SHADOWGRAM
OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 288
May 5, 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."
***** REPORTING: "DARK SHADOWS ISLAND WEEKEND"
**** SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: 2014 DS FESTIVAL EVENT PLANNED
---- "DS ISLAND WEEKEND" REPORT
April 27-28, 2013, Coronado, CA
On April 27-28, over 300 fans of DS and the horror/thriller/film noir genres attended the "DS Island Weekend" in the sunny, scenic setting of Coronado Island, across the bay from San Diego, CA.
Festivities began Saturday evening with the world premiere of the independent movie "Doctor Mabuse." The psychological thriller stars original DS actors Jerry Lacy (in the title role), Lara Parker, and Kathryn Leigh Scott.
The screening took place at the vintage Coronado Village Theatre, recently restored in a striking 1940s-era Art Deco design. The 3 DS actors, other cast members, and filmmaker/writer/director/editor Ansel Faraj watched with the audience. "Mabuse" kept the audience intrigued by its action, characters, innuendos, interpretations, and evolving story developments. The cast and Ansel then came onstage to share anecdotes and answer questions in a panel discussion covering the production itself, DS and other influences, and more.
During the evening, attendees could get autographs, take photos, and purchase DS and "Mabuse" memorabilia. DS actor Chris Pennock also attended the screening and after-events. He will appear in the "Doctor Mabuse" sequel, slated to start shooting in June.
Sunday brought the second part of the Weekend: an extended Luncheon from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm at the nearby Coronado Marriott Hotel. A wide array of door prizes were given out as Jerry, Lara, Kathryn, and Chris dined with the fans. After the meal, DS' David Selby took the stage, accompanied by DS actor Jim Storm on guitar and David's wife Chip on piano. Together, they presented "Shadows & Light," a special "homage to DS fans." David wrote this program of poetry and songs. Selections touched upon DS themes and characters, fond memories, gratitude to fans everywhere, and other subjects close to David's heart. Chip and Jim sang background vocals with David on some songs.
After the performance, all 6 DS actors took part in a Q&A session, followed by autographs and an auction of DS collectibles. Other available merchandise: SG, DS key chains, magnets, photos, and books, Fest items, and new t-shirts and tote bags from MPI. Each fan received a complimentary "gift bag" from MPI with a Barnabas "Bobble-head" doll, 3-D key chain, and Bob Cobert music CD.
The upcoming SG # 122 print issue will have more details about the Island Weekend and the "Doctor Mabuse" movie.
The next DS Festival event is the first-ever "DS Halloween Sea Cruise," Oct. 27-Nov. 3. Fans will join DS stars to sail to Bermuda on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Please visit:
http://www.hartfordholidays.com/DarkShadowsHalloweenCruise/Home.html [edited]
((For Cruise news as it develops and more details, please see recent and upcoming SG Online Updates))
---- Special Announcement during the Luncheon
DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL
RETURNS TO LYNDHURST IN 2014 TO CELEBRATE 30th ANNIVERSARY:
A 2014 Dark Shadows Festival event will be held next summer at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, NY, just north of Manhattan on the east bank of the Hudson River. The first 2 DS movies "House of Dark Shadows" (1970) and "Night of Dark Shadows" (1971) were filmed on the estate and at nearby locations.
SG explains: The 2014 Lyndhurst event announced above is a celebration of the DS Festival/Official DS Fan Club's activities at the estate. The Fest has hosted a variety of DS gatherings there over the past 3 decades, since 1983.
This 2014 Fest event will celebrate those 30 years, featuring stars of the movies, who reprised their DS TV roles or portrayed new characters in 2 distinctly DS-ian stories. Other guests are expected, plus exciting surprises and programming to be announced later this year.
SG in print and in the Official Online DS News Updates will premiere-announce and report plans as we confirm them.
Last summer (July, 2012), the Festival presented a tribute day at Lyndhurst, remembering Jonathan Frid and his iconic impact on DS and its fandom. The memorial salute looked at his entire career, featuring onstage and filmed commentary from his DS colleagues and those who've known and worked with him over the years. ((This special event also will be detailed in the coming SG # 122 print issue.))
Thank you.
Marcy Robin
ShadowGram Editor / Publisher
