ShadowGram Update #170

ShadowGram Online Dark Shadows News Updates List
Marcy Robin's Cyberspace "Dark Shadows" News Update List
An Internet Publication of SHADOWGRAM
ShadowGram@aol.com

Number 170. May 21, 2007.

*********************************************
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following breaking news.

***** NEW SG #110 SHADOWGRAM NEWSLETTER ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE!

The latest published issue, SG #110, is being mailed now to all current postal-mail ubscribers. It also will be mailed to new and renewing subscribers.

This SG newsletter spotlights and announces planned programming and details for the 2007 DS Festival convention on Friday, August 17 to Saturday, August 18, at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown, NY.

The hotel is located at 670 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown, NY 10591. 914-631-2200.

Special Guests: JONATHAN FRID, LARA PARKER, KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT, and MARIE WALLACE. More guests may be announced.

We celebrate Jonathan's 40th Anniversary as "Barnabas Collins" – His first on-camera appearance was April 18, 1967. Previous Updates to this List premiere-announced Jonathan will join us at the Fest on Saturday only.

SG #110 premiere-announces more Fest plans, including:

Fri., 8-17: During the late morning and early afternoon, fans can visit nearby Lyndhurst Estate, filming location for both DS movies. Fest programming opens that evening.

Fri. evening -Sat. daytime: "Ladies of DS" panel; rare video screenings; DS memorabilia auction; and more.

Sat. 8-18: Jonathan joins us this day only. He presents a selection of dramatic readings, comments on "Best of Barnabas" clips; and holds a Q&A session with the audience. That night, he and the lady guests attend the Banquet dinner. Each Banquet attendee will receive one collectible autographed photo of Jonathan as Barnabas. During the Banquet, he will personalize these photographs and pose for pictures with the attendees at each table. His autograph will only be available for those who attend the Banquet.

* Please Note the following:

Personal videotaping/digital recording of all Fest actitivies is not allowed. Still photography may not be taken of dramatic performances.

The Costume Party/Gala noted on the printed Fest flyer will not be held in order to allow as much time as possible for our guests and special programming.

There are no formal Fest activities on Sun., 8-19.

The hotel is sold out of its reduced-rate sleeping rooms, though rooms at its regular, higher-priced rate may be available. Fans can book rooms at the following hotels; please contact them directly to make reservations.

Nearby hotels: Courtyard Marriott Greenburgh-Tarrytown, 475 White Plains Rd. 914-631-1122. Marriott Springhill Suites-Tarrytown, 480 White Plains Rd. 914-366-4600. Sheraton-Tarrytown, 600 White Plains Rd. 914-332-7900. A mile from the Westchester Marriott is the Extended Stay America Hotel at 118 Tarrytown Rd. in Elmsford. 914-347-8073. In the town of Hawthorn 4 miles away is a Comfort Inn. 914-592-8600.

Fest Memberships / Special Event Rates:

Fri. night (Approx. 6pm-2am) - $15.
Sat. all day (Approx. 11am-7pm) - $20.
Fri. evening (not Lyndhurst trip) and all day Sat. - $30.
Children (6-12) – Half-price.
Fri. trip (Approx. 10am-4pm) - $20. Includes Lyndhurst admission and free round-trip shuttle from hotel. (Non-refundable reservation)
Sat. Banquet (Approx. 7-11pm) - $60. Includes 3-course meal plus door prize and one personalized autographed photo of Jonathan as Barnabas, per attendee. (Non-refundable reservation)

Make check/money order payable to Dark Shadows Festival. Credit cards and Paypal are not accepted. Send to:
Dark Shadows Festival
P.O. Box 92
Maplewood, NJ 07040
www.darkshadowsfestival.com

All payments must be accompanied by the Fest registration form. To receive the form, you now can send a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) to the Fest address above. The form soon should be available on the Fest website and the Fest's general mass postal-mailing should be sent soon. Any payments without the form will be returned and not processed until the completed form is provided. Please also include a SASE with your payments.

Payments and forms must be received by Aug. 10. Thereafter, memberships will be available at the door at the same rates. Pre-registered members will receive a tentative schedule shortly before the Fest.

--- All fans attending the Fest are invited to share their photos and reports with SG for upcoming SG print issues. In this way, fans who are unable to be there with us can be a part of it all through you. Send all materials to SG's postal- or e- mail addresses below. Complimentary Contributor's Copies are given in thanks for major contributions.

*** SG #110 OFFICIAL DARK SHADOWS PUBLISHED NEWSLETTER – PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXCLUSIVE FEATURES IN THIS NEW ISSUE:

----- A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THIS SG #110:

To accomodate all the in-person pictures, media coverage, news and other information, this issue is a companion to the recent SG #109.

As noted above, this issue spotlights and premiere-announces plans for the 2007 DS Festival convention in Tarrytown, NY, in August.

Both SGs feature pictures and details from the 2006 DS 40th Anniversary Celebration and Halloween Party, plus extensive coverage of Lara Parker's recent book-signings, new and planned DS merchandise, DS in the Media, DS filming locations, and much more.

Subscriptions and renewals are available via postal-mail (check/money order) or via PayPal. Your subscription will start immediately with the new SG #110 plus its companion SG #109 issues. More information follows later in this Update.

****** SG #110 PRINT ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:

--- Rare photos of Jonathan Frid during the DS era, including a moody pose as "Barnabas" and a casual view during an interview.

--- Rare picture of Sam and Grayson Hall, laughing and relaxing

--- More photos of the DS cast/production personnel from the 2006 DS Festival convention and Halloween Party (October).

--- Exclusive, rare, and behind-the-scenes pictures include:

+ Capturing-the-moment photos as Barbara Steele (1991 DS Julia, Natalie) places her handprints in cement at LA's Vista Theater at the
Halloween Party.

+ A delightful candid shot of Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker, and Betsy Durkin Matthes at the Halloween Party.

+ Individual close-ups of Kathryn, Robert Rodan, Jerry Lacy, Marie Wallace, David Selby as Quentin, and other guests from the 2006 Festival and Halloween Party events.

+ Pictures of those we've recently lost: Dan Curtis (DS Creator/Director/Producer) and Henry Kaplan (Director)

--- News about projects and events for the DS personnel, including photos, publicity, media articles, reviews, details, etc.:

+ Continuing SG's coverage of appearances by Lara Parker (Angelique) as she held readings and signings for her novel, "DS: The Salem Branch," at bookstores across the country.

+ Upcoming for David Selby (Quentin): Publication of his new book, "Fallen Angels: Lincoln and Charles"; staging of his intense dramatic play "Final Assault"; expected Sept. debut of his new HBO series "Tell Me You Love Me".

+ The new documentary, "The Healing Gardens of New York," by Alexandra Moltke Isles (Victoria Winters).

+ TV and direct-to-dvd roles for Ben Cross (1991 - Barnabas)

+ New movie, "The Lookout," starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (1991 DS – David, Daniel).

+ New movie, "Grindhouse – Planet Terror," starring Marley Shelton (2004 WB Pilot - Victoria).

+ Recent movies with Jenna Dewan (2004 WB Pilot - Sophia Loomis).

+ Recent movie and TV roles for Martin Donovan (2004 WB Pilot - Roger).

+ Stage productions for Donna Wandrey (Roxanne Drew) and Lisa Richards (Sabrina Stuart).

+ New autobiography "Time Steps" from Donna McKechnie (Amanda Harris/Olivia Corey): Photos and publicity from her readings and book-signings, reviews, articles.

--- "DS: The Beginning" DVDs continue bimonthly releases, exclusively for members of the MPI DS DVDs Club. These 6 sets start with the first episode and end just as Barnabas is introduced. Episodes include the original production slates, voice-over promos and announcements over the end credits, and new bonus interviews with Kathryn and Alexandra. Club members receive these dvd sets at least 6 months prior to their retail release.
Information: 800-323-0442 or www.darkshadowsdvds.com

--- New documentary CD "Dark Shadows Reborn" is a behind-the-scenes look at the new audiodrama CDs with interviews, outtakes, and more, hosted by Kathryn. It is available via mail-order from the DS Festival (address above).

--- SG #110 also updates developments and news from SG #109 and features DS in the Media mentions, a history of DS on TV, DS Filming Locations, Fan News, and more.

*** Subscription information for the SG print issues follows. The recent companion issues, SG #107 and SG #108, pay memorial tribute to Dan Curtis with never-seen pictures, extensive biographical and media salutes, details from his funeral and memorial service, and more. These issues are available upon request and also include a free bonus Special Postcard Announcement.

Subscriptions & Renewals: US & Canada First Class Mail: $12.00 for 4 issues or $24.00 for 8 issues
Overseas Air Mail: US $ 20.00 for 4 issues or US $40.00 for 8 issues

Send check/money order to: Marcy Robin
P.O. Box 1766
Temple City, CA 91780-7766

You can pay online for your subscription/renewal using PayPal and ShadowGram@aol.com

Thank you.
Marcy Robin
ShadowGram Editor / Publisher

I think it's a travesty that the one event fans can actually ACTIVELY participate in has been eliminated -- the Costume Gala. Whoever made that decision needs a checkup from the neck up! For starters, although I love attending the festivals, they have never been fan-participatory enough as in other fandoms. This year, in addition to eliminating one full day, they pull this. I am livid!

adamsgirl, do you know if the Collinsport Players will be performing?

ShadowGram:

We celebrate Jonathan's 40th Anniversary as "Barnabas Collins" – His first on-camera appearance was April 18, 1967.

We first saw "Willie Loomis" on March 30, 1967, and the first on-camera appearance of John Karlen was April 11, 1967, both of which also reached a 40-year milestone this year.  Just thought I'd mention that.

movie, "Grindhouse – Planet Terror," starring Marley Shelton (2004 WB Pilot - Victoria).

With her Dakota figure now available in stores (and regularly on ebay), she became the only actress who has played Vicki to have an action figure.  (Mark Rainey is, I suspect, still waiting for the Joanna Going action figure.  )

adamsgirl, do you know if the Collinsport Players will be performing?

I really don't know, Midnite. I tend to doubt it if they've pulled the Gala. Generally, the skit would go on right before the gala. Of course, when I know for sure, I'll let you and everyone else know.

Adamsgirl, unless I am forgetting an event, the day DS events haven't featured a costume contest/gala.  This also isn't supposed to be nor has it been billed as a full-fledged festival but more of a convention, a day celebration that actually is a day and a half.
Nancy

I think it's a travesty that the one event fans can actually ACTIVELY participate in has been eliminated -- the Costume Gala. Whoever made that decision needs a checkup from the neck up! For starters, although I love attending the festivals, they have never been fan-participatory enough as in other fandoms. This year, in addition to eliminating one full day, they pull this. I am livid!

I think it's a travesty that the one event fans can actually ACTIVELY participate in has been eliminated -- the Costume Gala. Whoever made that decision needs a checkup from the neck up! For starters, although I love attending the festivals, they have never been fan-participatory enough as in other fandoms.

It is a shame, but considering how the gala has been treated in the past, even at "real" Fests, I'm not surprised.  Even though the event regularly draws lots of participants and is reasonably popular, it is still the next-to-last-thing scheduled on Saturday nights and always gets pushed even farther back, usually in favor of videos that could probably be shown any other time during the weekend (these aren't exclusive films of Joan Bennett on "The Dating Game" either; I remember waiting an extra hour to go on-stage one year so that "DS Bloopers" could be screened).  As you said, adamsgirl, the gala is the only truly fan-centric event and I really wish it would get more respect (e.g. schedule it earlier in the day so that more people can stick around to watch it or take part in it instead of worrying about missing the last subway home). The fan videos, skits, and gala have always been my favorite events.

I'm beginning to feel better about missing this celebration, although I will still miss seeing my friends.

ProfStokes

It is a shame, but considering how the gala has been treated in the past, even at "real" Fests, I'm not surprised.  Even though the event regularly draws lots of participants and is reasonably popular, it is still the next-to-last-thing scheduled on Saturday nights and always gets pushed even farther back, usually in favor of videos that could probably be shown any other time during the weekend (these aren't exclusive films of Joan Bennett on "The Dating Game" either; I remember waiting an extra hour to go on-stage one year so that "DS Bloopers" could be screened).  As you said, adamsgirl, the gala is the only truly fan-centric event and I really wish it would get more respect (e.g. schedule it earlier in the day so that more people can stick around to watch it or take part in it instead of worrying about missing the last subway home). The fan videos, skits, and gala have always been my favorite events.

I'm beginning to feel better about missing this celebration, although I will still miss seeing my friends.

I will miss your paradies, Stokes - Amanda - I am deeply saddened that Old Man Karlen will not be in attendence, as he was one of the main reasons for a trip back home. Ah... I'll make the old man a tray of Polish cabbage and be done with it.
HIS birthday is coming up...

This also isn't supposed to be nor has it been billed as a full-fledged festival but more of a convention

I'm guessing someone needs to explain to SG and Ann Wilson that they've been referring to the Fests wrongly for way too many years.    Here are but a handful of examples that have been posted on the forum:

From this topic:

... This SG newsletter spotlights and announces planned programming and details for the 2007 DS Festival convention ...

But also from 2006's Update #162:

The upcoming SG #109 and subsequent print issues will ... showcase the recent DS Festival convention.

From 2003 - and directly from Ms. Wilson:

The Brooklyn Marriott Hotel, location of this year's 20th Annual DS Festival convention, has sold out of sleeping rooms ...

From 2002's Update #76:

* The Dark Shadows Festival asks SG to relay hotel room reservation information for the 2002 DS Festival convention at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, CA ...

And from 2002's Update #77:

... The new print issue SG #95 was just mailed to current postal-mail subscribers
with the latest DS news and updates. Following are some key highlights, plus
much more:

...
--- The DS guests at the 2001 DS Festival convention in NYC. ...

 

Are we sure that John Karlen is not coming it is his 40th also. We hope that Grayson will be there in spirit.

Maybe because that's not how the event has been presented to those participating in it and obviously there is a big difference between the planned format in August and the traditional festival.  If nothing else, the obviousness of the format difference is enough of a clue that it's indeed different than the three day festival.

Nancy

Obvious to some that it's not a Fest. Perhaps even most. But apparently not to SG.    Though, be that as it may, it would also seem to be obvious that the terms "festival" and "convention" have become completely synonymous in the DS universe, if not an actual hyphenate that's simply missing the hyphen. 

Are we sure that John Karlen is not coming it is his 40th also. We hope that Grayson will be there in spirit.

One can never be sure where John is concerned...
He is certainly going to be there in spirit - or so he says...

Grant you there are inconsistencies as to what to call the three day event and the one day event in the past. In fact, SG and Ann Wilson have had differences about what is a convention and what is a festival that I recall.  Well, whatever, I suppose I am making a bigger deal out of the semantics than than what I should but that is the English major in me. That' my story and I'm sticking to it.

Nancy

Obvious to some that it's not a Fest. Perhaps even most. But apparently not to SG.    Though, be that as it may, it would also seem to be obvious that the terms "festival" and "convention" have become completely synonymous in the DS universe, if not an actual hyphenate that's simply missing the hyphen. 

Well, from where I sit, it seems very convenient to fall back on this as an "event" as opposed to a full-fledged festival so that the fans can accept getting short-shrift where other actors' attendance is concerned, as well as the few fan participation events that normally take place being eliminated. Still, I realize that there are only so many hours in a day, so shortening this "event," or whatever one wishes to call it, to a day and a half really did the trick.

Festival, convention, gathering whatever. It is an event because Jonathan Frid is going to be there. This is super exciting and I am so looking forward to it. I know it is disapointing if your favorite isn't there. I've had that happen myself but at least we have another year to regroup,catch up and have some fun.