ShadowGram Update #151 -- Added Fest guests; Grayson Hall bio; Audio dramas

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Number 151. June 5, 2006.

Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

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

--- NEW SG #108 SHADOWGRAM NEWSLETTER ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE

The latest published issue, SG #108, is being mailed now to all current postal-mail subscribers. It will be mailed to new subscribers and renewing subscribers as well.

PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXCLUSIVE FEATURES OF SG #108 FOLLOW.

----- A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THIS SG #108:

*** This issue is Part 2 of 2 full-size companion issues, SG #107 and SG #108. Each presents special memorial information following Dan Curtis' recent death. They also premiere-announce new guests and plans for the DS Festival's 40th Anniversary Celebration in Brooklyn in August. There are pictures and details about the coming new DS audiodramas on CD; new DVD releases from MPI; plus all the latest news and information from and about the original 1966-71 DS cast/crew.

This SG #108 salutes DS' actual 40th Anniversary - June 27, 1966 - as well as a special 30th Anniversary milestone for DS fandom itself.

****** SG #108 HIGHLIGHTS:

*** DAN CURTIS (DS Creator/Producer/Director) is further honored upon his March 27 death with special memorial material. (Also see SG Update #148, dated March 27 and the SG #107 print issue.)

This SG tribute includes never-before-seen pictures of him and his late wife Norma, highlighted by an exclusive pose of him as a young man. There is a detailed report about the touching and insightful memorial service held on May 13. Entertainment figures and those who knew Dan for many years spoke candidly about his life, career, and strong yet generous personality. SG #108 features quotations from many of the speakers' personal recollections and memories. The issue also publishes an extensive representation of international media obituaries. More never-published pictures of Dan and Norma and other media obituaries / tributes will be in upcoming SGs as well.

*** ShadowGram # 108 Premiere Announcement - 40th Anniversary DS Festival Celebration:

--- Announcing New Guests:

DONNA McKECHNIE (Amanda Harris, Olivia Corey) attends her first DS event. The acclaimed actress, singer, and dancer will sign copies of her new autobiography.

BETSY DURKIN MATTHES (Victoria Winters - 2nd Casting) also attends her first DS event. She will sign copies of her new book, the delightful resource, "Dressing The Man You Love: A Woman's Guide to Purchasing, Coordinating, and Caring for His Classic Wardrobe." In SG #108, Betsy shares a recent photo of herself and discusses the book. She also announces upcoming book signings in the NYC/Long Island area.

MARILYN ROSS (Wife of the late DS novelist Dan Ross, who wrote these books under her name) returns to the Fest after a long absence. She plans to bring the actual oil painting used as the cover of the first paperback novel, "Dark Shadows," and other special pieces.

CHRIS PENNOCK (Jeb, Cyrus/John, Sebastian, Gabriel) has joined us at many previous Fests.

STUART GOODMAN (Cameraman) shares more of his behind-the-scenes memories and experiences as part of the talented crew that brought DS to the TV screen.

More guests to be announced on this SG Updates List and in the next SG print issue newsletter. Subsequent SGs will fully report on the Weekend with exclusive behind-the-scenes potos and much more. All guest appearances are subject to professional and personal commitments. Fest proceeds benefit the UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Center.

---- Several guests will re-create the very first DS episode and the final DS episode live onstage on Sat., Aug. 26. Portraying characters first performed by their co-stars are David Selby as Roger Collins; John Karlen as Burke Devlin; Lara Parker as Victoria Winters; and Marie Wallace as Elizabeth Collins Stoddard. Other guest cast to be announced.

NOTE: Fans attending the Fest are invited and welcome to share their photos, video footage, and reports with SG readers, who enjoy being part of the Weekend festivities through your eyes. A Contributor's Copy SG issue is given in thanks for major donations.

*** SG #108 Premiere Announcement -MPI`s DS DVD Releases:

SG's reported the final DS episode appears on DVD Set #29, due in Sept. This SG #108 describes all of its "special bonus materials," including "documentaries, special compilation programs, featurettes and montages, rare rehearsal footage, promotional spots, trailers, and behind-the-scenes home movies."

SG #108 also announces MPI's 40th Anniversary Commemorative DVD, due in Nov., plus subsequent DVD releases that bring the pre-Barnabas episodes to DVD for the first time. (See SG Online Update #150).

*** SG #108 spotlights the 4 new DS Audiodramas with details provided by U.K.-based Big Finish Productions (BFP), producers of the upcoming CD releases. Each CD "contains a complete story in 3 episodes," with a running time of approximately 70 minutes.The first 2 will debut at the Festival in August and be available through selected retailers thereafter. General release: #1 - Sept. 2006. #2 - Sept. 2006. #3 - Nov. 2006. #4 - November 2006. Price within the U.S.: $15 + $2 p/h or pre-order all 4 for $50 + $8 p/h ($10 saving). www.darkshadowsreborn.com

These initial 2 stories were recorded in Los Angeles in mid-May, starring David Selby as Quentin, Lara Parker as Angelique, Kathryn Leigh Scott as Maggie, and John Karlen as Willie.

SG Online Update #150 premiere-announced these original dramas. This SG #108 postal-mail newsletter includes pictures of the cast during the recording sessions, descriptions of the stories, release and ordering information, and more.

*** "Grayson Hall: A Hard Act to Follow" is a new biography expected at the Fest. Author R. J. Jamison provides information about this extensive look at the life and complete acting career of DS' Julia, Natalie, and Magda. In SG #108, R. J. also shares photos of Grayson as a teenager, at the premiere of her Oscar-nominated "Night of the Iguana" in 1964, and one of the last professional pictures taken of her in "The Madwoman of Chaillot" before her 1985 death from cancer.

*** ShadowGram #108 Highlights - 1966-71 DS Personnel

--- LARA PARKER (Angelique, Cassandra, Alexis, Valerie, Miranda, Catherine) gives SG more thoughts on her new novel "DS: The Salem Branch," published by Tor Books on July 11. She notes booksignings and other promotional plans are being considered. SG will announce and update confirmed details.

--- DAVID SELBY (Quentin) participated in the "Explore-A-Story" benefit for the Wonder of Reading organization in Hollywood. SG #108 features a picture of him at the event and also updates his recent films. He's "General Ryker" in the original movie "Black Hole," premiering on Sci Fi Channel this Sat., June 10. Please send SG any reviews, articles, or publicity you find for the movie.

--- JERRY LACY (Tony Peterson, Rev. Task, Gregory Trask, Lamar Trask) updates his news.

--- PAUL MICHAEL (King Johnny Romano) and his "special lady" actress MARION ROSS ("Happy Days" and more) are featured in an interview for their recent Hallmark Channel movie.

--- MARSHA MASON (Dream Vampire Audrey) guests in an episode of TNT's new anthology series "Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King."

--- MARIE WALLACE (Eve, Mad Jenny, Megan) tells SG #108 about her recent photography projects. She continues to offer autographed copies of her memoir "On Stage & In Shadows" with a bonus signed photo and a personalized note.

--- ABE VIGODA (Ezra Braithwaite) provided the voice and is seen as his character "Tessio" in the new "The Godfather: The Game."

--- BEN CROSS (1991 Barnabas) was the villain "Professor Ullman" in Sci Fi Channel's original film "S.S. Doomtrooper" in April. SG #108 features review excerpts.

--- JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT (1991 David, Daniel) shares his latest news and upcoming films in SG #108. His acclaimed starring roles in "Brick" and "Mysterious Skin" are highlighted in this issue.

--- JEAN SIMMONS (1991 Elizabeth, Naomi) was saluted on her birthday by Turner Classic Movies.

--- MICHAEL T. WEISS (1991 Joe, Peter) starred in "Les Liasions Dangereuses" in Boston. SG #108 features a photo, program book biography, and review comments about the production.

--- MATT CZUCHRY (2004 Pilot Willie) continues as "Logan Huntzbeger" in GILMORE GIRLS; the character and the series are featured in the media.

--- JENNA DEWAN (2004 Pilot Sophia Loomis) stars in the intriguing horror film "Tamara."

--- ALEXANDER GOULD (2004 Pilot David) returns this month in the new 2nd season of Showtime's successful series "Weeds," playing "Shane Botwin." SG #108 features media attention on the show as well as coverage of his starring voiceover in the recent Disney direct-to-DVD release, "Bambi II."

--- IVANA MILICEVIC (2004 Pilot Angelique) stars in "Love Monkey," dropped by CBS after only 3 episodes aired. All the episodes are being shown on VHI.

--- MARK VERHEIDEN (2004 Pilot Co-Executive Preoducer, Screenwriter) updates SG #108 about his recent writing and producing projects on "Battlestar Gallactica" and the "best-selling Superman/Batman comic."

Thank you.
Marcy Robin

ShadowGram Editor / Publisher
Marcy Robin, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766
ShadowGram@aol.com