Barnabas' Column #2:  Jerry Lacy: Possessed by Bogie

Barnabas' Column #3:  God VS Satan

Well done, David!

**** LARA PARKER IN BOOKSTORE EVENTS FOR HER NEW DS NOVEL

Wed., Sept. 4 – 7:00 pm - Barnes & Noble, 2416 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL

Photos on Central Florida DS Fan Club Fb page:

https://www.facebook.com/CentralFlaDarkShadows

Love the group photo with Lara.  You all look fantastic!

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 293

August 23, 2013

Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS) announces the following breaking news in this Official Online News Update "bulletin."

**** UPDATING: JOHN KARLEN IN MEDICAL REHABILITATION
**** LARA PARKER – NEW DS NOVEL BOOK TOUR UNDERWAY

***** UPDATE: JOHN KARLEN IN REHAB CENTER
SG Update # 292 reported that JOHN (Willie, Carl, William H. Loomis, Desmond, Kendrick, NODS’ Alex) has been convalescing in a Los Angeles rehabilitation facility for the past several weeks, dealing with various health issues.

The Update noted some of his DS colleagues have had visits with him: David Selby (Quentin), Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie), and Jim Storm (Gerard). Robert Rodan (Adam) also recently visited him.

Today (Aug. 23), Jim Pierson (DS Festival director/Dan Curtis Productions rep) and myself (Marcy Robin, SG Editor/Publisher) spent time with him in his room at the center.

We had a lively conversation ranging over a variety of subjects. John discussed musical/acting performers he’s admired over the years. “No one can top” Bobby Darin for his multi-faceted singing talents, or Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers for their incomparable dancing skills, or Sammy Davis Jr. (an old friend of John’s) for his delightful abilities in singing, acting, comedy, and more.

He greeted us warmly and firmly shook hands with both of us when we were leaving. He’s thinner than he’s been in decades, but looks good and was very animated in conversation. He says his son Adam "is beautiful" (tapping his heart as he said it) for supporting him during this time. He continues to deal with mobility issues and diabetes-related complications, but remains upbeat and appreciative of all the get-well wishes he’s received from DS fans via cards and letters.

John hopes to be leaving the rehabilitation center in a few days to a new home where he will be looked after by a nurse while he pursues his desire to regain his health.

He also said he’s looking forward to attending the 2014 DS Festival next summer in Tarrytown, NY. (SG will announce confirmed details soon.) This would be his first DS event in nearly 4 years.

While reminiscing with us today, John recalled being part of the very first DS convention in 1977 when he appeared as our only DS guest during the ShadowCon part of StarCon in San Diego (see SG Update # 292). Over the decades, he’s has been a major part of DS Fest reunions in California, New York, and New Jersey. In recent years, he’s reprised his original characters of “Willie” and “Carl” in various new DS episodes done as audio dramas for Big Finish Productions, available on CD and via digital downloads online.

During his rehabilitation, John enjoys watching sports and old movies on television, in addition to partaking of take-out food he orders in place of what he says is the “inedible cuisine“ served at the center.

If you have not yet sent John a get-well message and would like to do so, please send it by postal-mail only (He has no computer or internet).

John Karlen
Studio City Rehabilitation Center, Room 10
11429 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604

SG thanks you for sharing your good wishes and healing thoughts with him!

**** LARA PARKER IN BOOKSTORE EVENTS FOR HER NEW DS NOVEL
SG Update # 291 detailed Lara’s appearances from now until mid-September as she travels the country to promote her 3rd DS novel, “Dark Shadows: Wolf Moon Rising.”

She launched the 3-week tour on the Aug. 20 official publication date with an autograph session, reading, and audience Q&A at the Barnes & Noble store at the trendy The Grove in Los Angeles. Among the attendees were her DS colleagues Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) and Roger Davis (Jeff). Her husband, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandson Wesley also were there.

The enthusiastic crowd of 50+ welcomed her and enjoyed her reading. Interesting questions were posed about the human fascination with the Vampire: “We want to be immortal, to live forever, yet we are repulsed by death itself.” There is “a fascination with the idea that someone might rise from the dead,” in a way defeating it while also causing others to suffer and die.

Lara was at Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego the next night, Aug. 22, where approximately 20 people joined her for a reading, autographs, and photos.

Tonight (Aug. 23), she was at Borderlands Books in San Francisco.

SG here repeats the rest of her book tour appearances. I hope many of you can attend. Please share your photos, reports, any media coverage and publicity with SG. Send all materials to SG’s e- or postal- mail addresses, found in this Update.

Sun., Aug. 25 – 4:00 pm – Barnes & Noble - 7227 SW Bridgeport Road, Tigard, OR (Portland - Bridgeport area). (503) 431-7575.

Fri.-Sun., Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 – DragonCon convention (with Kathryn Leigh Scott) – Atlanta, GA 30303. www.dragoncon.org

Wed., Sept. 4 – 7:00 pm - Barnes & Noble, 2416 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 894-6024.

Thurs, Sept. 5 – 6:00 pm – Booksellers at Laurelwood, 387 Perkins Extended, Memphis, TN 3811. (901) 683-9801.

Mon., Sept. 9 – 7:00 pm – Barnes & Noble - 150 E. 86 St. NYC, NY 10028. (212) 369-2180.

Sat., Sept. 14 – 2:00 pm – Dark Delicacies - 3512 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA. (818) 556-6660 / 1-888-DARKDEL

FOR THE RECORD: SG apologizes for any confusion: In Update # 291, I inadvertently wrote Monday, Sept.14. It actually is a Saturday, as noted above.

Marcy Robin

Thank you, everyone!

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 292

August 8, 2013

Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS) announces the following breaking news in this Official Online News Update "bulletin."

**** JOHN KARLEN IN MEDICAL REHABILITATION – GET-WELL CARDS & LETTERS ARE ENCOURAGED
**** DARK SHADOWS HALLOWEEN CRUISE WITH THE STARS UPDATE
**** CHRIS PENNOCK: 2 FILM ROLES & A REAL-LIFE SITUATION
**** MARSHA MASON STARS IN CLASSIC PLAY
**** KAREN BLACK SUCCUMBS TO CANCER

***** JOHN KARLEN RECOVERING IN REHAB CENTER
John (Willie, Carl, William H. Loomis, Desmond, Kendrick, NODS' Alex) has been convalescing in a Los Angeles rehabilitation facility for the past several weeks, dealing with various health and mobility issues related to diabetes.

A number of DS cast members have paid visits to John.
Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) reports he was upbeat and looks good. Jim Storm (Gerard) had a nice long visit and felt his humor and will are intact. Lara Parker (Angelique) told me, "He's 80 years old and appreciated" that she came. "He was glad to see me and was very sweet. He was in good spirits."
David Selby (Quentin) and Jim Pierson (DS Festival director/Dan Curtis Productions rep) spent time with John late last week and said that his attitude was good and positive. John told them he's "missed seeing the fans the past couple of years" at the DS Festival events. John's been a regular Festival guest, most recently in Burbank, CA, in 2010. He says he hopes "to be well enough to attend" the Festival next summer at Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, NY (where he and other DS TV cast members filmed the 1971 movie, "Night of Dark Shadows"). (SG will announce event details as we finalize plans.)

He's thinner and walks cautiously, but indications are he is improved, and it is hoped he'll soon be released from the rehabilitation center.

John is a beloved and longtime participant at DS events; in fact, he was the first DS person to attend a fan convention. He was our only guest at the first ShadowCon, held as a part of the larger StarCon convention in San Diego in 1977. ShadowCon was created and organized by Jean (Peacock) Graham, Kathy Resch, and Marcy Robin.

John says he greatly appreciates hearing from fans while he's in rehab.

You are invited and encouraged to send John get-well cards and letters. He has no computer or internet access, so postal-mail messages are most welcome.
You can write to John at:

John Karlen
Studio City Rehabilitation Center, Room 10
11429 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604

SG thanks you for sharing your good wishes and healing thoughts with him!

**** DS HALLOWEEN CRUISE WITH THE STARS – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
From Oct. 27-Nov. 3, Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, and Marie Wallace will sail with DS fans for the first-ever DARK SHADOWS cruise. The voyage leaves from the New York City area and travels to Bermuda for a lovely island visit. Along the way, Lara, Kathryn, and Marie will host DS-related activities on the ship, including discussions, dramatic readings, Q&A sessions, autographs, video and film screenings, cocktails, book and photo sales and signings, plus a tribute to Jonathan Frid and a Halloween party - in addition to including meals and other fun activities on board. Halloween itself will be spent at Kings Wharf, Bermuda.
There still is time for fans to attend this historical DS event, but reservations must be confirmed: BY AUGUST 11.
To make a reservation and for full details, call now: 1-800-828-4813.
Or go to: http://www.hartfordholidays.com/DarkShadowsHalloweenCruise/Home.html

**** CHRIS PENNOCK: BUSY FILMING – AND EVACUATING
Chris (Jeb Hawkes) filmed "Dr. Mabuse 2 - Etiopomar" in June and July, joining 3 DS colleagues in the independent psychological thriller. Jerry Lacy (Trask), Lara Parker, and Kathryn Leigh Scott reprised their roles from DM1. Jerry again plays the sinister title character. Writer/director Ansel Faraj plans a Summer 2014 release. Chris says DM2 has "a new ending climax that will blow your mind!"
The first "Doctor Mabuse" film world-premiered at the DS Festival's "DS Island Weekend" in Coronado, CA, in April. Plans call for its DVD release this fall.
http://www.doctormabuse-themovie.com/doctor-mabuse-2013.html
Chris then shot the independent film "The Forest Fire" in Los Angeles. Publicity: It is "an ensemble piece of individual tragedies intertwined into a personal and beautiful apocalypse." http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-forest-fire
Chris lives in Idyllwild, in the mountains of the San Bernadino National Forest, southeast of Los Angeles, about 50 miles from Palm Springs. In mid-July, a real fire threatened: A serious, lightning-strike wildfire ravaged the vicinity, ripping through dry, rugged terrain. For over a week it spread rapidly, destroying some structures and forcing evacuations. Chris, his wife Lynn, their dog Boris, and some of their cats were evacuated for 5 days but thankfully returned home safely on July 21. The ashy, burned landscape not far from their home will heal in Nature's way.

**** MARSHA MASON STARS IN COMEDY PLAY IN PENNSYLVANIA
Marsha (Vampire Audrey) stars in the comedy "The Allergist's Wife," being staged at the Bucks County Playhouse, 8-15/9-1. Publicity: "A middle-aged Upper West Side ((Manhattan)) doctor's wife (has) plunged into a midlife crisis on an epic scale, (but then her) life suddenly gets a lift when a former childhood friend reappears" in "a show filled with passion and humor."
The Bucks County Playhouse is located at 70 S. Main St., New Hope, PA . Phone: 215-862-2121. The box office is open 7 days a week 12pm-5pm.

**** KAREN BLACK – ACTRESS IN DAN CURTIS PRODUCTIONS – PASSES AWAY
Though Karen was never on DS, she has close ties to Dan Curtis (DS Creator/Director/Producer): his 1975 classic, iconic TV anthology "Trilogy of Terror" and his 1976 theatrical movie "Burnt Offerings." She spoke about working with him at the DS 40th Anniversary Halloween Party at the Vista Theater in Los Angeles (Los Feliz) 10-26-06, where she and other attending DS personnel (plus Barbara Steele) placed their handprints in cement in the theater forecourt.
She died today, Aug, 8, after battling spreading cancer in her spine. She was hospitalized in June and underwent traditional medical treatments. She then was moved to a nursing facility and alternate, holistic methods were used, improving her attitude and sensitivities and extending her life several weeks.

Marcy Robin