Make that BOB Cobert, and he made us practice calling him that.  He made a 3 hour trek to get there from his home in Palm Desert and so far this event is still running on time!  Pierson said his score for Curtis’ The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde would debut next month (and not at this Fest as announced in Shadowgram).

“Don’t get to be 92,” Cobert said after slowly getting into his chair.  “It’s a pain in the ass.”

Question:  How did he make such fantastic music on a small budget?  He said he used midgets, then that he hoped there were no midgets there. [sigh]  Then, “I’m a genius.”  Finally, he said that while the show had a small budget, he didn’t.  He used anywhere from a small orchestra-- 5 or 6 musicians-- on up to 45 to 50 piece orchestras.  Then he joked that nah, he’d hire a kid for $9 and head to his penthouse on Park Ave.

How much time was he given to compose music for the show?  He wasn’t backstage five days a week; he’d compose libraries, and Sybil Weinberger, who WAS at the studio every day, had his entire library to decide from.  He never had to write something overnight for the show.  He heard ahead that a vampire was coming onto the show, and within a couple of weeks he had a couple of hours of vampire music for the show to use.  Sybil was the one that had DC sitting behind her in the booth; “she had to live through all that,” he said.

Quentin’s Theme?  Dan Curtis said he had a new spook coming.  Cobert was called in and asked to come up with music for Quentin’s Theme, as Curtis was already calling it-- something from the 1885/1890 period.  He knew Curtis’ need for instant gratification and said he had something and began to hum it for him (and also for us).  Curtis:  “It’s f**king fantastic.  I love it.”  But it did sound a little familiar to him, and Cobert told him it’s because he’d written it for Jekyll & Hyde.  “And the rest is history,” he said.

When did Cobert meet DC?  He was working for David Susskind, and Bob Costello was associated with the same show.  During Father’s Day at the Manhattan School where both men had kids, Costello asked if he had time for another show (in addition to the five he was already working on).  He was brought in and clicked with Curtis immediately.  Cobert thought the idea for Dark Shadows smelled like a hit and he liked the nuthead.  He told Curtis that the theme would have to come to him as he had to get the feel for the show.  While shaving, it did and he later whistled it for Curtis (though not for us because he can’t whistle anymore).  “I f**kin love it,” Curtis told him.  The following day, he brought in 6 musicians to play it for him.  All Curtis had done previously, he explained, was a golf show, so he told Curtis “would you go sit in the control room and shut the f**k up?”  After hearing it, Curtis told him, “You’re the greatest f**king composer in the whole f**king world.”  What do you really think?, Cobert said about that.

Did the DS theme really utilize a theremin?  “Does anybody give a shit?” Cobert responded.  [I'm asking myself the same question as I type this whole writeup.]  The answer is no, not for the theme.  It was a specially built Yamaha piano with a synth string on the end of it.  Dick Hyman was the pianist.  It was spooky on top, and the bass flute (3 octaves down) was what gave it the balls… the juice.   There was a bass player, a harpist, a vibraphone player.  The theme, at that point, had not been written down.

A fan mentioned seeing a clip of Cobert on the set during filming of the 1991 series.  The ’91 series, Cobert explained, is not a library; it was done like a real movie.  The music had to be spotted frame by frame, word by word by himself, the music editor, and DC.  For the ’91 series, he had only 2 or 3 days to compose, orchestrate, and get it recorded.  “I was killing myself.”

A fan said he often hums Cobert’s theme used on Password when he sees others changing seats.  Cobert acknowledged that he wrote that.

A stage musical of DS?  There was talk of one but nothing ever happened.  Money changed hands but it just fell apart.  Now it’ll never happen, he said, because DC was the only one who knew how to handle Dark Shadows.

His favorite work?  The Winds of War and War and Remembrance.

Why use London Bridge for Sara Collins instead of something new?  “I don’t have the vaguest idea.”  Actually, they called in Dan Curtis and London Bridge was what he wanted.

Was Dick Hyman involved with Star Trek as well?  “I have no idea.”  Using the piano for the theme was Cobert’s idea but Hyman contributed a lot.

The final question was from a pleasant fan named Jane, but before she could ask it, Cobert began a one-way conversation that went something like this:  “What’s your phone number?  Okay, after the show.  Let me tell you something… shut the hell up… I’m 92, don’t expect a whole lot.  Now what was your stupid question?”  Finally, “What was your question?”  The poor thing handled it quite well and got her question out about DS ringtones.  As if it had never happened, he answered that he’s been bringing the subject up to Pierson since ringtones first came out.  He said to call Jim and he’ll tell you.  David Selby could make a penny, he added.  (Jane was okay, and things were smoothed over later at Cobert’s autograph table.)

Saturday, October 29

Between noon and 1, while many fans were getting autographs and purchasing merchandise from the actors’ and MPI’s tables, DS Bloopers aired first in the adjoining event room.  Surprisingly, a number of fans mentioned that they hadn’t seen it before.  When asked by Jim Pierson how many in the room had traveled from out of state, about a third of the room raised a hand.

Next was the 2nd Fest showing of The Web from 1954, the earlier of Art Wallace’s teleplays that served as inspiration for his DS bible.  A mother and daughter-- Elizabeth/Liz and Louise Stover-- reside in a house that’s fallen into disrepair, with the latter newly engaged to her boyfriend Joe.  Unlike our Carolyn, Louise is reluctant to leave her mother, and Joe is such a nice guy that he agrees to live there temporarily after the wedding.  A creepy sailor named Walt Cummings presses for information about them at a local bar while, at a nearby table, a regular named Sam just can’t seem to avoid ticking off the bartender.

There’s a mention of Liz’s most precious possession, which apparently is a red snapper recipe, though clearly her daughter is her only reason for living.

Liz is shocked to see Walt at her door.  We learn that Walt left town, promising to never return, after she murdered her seaman husband John after he threatened to desert his family and take her jewelry with him.  Louise is shocked when Walt stays over since he’s the first stranger her mother has allowed to stay in the house during those years.  Louise invites Walt to her wedding, and after he emotionally manipulates her with a few kind words about knowing her as a child, she becomes convinced that Walt is her daddy.  Walt is amused, and this enrages Liz, who privately warns him with such a crazed look that even he wonders if she’ll kill him too.

But Louise has a right to know, she thinks, and believing that her daughter is going to be safe and happy with Joe has given Liz some strength, and when a worker (Will?) sent by Joe to fix up the place wants to begin in the cellar, Liz decides to show him exactly where to dig.  Walt is nervous, and Liz informs Louise that her father is dead-- she killed the cruel, selfish jerk almost 25 years before.  He wanted her jewelry to pay off his gambling debt and she pulled out the gun he kept in an attempt to stop him but it went off.  Walt had showed Liz the spot where he’d buried him, but the worker came upstairs to say he’d only found dirt there.  Walt came clean-- John was merely grazed in the head and came to in the cellar.  The men left together, with Liz thinking the jewels were a payment for Walt’s silence, and John died for real at sea 10 years ago.  Walt claims it was just an innocent deception.  Joe wants Walt jailed for extortion, but Liz feels her new-found freedom is payoff enough.  “I can leave the house now,” she says.  And she walks outside into sunlight.

We were promised a “lost clip” next, which turned out to be a highlight reel from the first year of the show.  I love that period, but why be misleading about it?  I’m guessing it was recently edited anyway since it highlighted performances by several of the day’s expected guests.  It began with Ep #1, then Carolyn visiting Burke’s room for the first time; Maggie called Vicki a jerk; Matthew found David and Vicki discussing Josette’s portrait in the Old House; Josette’s ghost walked off the canvas; Willie #1 bugged Maggie and then antagonized Joe in the Blue Whale; Willie #1 horribly menaces Carolyn.

A bearded John Karlen is introduced by emcee Richard Halpern and had to be assisted to his chair, where he corrected him with: “What’s left of John Karlen.”  He warned that he sometimes gets screwed up regarding the order of events, but that didn’t prevent fans from asking detailed questions of him, sigh.

Regarding Tyne Daly, he said he feels lucky to have worked with her, they always had a great relationship and remain in touch monthly.  When told that Cagney & Lacey airs on THIS, he asked “How does it hold up?”  A fan showed him a painting she did of him as Carl.  It’s pretty good, he says.  (We don’t see it as it’s on her phone.)  When asked how he felt when he learned he was going to be bitten by a vampire and his personality would undergo a transformation, he asked, “What was it before?”  But he was excited about the being-bitten-by-a-vampire part.  Jonathan Frid, he told another fan, was a true friend.  And then we hear about the bar near the studio, its steaks, and Frid’s love of vodka.

His first TV job was “The Verdict is Yours” at age 24 or 25.  He was allowed to do anything on it that he wanted to do [the show was unscripted], which made for some of his best moments ever in acting.  He was asked if this show was an anthology (what the hell?) but he had to ask what that meant, then was able to answer that he thinks he played the same character every week, a criminal.  He always tried to give all that he had in his roles, probably because he grew up Brooklyn where kids never held anything back.  He said he had no audition for DS as he “replaced a guy” who didn’t work out and had the job cold when he showed up for it.  He recalls watching the other actor in the role a couple of times before he took over.

Favorite character on DS?  “Wasn’t I Willie Loomis?” he replied.  Of course that was his favorite, he said.  [Let it go, people; but no.]  Fans called out the names of his other characters.  “Was Carl Collins an Englishman?”  Kinda, he was told.  <sigh>

Jonathan, he said, was fun, he had a little trouble with his lines, but he made it clear that’s not a shot against him.  Since there were no reshoots, when Frid would go up once in a while, Karlen would do a ventriloquist act behind him, giving him a line.  Again, not a shot; he loved JF very much.

What does he think of the Depp movie?  “I never saw it.  (a beat) Depp played who?”  Barnabas.  He declared, “That’s simply out of his range” to much applause.  He then told the story of Frid, packed up and ready to go to California, “his hand on the door knob” when the phone rang and he was asked to audition for the part of Barnabas.  “Five minutes later, he’d be in California playing Tarzan or something.”

When asked how long he had the script before an episode, he said he would learn it on the subway from Queens, but luckily, learning lines was easy for him.  Richard asked if the script often changed.  There were very few, he answered.  “Not enough to upset the apple cart.”

Asked about the appeal of stage, he said it’s “easily the best”.  He loved a live crowd.  In recalling his performance in Prometheus Bound (60 maidens, 18-piece orchestra below the stage…), he said it stands alone as the best thing he’d ever done.  He named Caligula and Marat/Sade.  As Willie, I gave it all I had, he said, but for an actor who can act, the stage is the name of the game.  For Prometheus Bound, the reviews were pretty good.

He thanked fans for their 50 years of loyalty.  “Mostly, everyone is dead.”

He told about the biggest moment he ever had-- while walking in the city, he came upon Muhammad Ali with his entourage.  Ali caught his eye and acknowledged him with a thumb’s up. “Another fan of Dark Shadows,” John said.  Ali lost 3 years of his career as a conscientious objector, and Karlen wondered what his own thinking about it was back then.

About working with Dennis Patrick, Karlen said he couldn’t hardly stop from laughing and had to bite the inside of his cheek when he heard his Irish brogue.  Dennis had a horrible ending, huddled on the top floor with his dog when his home burned and dying of smoke inhalation.

On Clarice Blackburn, he said she was a sweetheart of a lady.

Do you have a moment about Jonathan Frid that stands out?  “He was at his best with a vodka in his hand.”  He’d hold onto that glass, had 3 or 4 of them after the show.  He was a great guy.  He was happy that DS allowed him to rent that apartment for a few years with the view of the Manhattan (?) bridge.

It took 2 people to help him up and off the stage.  God bless him.

I forgot to mention that Janet Meehan was seated next to Lara with many paintings as well as her graphic novel on display.  Her work (seen via link) is much more stunning in person.

http://laraparkersite.blogspot.com/2016/10/talented-artist-illustrates-angeliques.html

**** LATEST DARK SHADOWS (DS) NEWS!
“HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD” THIS WEEKEND  - OCT. 29-30, 2016
 
---- NEW DS GUEST - JERRY LACY
---- SPECIAL EVENING ADMISSION: LARA PARKER’S NEW DS NOVEL PREVIEW
 
**** DECADES NETWORK DS EPISODES MARATHON - OCT. 29-30
 
**** ANNOUNCING: UPCOMING NEW RELEASE:
DARK SHADOWS: ORIGINAL SHORT STORIES AUDIO CD COLLECTION
 
**** DARK SHADOWS’ 50 YEARS MAGAZINE & NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
 
SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DARK SHADOWS NEWS ONLINE UPDATE # 390
October 27, 2016
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), provides the following news in this ShadowGram Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "Bulletin."
 
**** NEWS: DARK SHADOWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY ENCORE
“HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD” –
THIS WEEKEND, OCT. 29-30
 
Saturday, October 29, 2016
12:00 noon – 12:00 midnight
 
Woman's Club of Hollywood
1749 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
 
---- ShadowGram premiere-announcement:
Our newest guest is JERRY LACY (Rev. Trask). He joins our previously-announced guests for fan/guest autograph and photo opportunities, onstage talks, special programming, and more.
 
--- Free Admission for fans arriving at / after 6:00 to join us in celebrating the premiere of LARA PARKER ‘s (Angelique) NEW DS NOVEL, “Heirtess of Collinwood.” These fans can stay for the rest of the evening’s programming activities.
 
---- Reminder: Admission at the Door 12:00noon-6:00pm is $20 per adult, $10 for children 12 and under. This entitles you to spend 12 full hours of programming and sharing DS with our guests, the event staff, and fans of all ages.
 
 
**** DECADES CHANNEL PRESENTS DS EPISODE MARATHON FOR HALLOWEEN – OCT. 29-30
 
Decades Channel presents another DARK SHADOWS “binge-watch marathon” in honor of the Halloween weekend:
Sat., Oct. 29 from 12 noon to Mon, Oct. 31 at 6:00am 
 
Unlike Decades’ previous DS episode blocks, this sequence is not expected to start with the release of Barnabas from his coffin. Rather, they expect to start after he’s already been introduced and established, then end the binge with Dr. Woodard’s death.
 
The Decades digital sub-channel is available through numerous cities nationwide. Launched officially 5-25-2015, its unique programming schedules a block of back-to-back episodes over a period of hours/days. On weekdays, mixed in are special documentary segments that explore a specific day, newsworthy event, social element, theme, or other overall topic from the time period of the aired show, using material derived from the CBS News and Entertainment Tonight archives. Weekends are given to marathons of individual series.
NOTE: Decades does not run any series on a daily, weekly or regular basis, but rather over a stretch of hours/days. Every day is a unique programming mix and weekends always are marathons of popular vintage shows  Its tagline (motto) is “Relive. Remember. Relate.”
 
 
**** CD SET COLLECTION OF NEW ORIGINAL DS SHORT STORIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER FROM BIG FINISH PRODUCTIONS
 
Big Finish proudly presents its newest original DS audio release “HAUNTING MEMORIES” is due out in December. The company has released a wide range of 50+ new DS stories on audio, most featuring the DS actors re-creating their TV show roles and/or portraying new characters. Each story is “subtle use of music and sound design,” and is presented as if you were listening to a storyteller.
 
This new 2-CD release features “The Ghost Ship,” the first audio-drama story written and performed by LARA PARKER. In it “Angelique,” meets the Three Widows who haunt Widows’ Hill. JERRY LACY performs “Communion” by Adam Usden, brings “an utterly deluded religious hypocrite” Trask ancestor who… is most accomplished at deceiving himself.” The first story in the collection is “Hell Wind,” written by ShadowGram’s owbn Marcy Robin. It explores a chance meeting between 2 very different young girls on the Caribbean island of Martinique during a fact-based horrific hurricane – a meeting in the midst of terror, destruction, death, magic, and an unknown future. The story is performed by KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT. The 4th story, “A Face from the Past”, by Kay Stonham and presented by MARIE WALLACE, finds Elizabeth Collins Stoddard “encountering the long-lost love of her life.”
 
https://www.bigfinish.com/news/v/dark-shadows-haunting-memories
 
An audio trailer, details, and pre-order information also can be found at the above link.
 
BIG FINISH PRODUCTIONS PRICES, AVAILABLE VIA THE ABOVE LINK
Pre-order CD   US $19.99
Pre-order Digital   US $12.99
 
 
**** SALUTING DS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY & THE FAN/GUEST CELEBRATIONS:
NEW & UPCOMING MAGAZINE & NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
 
In recent and upcoming days, major and local publications and broadcast / online sources promote the “Halloween in Hollywood” event. They also explore and salute DS’ history, legacy, and ongoing popularity that crosses 5 decades of fan generations worldwide. These include:
 
---- USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/2016/10/24/50-years-dark-shadows-still-looms-large/92694770/
 
---- Vanity Fair – Article to be released very soon
 
---- Los Angeles Weekly – http://www.laweekly.com/event/the-dark-shadows-festival-7515054
 
---- Lara Parker - https://entertainment2morrow.com/2016/10/24/dark-shadows-reunion-lara-parkers-maniacal-magic-gets-into-your-mind-exclusive/ -
 
---- NBC-TV Los Angeles – http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Dark-Shadows-50th-Anniversary-Fest-397654531.html
 
http://www.tvconfidential.net/profiles/blogs/dark-shadows-and-the-magic-castle-next-on-tvc?xg_source=activity
 
http://www.horrorsociety.com/2016/10/17/dark-shadows-50th-anniversary-halloween-hollywood/
 
http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/dark-shadows-castmembers-reuniting-halloween-50th-anniversary/
 
http://scifi4me.com/2016/10/13/dark-shadows-50th-anniversary-halloween-hollywood-unites-original-cast-members/
 
http://losangeles.eventful.com/events/dark-shadows-50th-anniversary-/E0-001-097111805-5?utm_source=apis&utm_medium=apim&utm_campaign=apic

**** DARK SHADOWS “HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD”  EVENT – OCTOBER 29-30, 2016
 
---- ADDITIONAL DS ACTOR GUEST
---- NEW: PAY-AT-THE-DOOR OPTION
---- FANS ENCOURAGED TO COME IN DS / HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
---- PUBLIC PARKING INFORMATION
---- REVISED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
 
SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DARK SHADOWS NEWS ONLINE UPDATE # 389
October 23, 2016
 
****** ANNOUNCING NEW GUEST: CHRIS PENNOCK
 
We are pleased to report that CHRIS PENNOCK (Jeb Hawkes) joins our previously-announced guests:
MITCHELL RYAN, NANCY BARRETT, JOHN KARLEN, LARA PARKER, JAMES STORM, KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT, ROGER DAVIS, LISA RICHARDS, JAMES HALL, SY TOMASHOFF and ROBERT COBERT.
 
**** AT THE DOOR ADMISSION PRICE:
$20 – Adults / $10 – Children 12 and under
PAYABLE AT THE DOOR.
 
ADVANCE PAYMENT BY PAYPAL still can be made via PayPal.com
Please use the PayPal recipient address:   ShadowGram@aol.com
 
ALL PAYPAL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 6:00pm MON., OCT. 24. THOSE ATTENDEE BADGES WILL BE MAILED TUES., OCT. 25.
 
For PayPal: Please clearly include full name(s) of each attendee AND the complete postal-mail address to send membership badge(s) (which is your receipt).
 
 
**** ALL FANS ARE INVITED TO WEAR COSTUMES IN THE SPIRIT OF DARK SHADOWS & HALLOWEEN
 
Attendees of all ages are welcome and encouraged to come dressed in their own DS / Halloween costumes for the entire day. We celebrate with the Fans’ For-Fun Costume & Presentation Gala at 8:00 Saturday evening. Those in costume may come onstage if they wish to display their creations for all participants and audience members to enjoy.
 
**** WOMAN’S CLUB / LOCAL AREA DETAILS & PARKING OPTIONS
 
Founded in 1905, the historic Woman's Club of Hollywood has involved countless icons of the entertainment world for 110 years. Set in the heart of Hollywood at 1749 N. La Brea Ave., it is 3 blocks west of the renowned Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood & Highland tourist attractions. Within easy walking distance are the iconic sidewalk routes of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and much more.
 
Because this central Hollywood area is an internationally-popular tourist destination, attending fans are encouraged to car pool, Uber, or take taxis or public transportation  (Metro bus or trains) when possible. Numerous parking facilities are in the adjacent vicinity as well.
 
The Woman’s Club parking lot is reached via a front driveway off La Brea, between Hollywood Blvd. and Franklin Ave. DS event parking there is $3 per car for the entire day and evening.
 
Attendees are advised to use the public parking garage at 7080 Hawthorn, 1½ blocks south of the Woman's Club. Entrance is off the east alley on La Brea Ave. This public parking garage is easily spotted from the street by its large blue circle sign with a white "P" in the middle. Parking is a flat $10 rate for the entire day and evening. The garage closes at 5:00am, Oct. 30. Cash and credit / debit cards are accepted for parking there.
 
Limited overflow parking is available on nearby streets. Fans also may park at the nearby Hollywood & Highland shopping complex parking garage (The H&H complex is the site of the Academy Awards Ceremony and many other entertainment events, gatherings, etc.). The entrance is off Highland, ½ block north of Hollywood Blvd., next to the Loew's Hotel. Parking there is $2 for 2 hours with validation from a participating shop, or $15 maximum for the full day/evening past midnight.
 
**** REVISED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
All times are approximate and subject to change.
Guest autographs and Dark Shadows merchandise will be available throughout the day.
 
12:00 - Opening/Welcome/Autographs/DS merchandise available
1:00 -  Lost Dark Shadows Video Surprise #1
2:00 -  Guest: John Karlen
2:30 -  Tribute to Jonathan Frid
Guests: John Karlen, Lara Parker, Mary O'Leary
3:15 -  Guest: Robert Cobert - The Music of DS
3:30 -  Guest: Sy Tomashoff - The Sets of DS
3:45 -  Dark Shadows Charity Auction – Offering many rare, unique collectibles
4:30 – Dark Shadows: The First Year
Guests: Nancy Barrett, James Hall, Mitchell Ryan, Kathryn Leigh Scott
5:00 -  Guests: Lisa Richards, Roger Davis, Christopher Pennock
5:30 -  Autographs/Meal Break (food and beverages available for purchase on site)
6:00 -  Guest: Lara Parker – Debuting her 4th DS novel: “Heiress of Collinwood”
6:30 -  Guest: Kathryn Leigh Scott presents "Dark Secrets"
7:00 -  Guest: James Storm Sings From The Shadows
7:30 -  Screening:  New Dark Shadows 50th Documentary Preview & More
8:00 -  Dark Shadows / Halloween Fans’ Onstage Costume & Presentations Party: Refreshments  & Free DS Gift Bag To All Attendees
9:00 -  Lost Dark Shadows Surprises & Video Debut
11:00 -  Ghost Stories / The Dark Shadows Afterglow
 
Showing exclusively on the big screen in the Woman’s Club auditorium:
--- A first-look preview of the new feature-length “Dark Shadows” documentary film
--- Extremely rare and unique DS-related films and video surprises - and more
 
**** EXTEND YOUR DS SHARING ON SUN., OCT. 30:
VISIT NEARBY GREYSTONE ESTATE (1991 & 2004 DS TV FILMING SITES)
 
All fans are encouraged to carpool, use rental cars, Uber, or taxis to visit the nearby extensive Greystone Estate, 905 Loma Vista Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
 
This hilltop estate offers distinctive and expansive views of the Los Angeles area spread out below. Greystone Mansion itself is closed to the public, but its extensive grounds are a free public park. Ample free parking is adjacent at the top of the hill above the estate.
 
The grounds and interiors were used extensively as Collinwood and the Old House for the 1991 NBC-TV primetime DS TV series and for the WB’s 2004 DS series unsold TV pilot. The estate is a familiar filming location for TV shows, movies, commercials, music videos, print photography, and more.

It was on the screen so briefly, MB, but if anyone could have spotted it, it's you!  Here's a screen shot with the ol' girl:



Watch: Carla Hall Visits Rhode Island

DARK SHADOWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY ENCORE – OCT. 29-30
 
**** PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT:
**** NEWLY-CONFIRMED DS GUEST: MITCHELL RYAN
**** TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
**** A FIRST-LOOK PREVIEW OF THE NEW FEATURE-LENGTH “DARK SHADOWS” DOCUMENTARY FILM

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DARK SHADOWS NEWS ONLINE UPDATE # 388
October 13, 2016
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), provides the following news in this ShadowGram Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "Bulletin."
 
---- SHADOWGRAM PREMIERE-ANNOUNCES: “HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD” - DARK SHADOWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY ENCORE CELEBRATION – OCTOBER 29-30, 2016
 
**** NEWLY-CONFIRMED DS GUEST: MITCHELL RYAN
**** TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
 
As premiere-announced and reported in recent SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DS NEWS ONLINE UPDATES, the DS Festival / Official DS Fan Club presents the DS 50th Anniversary Encore event on Saturday, October 29, from 12:00 noon-12:00 midnight.
 
The festivities will be held at the historic Woman's Club of Hollywood, 1749 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046.
 
**** Announcing:  MITCHELL RYAN (Burke Devlin #1) will join the previously-announced list of original DS actors and production personnel attending the Oct. 29 event.  In addition to his year on DS as an original 1966-67 cast member, Mitchell has appeared in dozens of movies and television programs since the 1950s. He also recently reprised the role of Burke in the Big Finish Productions’ new DS audio drama recording "And Red All Over" with Kathryn Leigh Scott as Maggie.
 
**** Announcing: Here we debut the tentative schedule of events for October 29.
 
DARK SHADOWS 50th ANNIVERSARY ENCORE –
HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD
 
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMMING EVENTS
All times are approximate. Guest autographs available throughout the day.
 
12:00 -  Opening/Welcome/Autographs
1:00 -  Lost Dark Shadows Video Surprise #1
2:00 -  Guest: John Karlen
2:30 -  Tribute to Jonathan Frid
Guests: John Karlen, Lara Parker, Mary O'Leary
3:15 -  Guest: Robert Cobert - The Music of DS
3:30 -  Guest: Sy Tomashoff - The Sets of DS
3:45 -  Dark Shadows Charity Auction
4:30 – Dark Shadows: The First Year
Guests: Nancy Barrett,  James Hall, Mitchell Ryan, Kathryn Leigh Scott
5:00 -  Guests: Lisa Richards & Roger Davis
5:30 -  Autographs/Meal break (food available on site)
6:00 -  Guest: Lara Parker - Book Debut: Her 4th DS novel: “The Heiress of Collinwood”
6:30 -  Guest: Kathryn Leigh Scott
7:00 -  Guest: James Storm Sings
7:30 -  Screening:  New Dark Shadows 50th Documentary Preview
8:00 -  Dark Shadows / Halloween Fans’ Onstage Costume & Presentations, Party- Refreshments  & Free DS Gift Bag To All Attendees
9:00 -  Lost Dark Shadows Surprises & Video Debut
11:00 -  Ghost Stories / The Dark Shadows Afterglow
 
Showing exclusively on the big screen in the Woman’s Club auditorium:
--- A first-look preview of the new feature-length “Dark Shadows” documentary film
--- Extremely rare and unique DS-related films and video surprises - and more.
 
We celebrate the publication of LARA PARKER‘s new novel "Dark Shadows - Heiress of Collinwood." The book debuts here, before its November publication. Available 50th Anniversary commemoratives items for sale include apparel, a retro-style color-illustrated metal lunchbox, and a DVD collection from MPI.
 
Confirmed Attending Guests,
n addition to newly-announced MITCHELL RYAN (Burke Devlin):
LARA PARKER (beautiful witch Angelique), JOHN KARLEN (vampire caretaker Willie Loomis), NANCY BARRETT (headstrong heiress Carolyn Stoddard), JAMES STORM (menacing ghost Gerard), KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT (waitress/governess Maggie Evans), ROGER DAVIS (painter Charles Delaware Tate), LISA RICHARDS (werewolf girlfriend Sabrina Stuart), and JAMES HALL (Willie Loomis #1).
 
Also joining us: Scenic Designer SY TOMASHOFF. He was responsible for DS’ memorably distinctive sets, props, etc. as the show crossed from the 1600s-1971, plus Parallel Time periods and a “flash-forward” sequence set in 1995. Sy was nominated numerous times and has won Emmy Awards for his work on other daytime series, notably THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL.
 
Also joining us: Emmy and Grammy-nominated composer ROBERT COBERT wrote and arranged the DS music. He will be present to autograph special limited edition copies of the "Original Music from Dark Shadows" soundtrack album. First issued in 1969, it was a Top 20 album that year and remains in the Top 10 of best-selling TV scores of all time. That 1969 release on regular black vinyl included a distinctive color front cover and a B&W back cover, plus a B&W photo insert poster of Jonathan Frid as Barnabas and David Selby as Quentin.
 
This past April, a special limited edition purple vinyl album was released for National Record Store Day. It replicates the covers and includes the 2 poster inserts. Although this limited edition record sold out nationally, a quantity of less than 200 was held in reserve for this Oct. 29 event. Attendees may purchase the album at the reduced price of $20.00 and have it autographed personally by DS composer Bob Cobert.
 
MORE HIGHLIGHTS:
At the Woman’s Club of Hollywood on Saturday, YOU can meet our guests; have complimentary guest autograph and photo opportunities; be part of an audience Q&A session during an onstage cast reunion; enjoy dramatic and musical performances by the stars; watch rare video screenings; find a variety of DS and related memorabilia for sale; and more.
 
Our for-fun DS Halloween Costume Party invites fans of all ages to come onstage and share their own DS/Halloween creativity in their costumes and presentations, all for the participants and audience to enjoy. For info: Please email Marcy Robin at ShadowGram@aol.com
 
In the charity auction Saturday afternoon, YOU can bid on many unusual exclusive items, benefiting the Woman’s Club. Included: Nancy Barrett’s actual vampire fangs from the 1970 film HOUSE OF DS and one of Kathryn Leigh Scott’s original DS costumes. Also, 10 winning-bid fans will join Kathryn in her Beverly Hills home for Sunday Brunch and a visit to nearby Greystone Estate, filming location for the 1991 DS primetime TV series and the 2004 WB DS TV pilot.
 
Sandwiches, snacks, and beverages will be available for purchase on site and a great variety of restaurants are close by.

**** CELEBRATE DARK SHADOWS' 50th ANNIVERSARY WITH
---- ROBERT COBERT'S 92nd BIRTHDAY & A NEW MUSIC CD RELEASE
---- ROBERT "BOB" COBERT will be on-hand to autograph the exclusive new purple vinyl limited edition reissue of The Original Music From Dark Shadows album.
---- SY TOMASHOFF’S 94TH BIRTHDAY
---- THE PUBLICATION OF LARA PARKER'S NEW DS NOVEL
 
**** JOE GORDON-LEVITT STARS IN NEW BIOGRAPHICAL FILM “SNOWDEN”
 
SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DARK SHADOWS NEWS ONLINE UPDATE # 386
September 20, 2016
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), provides the following news in this ShadowGram Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "Bulletin."
 
As premiere-announced and reported in recent SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DS NEWS ONLINE UPDATES, the DS Festival is presenting another very special celebration:
 
The DS 50th Anniversary Encore  – “Halloween in Hollywood” – is Sat., Oct. 29, from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight. All festivities will be at the historic Hollywood Women’s Club, located at 1749 La Brea Ave., Hollywood, California 90046 - in the heart of the world-renowned entertainment center of Hollywood.
 
Within walking distance are many famous, iconic entertainment, historic, scenic, and tourist attractions. Sandwiches, beverages, and snacks will be for sale on site and there are numerous restaurants nearby.
 
((More information is in ShadowGram Online Updates #384 and #385, available at the free ShadowGram Group List at Yahoo.com))
 
**** We proudly will highlight 3 very special occasions, especially these:
 
--- DS Music Composer/Arranger ROBERT “BOB” COBERT’s 92nd Birthday.
--- DS Scenic Designer SY TOMASHOFF’s 94th Birthday (belated but still a reason to celebrate!).
--- Publication of LARA PARKER’s  (Angelique) 4th DS novel in advance of its early November release). The book can be purchased and personally autographed by Lara.
 
ROBERT "BOB" COBERT' will be on-hand to autograph the exclusive new purple vinyl reissue of The Original Music From Dark Shadows album, first released in 1969 and a Top 20 Billboard chart success at the time. This unique vinyl album is a limited edition only available last April via retail for Record Store Day. The album is pressed on high-quality, heavy virgin vinyl and includes all the original artwork plus the Barnabas and Quentin poster insert.
 
By special arrangement, the last 100 copies will be signed by Bob and available for purchase for the reduced price of only $20.00 each
 
Additionally, SHADOWGRAM is pleased to announce that Cobert's classic score to the
1968 Dan Curtis TV production of "The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" will
be making its CD debut. Some of the music was later used in 1970’s major motion picture "House of Dark Shadows," and also was re-recorded for the original daytime DS
TV series. The music is noted among Cobert's most dramatic and distinctive work.
 
Another major highlight is the premiere of LARA PARKER's latest novel, “Dark Shadows - Heiress Of Collinwood” prior to its November publication. Advance copies of the book will be available for purchase. Lara will personally sign them and present a dramatic reading on stage.
 
We also will salute DS Scenic Designer SY TOMASHOFF with a belated 94th birthday toast! SY is a multiple Daytime Emmy Award winner/nominee for his outstanding work on BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL and other TV projects.
 
There will be an audience Question & Answer session with LARA and our other confirmed DS guests: JOHN KARLEN, KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT, JAMES STORM, NANCY BARRETT, LISA RICHARDS, ROGER DAVIS, JAMES HALL. Others to be premiere-announced by ShadowGram.
 
Additional activities on Oct. 29 will be autographs and photo opportunities with the stars, guest performances and presentations, a DS memorabilia sale, a charity auction with rare, unique, and original DS collectibles, and more. Fans of all ages are encouraged to participate in the just-for-fun DS/Halloween Costume Party on Sat. evening, sharing their DS creativity and enthusiasm. Please contact Marcy Robin at ShadowGram@aol.com for more information.
 
**** ADMISSION INFORMATION – HOW TO JOIN US!
 
Admission for this 12-hour event on Sat., Oct. 29  is  ONLY $20.00  per person.
 
**** All attendees will receive a special DS gift bag with over $50 worth of complementary DS merchandise!
 
---- Advance ticket purchase required by postal-mail check/money order OR via PayPal.
 
Payments must be received at the addresses below by Saturday, October 22.
Sorry, credit card payments can not be accepted.
 
NOTE: For payments by postal-mail, please include the full name(s) of each person for whom you are paying. Also please include a contact email address.
 
Please enclose a SAFSE (Self-Addressed Forever-Stamp Envelope) with your correct postal-mail address on it.
 
Your membership badge will be sent in your SAFSE by postal-mail. It is your receipt for admission. Please wear this badge when you are attending programming activities at the Women’s Club.
 
**** VERY IMPORTANT:
PLEASE ONLY USE the following postal-address and PayPal contact.
 
--- Postal-Mail Payments: 
Check / money order payable ONLY to DARK SHADOWS
Send ALL postal-mail payments to:
 
Dark Shadows
ShadowGram / Marcy Robin
P.O. Box 1766
Temple City, CA 91780-7766
 
--- PayPal payments: Only use the recipient email address:  ShadowGram@aol.com
 
You must include each attendee’s full name and a complete current postal-mail address or your membership badge(s) (which is your receipt) can not be mailed to you.
 
--- PLEASE ONLY USE THE ABOVE SHADOWGRAM ADDRESSES FOR PAYMENTS. THANK YOU.
 
---- PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PAY OR ORDER MEMBERSHIP BADGES FROM THE DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL WEBSITE OR POSTAL-MAIL ADDRESS IN MAPLEWOOD, NJ.

 
SOON: MORE “HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD’ NEWS VIA SHADOWGRAM!
More confirmed DS guests, planned programming, and other information will be premiere-announced in upcoming ShadowGram Official DS News Online Updates via the free ShadowGram Group List at Yahoo.com.
 
 
***** JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT STARS IN NEW DRAMA FILM “Snowden”
 
Joe (1991 DS David, Daniel) stars in the biographical drama SNOWDEN, based on the life, decisions, and actions of former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden. LA Times 9-16: The movie and its portrayal of Snowden explore “the moral and dramatic” existence and impact of government surveillance. Moving between scenes of Snowden’s “past and present, (it) builds a detailed dossier that also serves as a primer on government spycraft, an emotionally turbulent love story,” and a “moral” view of Snowden’s “decision.” Joe’s “performance is a tour de force.” The movie is from Oliver Stone (whose first film in 1973 featured DS’ JONATHAN FRID).