - somebody tell me what the person wearing the jackass head is supposed to be in regard to DS.
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Any and every RD character? [ghost_wink]
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willmckinley
One more #DarkShadows festival picture: David Selby and Lara Parker making out! http://bit.ly/oqrlE9
11 minutes ago
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All right. All right. Hold the phone. The picture of the costume gala people - somebody tell me what the person wearing the jackass head is supposed to be in regard to DS.
He introduced himself as "Mule, the missing footman." An iteresting look, but an odd choice.
I just got home a couple of hours ago. I'm reviewing the articles and commentary now and will try to add some of my own observations over the next couple of days.
ProfStokes
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Drat, I wish I could have gone. I would definitely have stayed in the ballroom for The Crucible - but then, I always stay in there for just about everything. And Julia Duffy came with Jerry Lacy? Wow. Not that I would have seen her - but still, wow.
I was packed and ready to go, but then on Wednesday night my cat walked into a door and I faced the fact I couldn't just leave her with friends. So I spent the weekend with her, plunking her into her litter box whenever she ventured off of my bed, and hoping that either she'd figure out how to get there on her own (golly it's right next to the bed, how hard can it be?) or else that her new blood pressure medicine would work a miracle on her eyesight. No luck so far. It's a good thing for her that she's the best cat in the whole wide world.
arashi, I hope your sister is better, and Gothick, I hope your summer improves!
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FrankJayGruber
The ever-lovely Lara Parker ("Angelique") posing w/ me on Sunday at the #DarkShadows Festival at the Brooklyn Marriott. http://pic.twitter.com/3ef1SRb
8 hours ago
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Lydia, I am very sorry to hear about your cat. My healing thoughts go out to her.
And of course, thank you for your good wishes.
G.
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i'm in concordance with much of what claude north said about the event....
the mass walkout as kathy cody introduced "the crucible" was unforgivable. even if one wasn't interested in the film itself they could have showed ms.cody some courtesy and remained seated for the two minutes it took to introduce the piece. as for the group talking in the back during the 2004 showing i asked them to please stop and they looked at me like i was from outer space. i thought not speaking during a movie or performance was manners 101 but i guess i'm wrong. at least they eventually got up and left.
as interesting as i found "the crucible" i will say that perhaps a two hour non-DS presentation was a bit long for that block of prime-time. an early morning showing might have gone over better.
i know i've been slagging KLS a bit of late but she's just SUCH an operator. when i approached her friday evening to have her autograph my program she INSTANTLY tried to sell me her book "murder in primetime"(remember that other fiction work she wrote before her "first" work of fiction "dark passages"?)assuring me of "how much i'd like it". i honestly don't think she remembered me from her book signing at barnes and noble 48 hours earlier when i purchased DP. [ghost_blink]
amazingly i managed to get most of the actors autographs easily...as claude mentioned david selby sitting around by himself friday evening(!). marie, kathy, pennock, sharon and miss woronko were readily available all weekend. i only waited for a chilly lara parker. i couldn't be bothered to wait in lengthy lines for donna wandrey, jerry lacy and certainly not mr.davis. hearing his ridiculous real estate stories was more than enough for me.
having already purchased "dark passages" earlier in the week there wasn't much i wanted by way of purchases. i picked up some pictures and the big finish CD "the doll house" which marie autographed. i wanted the bound copy of the gold key comics but they apparently sold out the first day because sunday the dealer wasn't even around. as for the rest of the cast members offerings(marie and lara's books for instance)i already have them. i felt bad not buying anything from them but when you've got the same things to sell year after year you run that risk.
one of the overwhelming impression that i walked away from this event was...and i really do not mean for this to sound unkind...is that i wonder how much longer it will continue in it's present incarnation. the cast is starting to get quite elderly. i don't know how much longer they're going to have the energy for all this. 45 years was a long time ago. KLS and donna wandrey looked remarkably spry but the rest of the cast are starting to show the years. when i first attended in 2003 everyone still looked "middle aged" to me but 8 years in a long time when one starts to get into their 60's and 70's. as it was frid simply came down for his appearance then i presume returned to his room. diana millay and john karlen were not in attendance and there were reports of other castmembers being "unwell" in recent years.
again i don't mean for this to sound unkind but i left with that concern.
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It was freezing at the Fest! That is my my biggest complaint easily rectified by wearing a jacket. Oh speaking of jackets I have an issue with MPI. MPI is selling a new "crew" fleeced windbreaker jacket in black with the red DS logo on left chest. It actually looks like a nice product. On Saturday I tried the jacket on for size and had my $40 dollars out when I was told by MPI that the jacket was now $50 that day. I told the salesperson that it was $40 all day on Friday. She said well it was "an early bird special". I told her that there were no signs anywhere that there was a special that day. She had no comeback for that. The MPI lady said in a condescending and arrogant manner well the jacket will be sold for $60.00 at its website. So instead of taking the $40.00 they lost a deal. Apparently the market for this jacket warranted an increase of $10 for the jacket. MPI remains a bunch of weasels imo not worthy of any new DS related sales. I did like the autograph set up where you could go directly to an actor's line. As others here aleready stated there was no "discussion" on the new DS movie. Once again it was JP simply talking at the podium and showing a few slide presentation of actors in makeup. JP did say that the release date is solid.
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VIDEO: David Selby Speaking at The Dark Shadows Festival 8-20-11 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTh2cWx9Kyg)
VIDEO (put together from photos): Dark Shadows Festival 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTNwDSqA7W4)
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Thanks, Michael, for that interesting report. I agree with you about the future of the Festival in its present format. MB had a link to a Festival post from 2003 or 2004 and I had forgotten that there was talk of ceasing the Festivals at that point.
My prediction is that *if* Depp Shadows takes off (which is a big *if* given how royally Conan and Fright Night just flopped at the box office), THAT will become the new focus of any convention or fannish activity. People who are into the "original series" (or 1991, etc.) will become a sideline to the main event around the Depp series and its paraphernalia--action figures, video games, etc.
It is truly fascinating to me that the original series continues to garner new fans in their 20s and 30s. If the series were made available on one of the online channels such as hulu, think of how even more widespread the fandom would become.
But it will all seem like very small potatoes if the Depp series really takes off.
I liked how Alex, in one of her interviews for one of the MPI releases (it may have been way back in the early 1990s for the 25th anniversary) was musing about the 50th anniversary and said something like--maybe the reunion will take place via seance! I always thought that was a fitting envoi to the phenomenon of original DS fandom.
G.
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I had a great time and enjoyed seeing friends and the city of New York! I bought Kathryn's new book and Barbara Woronko's book which I started reading this morning and she was so friendly. I spent most of my money on food and now must go on a diet so at next years fest I don't look like a blimp!
I really think everyone looked awesome and will pack more sweaters next time! It really was freezing in that hotel. Next year should be exciting with the movie release and I wouldn't doubt if they have some kind of organized showing of the movie like they did with HODS last year.
My only complaint is I only got a few moments with some friends and time just flies at these events so you just can't get to everybody.
Teresa
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*if* Depp Shadows takes off (which is a big *if* given how royally Conan and Fright Night just flopped at the box office)
Actually, most industry insiders and columnists whose jobs it is to follow box office and its trends blame the lower than hoped for numbers for both those films this past weekend on the fact that both were mostly shown on 3D screens and the other fact that the increasing trend in this economy is that people are no longer as willing to pay extra for 3D. Thank heavens the idea to shoot the Depp/DS film in 3D was dropped! Plus another interesting, though certainly not unexpected, thing about both of those films is that over 60% of the audience who went to see them was male - but that isn't likely to be the case with the Depp/DS film. If anything, Warners Brothers is going to be trying very hard to attract a male audience on a par with what is expected to be a large female audience rather than presuming males are going to show up automatically. But of course, all of this is a discussion more suited for the Depp/DS film's topic, so I'll leave it at that here.
If anyone wants to continue this discussion, please quote this post and paste it at the top of your reply in the Depp/DS film's production topic. [ghost_smiley]
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That's too bad about Nancy not being able to appear. I hope she is OK.
G, this was posted following a recent ShadowGram:
Nancy Barrett has canceled her appearance at the Fest due to her husband's illness.
I was quite disappointed that Jonathan did not join the cast reunion, his presentation on the evolution of Barnabas as a character was quite interesting, but it was over a good 90 minutes before the cast reunion, and to me he could have caught his breath and been able to join in the cast reunion, but that is just MY opinion. Still, I am looking forward to Jonathan and David Selby's performance tomorrow, that should be something to see!!
Miranda, I completely understand your disappointment that he didn't participate in the panel, but it wasn't a matter of catching his breath-- he really was not up to it. (I looked for you but didn't find you! [ghost_sad])
b.t.w. roger davis' son is incendiary. imagine davis in 68 but way cuter.
My god, yes.
(http://www.dsboards.com/images/RDavis2011.jpg)
roger himself not great.
The sunglasses were ridiculous. No medical reason... he just liked wearing them.
A few tidbits from the weekend that I haven't seen mentioned:
Bobubas and Guy Haines were hilarious as Barnabas and Dan Curtis in Saturday night's Collinsport Players skit. I hope the recording of it makes it onto YouTube, hint hint.
Roger Davis said he was paid $130 per episode on DS. (!) He also mentioned that his appearance on Twilight Zone (a clip from "Spur of the Moment" was screened during his Outside the Shadows segment) was as a replacement for the ailing Michael Parks. Roger is terrific in that.
Donna Wandrey commented that Marie Wallace and she had played, respectively, "a chiseler and a murderer." Okay, so I thought that was cute.
Kathy Cody announced that she'll be performing Love Letters in Florida with Nicholas Hammond (The Sound of Music). They'd previously appeared together in her double Gunsmoke ep and Superdad.
It's a good thing that Frid again contributed personal memorabilia for the auctions in the main room, because otherwise the assortment of items would be incredibly sad. BTW, did anyone here acquire the Festival drawing room set?
Selby was amazing as the deacon in the scene from Mass Appeal. Frid, as the aging priest, just did the best he could.
Lara Parker read an excerpt from her soon to be released novel "Portrait of the Werewolf," which involved Antoinette (you may recall that the character is identical in appearance [only] to Angelique), the spurned Barnabas who is once again a vampire, and Quentin, whose portrait has been swiped from Antoinette's basement.
Every year, there's a show of hands by fans attending their first convention, but this year the response was unbelievable! SO MANY HANDS!!
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i also thought it was tacky that davis was selling personal photos of himself and his ex-wife jaclyn smith. [ghost_rolleyes]
will i get pelted with rotton tomatoes if i say that the selby/frid reading was boring?
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No rotten tomatoes - I agree that the reading itself was boring, but I was fascinated to see the two of them onstage together. [ghost_smiley]
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Arhylda Linda Reilly Blowney
Dark Shadows Festival was WONDERFUL and silly and fun!! Jonathan Frid winked at us in the restaurant - my life is complete! :-)
45 minutes ago
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i also thought it was tacky that davis was selling personal photos of himself and his ex-wife jaclyn smith. [ghost_rolleyes]
Really?! Wow. And given she's made no secret of what she thinks about him, I'm guessing she would have a heart attack if she knew that.
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Midnite darling,
Many thanks for that wonderful report. Love the photo of Davis pater et fils. Davis fils looks sort of like Don Briscoe. I'm sure that's just an accident of the lighting and the angle.
I would have loved to have been there--to see your glamorous self and others near and dear to my heart! I am alas unable to leave town right now due to an unpleasant situation that just seems to be never-ending. Happily Mercury is going Direct on Friday... *that* may end it!
Again, thanks. Would love to hear more of your thoughts.
G.
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Jonathan Frid Speaking At The Dark Shadows Festival 8-20-11 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5syYfpZi-gM)
(After seeing this video I now realize that apparently the photos I commented on in reply #6 of "Dark Shadows Festival 2011 Photos" were deceiving... But those are great photos of Frid.)
BIGDSFAN at The 2011 Dark Shadows Festival (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIGrAH1JQRo)
(Another video made up of photos.)
Dark Shadows Cast Reunion at The Dark Shadows Festival 8-20-11 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlAOy4Qajp4)
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(After seeing this video I now realize that apparently the photos I commented on in reply #6 of "Dark Shadows Festival 2011 Photos" were deceiving... But those are great photos of Frid.)
It's not your fault. The lighting on the actors was terrible! I understand that it was handled by Marriott employees, so perhaps that explains why they kept the lights bright over Pierson but didn't seem to mind putting the actors on stage in the dark, even when those actors weren't introducing video clips the whole time as in Frid's case (such as Smyth & Cody, Wandrey & Wallace). Couldn't they light the actors while they spoke to the audience and dim the overhead lights when they got around to showing clips instead of leaving them in the dark the whole time and making it difficult for fans to take photos?
But when Brian Kellow stood at the same podium as Pierson, the lights got dimmed there too. Fortunately, he spoke about the Bennetts without referring to notes.
Hire personnel to handle lighting. Geez.
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There must be a DS fan out there with some lighting tech experience who could volunteer to do it at a future Fest.
By the way, any mention of the next Fest?
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That's a great video of Mr. Frid. Thanks for sharing the link.
G.
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A Freaky Friday @ Dark Shadows Fest 2011 (http://skeletonpete.com/?p=2951)
(Really nice photos.)
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Another article and photos from the Fest
http://broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Dark-Shadows-45th-Anniversary-Reunion-in-Brooklyn-20110825
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Fantastic photos. Thanks so much for posting the link, jimbo. [ghost_wink]
It's amazing how many places have covered this year's Fest! Last year there was practically nothing. But maybe this year it's because of the 45th Anniversary - or because the Depp/DS film is in production. It's probably some of both - and I'd bet a lot of these places sent people because they were thinking they were going to get some actual news regarding the Depp/DS film. Hahahaha. [ghost_rolleyes]
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Excerpt from:
A Freaky Friday @ Dark Shadows Fest 2011 (http://skeletonpete.com/?p=2951)
"Lara has a third Dark Shadows novel coming out, and her first, 'Angelique’s Descent,' is going to be re-released with a new 35-page chapter."
Yes, she said that Tor (not Harper Collins) will be releasing an updated AD with an added final chapter dealing with Josette's death in order to "make it more appealing." This is good news for fans who have been unable get their hands on the paperback at a reasonable price as well as new fans that the movie will no doubt attract, but will the new chapter really add to the story's appeal? Or is it merely a tact to get fans who already have the book, download or CD to purchase yet another copy of the story?
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we're lucky the fest was not a week later...
with hurricane irene the city is basically shut down. [ghost_shocked]
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I had a wonderful time at the Festival, but I have to admit that I felt a bit underwhelmed. The event seemed too low-key for the 45th Anniversary. For one thing, there was a smaller turn-out of actors relative to past Festivals. For another, the panels (at least for the first day and a half) did not include Q&As. Instead, the actors watched a series of clips from DS and then commented on them or spoke generally about their time on the show. I thought that was strange. Personally, I missed the fan interaction and thought the panels were duller for the lack of questions. Even though most people ask the same things year after year, you never know what will come up. A couple of times, Jim Pierson (with Richard Halpern and Jeff Thompson both out this year, there was no proper emcee for the Festival) would ask the actors questions to draw them out. During Lara Parker and Jerry Lacy's time onstage, he asked if Lacy did anything to prepare for his role as Trask. Lacy's response was hilarious: "Oh, I took a couple of girls out to the woods." The audience laughed and Pierson looked uncomfortable. "Well, what else was I supposed to do?" Lacy asked innocently.
When David Selby took the stage Saturday afternoon, he did take questions from the audience, but for some reason, nobody was using the microphone in the center aisle. Instead, people shouted their questions from wherever they sat. I couldn't understand what was being asked from where I sat toward the back of the ballroom and I don't know how Selby was able to decipher the questions. Somebody must have asked if he ever gets recognized in his daily life because he told us how a traffic officer stopped him from crossing a street by calling, "Hold on, Quentin!" He also related something that had occurred earlier in the week when his son-in-law and grandson were flying home from a trip. Selby's grandson sat in the middle of the row with his father on one side and a stranger with a laptop on the other. At one point, the little boy started calling out, "Pappy! Pappy!" "My son-in-law tried to quiet him down," Selby explained, "then he looked over and saw that the other guy was watching The Social Network." Selby also praised Abraham Lincoln and spoke fondly of shooting a guest spot on "Mad Men.
The cast reunion (sans Frid) came next, and Roger Davis immediately began to hog the show. After the other actors had provided a quick recap of their recent news, Davis launched into a lenghty ramble about the housing market and all of the money he's made and lost on his building ventures. This went on for many minutes when suddenly, his spiel was interrupted by a loud pop! "Did someone cut my mike?" Roger squawked. "We'll save the real estate seminar for next year," Pierson replied drily. Davis's co-stars were also weary of his talk. "I feel much more cheerful now after listening to that," Kathryn remarked in a rare show of sarcasm. "Don't you, Lara?" "Oh, yes," Parker agreed. "Don't you feel entertained by that, Marie?" At this point, Roger seemed to realize that he had spoken out of turn and apologized, but instead of giving up the mike to someone else, he inexplicably launched into a monologue from Treasure Island, speaking in an Irish accent. It was the most bizarre thing I've ever seen him do (and that's saying quite a bit). The audience was clearly confused and disquieted, and as Davis went on and on, KLS got up from her seat in the middle of the stage (Davis was seated at the far right) and began tugging at the cord of his microphone as if to pull it out of his hands! Finally, Davis gave up and the panel was allowed to progress.
The actors were asked about doing voice work for Night of DS and Jim acknowledged that the restored film will be released next year; at this point, they need to find an impersonator to record Grayson Hall's lines. "What? You mean there are people who imitate dead actors' voices?" Jerry joked. Chris Pennock talked about his soap opera work after DS and how panicked he became when he learned, after landing a role on "Guiding Light," that the show did not use teleprompters. Someone asked the actors who had appeared in the 1795 story line after playing present-day characters if the roles from the past had been written specifically for them. Kathryn acknowledged that she had been assigned to play Josette because of her prior work as Josette's ghost but Lacy claimed it was just by chance that he was given the Trask character to play. "That was the part they needed to fill when I returned to the show. I could just as easily have ended up as Angelique." Lara mentioned that she and Kathryn are very good friends and sometimes even finish each other's sentences. Sharon Smyth was asked to sing "London Bridge" (she said possibly the next day) and Jerry Lacy was asked to do a Bogart impersonation ("Of all the gin joints in all the world, you people had to walk into mine.")
A fan asked about the new movie. KLS mentioned how she, Selby, Parker, and Frid had flown to London to film a cameo. "Do you remember a children's book called Where's Waldo??" Selby asked. "That's what our cameo is going to be like." Lara chimed in, "I know people will tell me, 'I watched that movie 75 times and I didn't see you at all.'" Hearing that was disappointing. I had thought that the actors' cameos would at least be speaking roles. It sounds as if they're going to be part of a group scene as just faces in a crowd. What a waste! Why would Burton & Co. bring them all the way to London just to make them part of the scenery
I missed most of this year's screening of "The Crucible," though I have seen it before (more than once) at the Museum of Television and Radio. The DS actors all appear in the first act of the teleplay, but by the time I reached the ballroom, Elizabeth Proctor was begging John to go to town and expose Abigail. The performance was compelling and I didn't want to leave to line up for the costume gala. I hope this program is shown again at future Fests. It really is well-made, and the set pieces and videotaped look combine to give one the sense of watching a DS episode. I was surprised to read the reports here about all the people walking out on Kathy Cody's introduction, although I witnessed something similar happen on Friday night when Lara Parker and Jerry Lacy's ceded the stage to Marie Wallace and Chris Pennock. So many people streamed out of the ballroom that at first I thought the room was being cleared for some reason.
I missed most of Sunday's events, with the exception of the panel between Sharon Smyth and Kathy Cody. Smyth explained that she has not been to a Festival for many years because the NY event always falls during her son's birthday. "I thought it was important that I be there for his birthday, so we didn't have to hire a therapist. But today he turned 18, and he told me, 'Bye, Mom'." Cody missed conventions because she was either caring for her elderly mother or sick herself. "I kept meaning to attend a Festival and last year I finally did. I felt so loved and so appreciated. I had a blast, and now I'm going to be back every year." Both Sharon and Kathy had a similar career background, having worked in modeling ("You wear heavy coats in summer and freeze your little tushy off in a swimsuit for winter," Kathy recalled) and commercials prior to acting in DS. Also, each had to overcome their regional accents. One fan asked Sharon why she sometimes attempted an English accent. "I don't think I was trying to speak with an English accent; I was just trying not to talk with a Philly accent," laughed Sharon. "How about a New Yawk accent?" Kathy joined in. "When I went to Hollywood, the director would have to stop tape and say, 'No, Kathy, it's not an Ah-range, it's an Oh-range.'" Both had positive things to say about David Henessy. ("He was very generous. Did you see how he was helping me with my lines?" Sharon recalled, referring to a clip of David and Sarah that had just played). When asked whether either had brought home any props or costumes from their time on the show, Sharon revealed that she had picked up the remnants of Barnabas's old man face and saved them until they disintegrated years later. (Wouldn't that have been a cool prop to acution?) "I still have my letter from Dan Curtis saying my services are no longer needed. Maybe I'll bring that next year and auction it off."
I had been looking forward to hearing Lara Parker's preview of her new novel, which is supposed to involve a romance between werewolf Quentin and flapper Elizabeth in the Roaring 20s. Even though the timing does not align with canon, I'm fascinated by the '20s and was curious to hear more about the book. However, when I found out that it will be a continuation of The Salem Branch, with the Quentin/Liz story interwoven with the Barnabas/Antoinette romance, I lost interest and didn't stay for the reading. I wandered off and by the time I came back to the ballroom, it was nearing the end of the dramatic reading between Lara Parker and Jerry Lacy. Originally, this was supposed to be a performance between Lacy and Nancy Barrett. I don't know what the original play was to be, but this reading sounded like a retread of "Vengeance at Collinwood" from 2005 with Lacy in a dual role as Tony Peterson possessed by his distant ancestor, Reverend Trask. Trask is determined to kill the witch, Angelique, but Tony resists his urgings. Can anyone else fill in more details of this play?
The banquet was very well attended, with dual lines wrapping around the hotel lobby. The "awards ceremony" involved a series of trumped-up prizes, mainly his and hers titles (e.g. "Favorite Non-human Male and Female" for Chris Pennock and Donna Wandrey; Favorite Reincarnated Female and Male for Marie Wallace and Roger Davis) to ensure that every actor was acknowledged. Lara Parker was the Favorite Female Villain and Jerry Lacy was the Favorite Male Villain. I believe KLS won Favorite Female Lead. Barbara Woronko won a DS Hall of Fame award. Nancy Barrett was awarded Favorite Character Actress in absentia and Jonathan Frid's nephew Don accepted his award for Favorite Vampire. The actors accepted their awards with tongue-in-cheek grace and the banquet wrapped up with a slideshow of the deceased actors and personnel and selected highlights from the show. It was all over much too soon.
Nothing has been officially announced about the next Fest, but KLS and Marcy Robin repeatedly made references to "next year in Burbank" so one can hope.
ProfStokes
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Thanks for the detailed recap of the events, ProfStokes! [ghost_smiley]
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After the DS clip, Smyth and Cody share memories of working with David Henesy, and for obvious reasons the vid is titled "Attention David Henesy from Dark Shadows! Please watch!"--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_QD_kupSmE&feature=share
Smyth agreed to sing "London Bridge" on Sunday. Here's a very brief clip of it that includes ball throwing-- [ghost_wink]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX7UVkLWbag
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Friday night's Collinsport Players Skit, titled "Tim Burton's DS"-- (I look forward to seeing it myself!)
Part I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATYJcmVOLqA&feature=share)
Part II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EolRyANcXck&feature=related)
Part III (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8T3Mqqsm8Y&feature=related)
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Wow! I've been looking forward to seeing a video of how the show turned out, and I'm very excited to have it available on youtube.
It's a bit of a miracle that the show went on at all. Within the week leading up to the Festival, half of the cast dropped out due to illness and other unforeseen circumstances. Those roles had to be filled at the last minute by kind volunteers and friends that I begged to help out (hence the people carrying scripts). In spite of the stress and the lack of preparation, I think everyone gave a strong, entertaining performance. You may notice some familiar faces from this message board, including Bobubas, 4everfridean, and evanhanley. :)
ProfStokes
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That Roger Davis story is a doozy, Stokes. It sounds like he may not even have realized what he was doing--he may need medication, and I'm not joking!
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ProfStokes, thank you for the detailed account of Saturday, much of which I missed.
By the way, what were the giveaways at the Banquet and what is on the DVD?
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I just Facebook friended Barbara Woronko Anzalone (Bobbi Ann Woronko) who posted a lovely note about her Fest experience. She loved every second of it!
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By the way, what were the giveaways at the Banquet and what is on the DVD?
The banquet gift bag included a 2008 Fest program, a DS checkbook cover, a Big Finish catalog, and a DVD labled "DS 45th Anniversary." I was hoping the DVD would feature some new cast interviews or other footage, but to my disappointment, it was merely a copy of the awards intros, In Memoriam slideshow, and clip show played during the dinner. :(
ProfStokes
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Midnite: Barbara Woronko Anzalone is trying to register for the board, but says registration is disabled. I sent her a Facebook friend suggestion for you so you can help her--hope that's OK.
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The Collinsport Players were wonderful! I thought everyone did a great job.
Barnabas disolving into a bat was very tastefully done.
The guy that played Barnabas has a wonderful singing voice.
Bobubas as Adam was hilarious. He always seems to bring joy to the Fests (and blenders).
Bravo!!!
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David, when I start feeling like myself again, I can get back to clearing the way for registrations to reopen, which seems to be the best solution.
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[ghost_sad]
I'm so sorry! I forgot you weren't feeling well!
I'll tell her to check back in a week or so.
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The 2nd skit was hilarious and I hope it gets uploaded! "DS Bloopers and Nightmares," takes place during the strike, and Guy Haines as Dan Curtis (as intense as his green golf getup) forces a stressed-out Sam Hall (Walter Down) to assume all the technical responsibilities of getting the show made. Bobubas was an excellent late replacement as Barnabas, and again Karlenfan made a very good Julia.
Also featured: JosettebyCandlelight, Evan Hanley, adamsgirl, ProfStokes, Uncle Roger and JVjr; and from the 1st skit: Tom Massey and Helen Samaras.
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Yes, the skits were fun. [ghost_cheesy]
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Midnite, I hope you start feeling better! I wish we were all closer so we could help like bringing chicken soup or something! Get better soon!
Gerard
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Hi MB thanks for sharing this review.
Love Anne [ghost_smiley]
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Thank you again, too, to Prof Stokes for the great Fest writeup!! And I do hope Midnite is feeling better. I myself had to skip out right before the Crucible viewing since I had to go up and call my children who were coming in to join me Sat nite and I had to leave right after the cast reunion Sunday to go back into town to meet them after they saw Book of Mormon, which my kids loved, so guess I did have a valid reason for missing the skits. I have tried to watch the first few minutes of Tim Burton's DS skit on here but got confused when they had a seance about Judah Zachary so will have to go back to it when I can give it a proper viewing of all three parts.
As I said before, I was rather overwhelmed by the Fest, too, and was confused why JF was not part of the cast reunion when he had the past two years, but if it was too much for him I would not want him to overdo it. I did enjoy seeing him and David Selby doing Mass Appeal together, but JF did seem a bit tired during their performance, so I do hope JF is okay overall, I am somewhat concerned....
Sounds like I did not miss much at the banquet, and wasn't that gift bag a ripoff, geesh...hope those who attended felt they got SOMETHING out of it, even after paying 80 dollars...
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Interesting posts regarding the future of the Fests. I'm very curious to see what sort of impact Depp Shadows will have. I tend to think that the focus will stay on the original series for the moment. The next Fest will likely occur in August, and by that point, the new movie will have probably finished its theatrical run, so the Fest wouldn't function as a timely promotional event. However, I'm sure that Warners, et. al., would want to have a presence at the Fest, and that the new film will be represented in the dealers' room and with just enough programming to maintain awareness and interest.
Also, I think that moving the focus away from the original series would be a terrible PR move because it could create a lot of ill will among the fans of the original series. I suspect that many fans would view it as a "hijacking" of the Fests, especially considering their relatively intimate feel and a kind of homespun quality (of the fans, for the fans, by the fans, if you will...) that the Fests have.
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The Collinsport Players' Skit 2 has been posted:
Part I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHNyiN91pzs
Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU4v8mmhL0c
Part III: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-TpX896_f8
ProfStokes
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Thanks for the info, Prof. Watched both Skits and enjoyed them very much.
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That skit was too much! [ghost_cheesy]
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i'm somewhat indifferent to the 1991 series but i would imagine that the reason that it thus far has not been able to generate it's own festival-level fanbase is that it only ran for twelve episodes versus the original series' five years.
most show's with that sort of critical-mass fandoms run for years.