ShadowGram Update #153 -- DS Survey / Fest Schedule / Pre-Barn DVD Update, more

[Midnite]

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 153. July 8, 2006.

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Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following breaking news. SG and the DS Festival also ask online and postal-mail fans to participate in a new fan survey.

*** NANCY BARRETT DVD TAPING SESSION

Nancy has presented her special cabaret shows at recent DS Festivals. She'll perform at the Fest's 40th Anniversary Celebration in Brooklyn on Sat., Aug. 26.

She tells SG, "I am making a DVD for sale at the convention" and "we're shooting the DVD on the 11th of July. Folks in the NYC area who would be interested in seeing the DVD filmed, it's happening at the West Bank Cafe, 407 West 42nd Street at 9th Avenue, on Tues., July 11, between 2 pm and 4 pm (or til 5 pm if necessary). DS fans are welcome and should let me know they're coming via the email address NBKNYC@aol.com."

In her musical program, Nancy sings, dances, and shares her own commentary, accompanied by her musical director Steven Silverstein. She plans to include her own special DS references and surprises.

Nancy played the roles of Carolyn, Millicent, Charity, Leticia, Melanie in "Dark Shadows," Carolyn in "House of DS," and Claire in "Night Of DS."

*** COMMEMORATIVE SPECIAL FAN SURVEY

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the original series, the Dark Shadows Official Fan Club/Dark Shadows Festival is conducting the following fan poll in association with the ShadowGram Online Dark Shadows News Updates List.

Please note: There are no definite plans at this time to produce a new Dark Shadows. This survey is meant only as a means to measure fan interest in such a possibility.

Feel free to pass these questions along to other fans. E-mail replies should be e-mailed to ShadowGram@aol.com or briefly write your responses and send them directly by postal-mail to ShadowGram / Marcy Robin,. P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766.

Each e-mail address is limited to one response. All answers must be received no later than July 31, 2006.

Poll results will be announced at the 40th Anniversary Celebration, August 25-27 at the New York Marriott Hotel at the Brooklyn Bridge.

Please briefly answer these questions:

--- DARK SHADOWS SURVEY QUESTIONS

1. If a new DARK SHADOWS was to be made, would you prefer a feature film, weekly television series, or a television mini-series?
2. Which current actor(s) would you like to see play Barnabas Collins?
3. Which current actress(es) would you like to see play Victoria Winters?
4. Which current actress(es) would you like to see play Angelique?
5. Which current actor(s) would you like to see play Willie?
6. Which current actor(s) would you like to see play Elizabeth?
7. Which current actor(s) would you like to see play Roger?
8. Which current actress(es) would you like to see play Carolyn?
9. Which current actor(s) would you like to see play David?
10. Which original series actor(s) would you like to see play a different role?

*** DS 40TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE & TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The DS Festival's Celebration of DS' 4 decades is being held at the NY Marriott Hotel at the Brooklyn Bridge, on August 25-27. The hotel is located at 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. 1-718-246-7000.

Recent SG Online Updates to this List and the current SG #107 and SG #108 published newsletters have more specific details about the weekend.

Previously-announced Festival guests: DAVID SELBY, LARA PARKER, NANCY BARRETT, JOHN KARLEN, JERRY LACY, KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT, MARIE WALLACE, DIANA MILLAY, DONNA McKECHNIE, BETSY DURKIN MATTHES, CHRIS PENNOCK, LISA RICHARDS, CONARD FOWKES, STUART GOODMAN, MARILYN ROSS (Wife of DS novelist Dan Ross), JAMES BUTLER and LES SCHECTER (DS publicists for ABC-TV).

More guests to be announced. All guests are subject to professional and personal commitments. Fest proceeds benefit the UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Center.

--- New guest: Author BRIAN KELLOW will present a Joan Bennett remembrance and sign copies of the biography "The Bennetts: An Acting Family."

--- Big Finish Productions, the producers of the new DS audio series, will be attending the 40th Anniversary celebration. Members of the production staff will be on hand to launch the first two CDs, which will be available for the first time over the weekend, along with discussing the new project onstage.

--- Fest Memberships
It is recommended that fans pay for their memberships in advance to ensure attendance at the gathering.

Rates:
Weekend (Fri.-Sat.-Sun. - All general programming events - $25 per person.
Friday only (6pm-midnight) - All general programming events - $15 per person.
Saturday only (11am-midnight) - All general programming events - $15 per person.
Sunday only (11am-7pm) - All general programming events - $15 per person.
Children age 6-12 - Half-price for above ratesBanquet with DS Stars (Sun. 7pm-10pm) - $65 per person (* Non-refundable).
Seaport & Museum Trip (Fri. 11am-3pm) - $18 per person (* Non-refundable).

Mail checks/money orders payable to Dark Shadows Festival and send directly to:  Dark Shadows Festival, P.O. Box 92, Maplewood, NJ 07040. www.darkshadowsfestival.com

You must use the membership form included in the recent Fest general postal-mailing or printed off the Fest website. Please include 2 SASEs and the full names/addresses of each person. Be sure to send all membership, trip, and Banquet payments directly and only to the above postal-mail address. The Fest cannot accept credit card or Paypal payments. All payments and SASEs must be received on or before Aug. 18.

SG previously reported the Brooklyn Marriott has sold out of discounted DS rate sleeping rooms - although they do have rooms available at a higher rate. The nearby NY Marriott Financial Center in lower Manhattan, just 2 subway stops or a 5-minute taxi drive from the Brooklyn Marriott, now is offering discounted sleeping rooms for Fest attendees. Call 212-385-4900 and mention Dark Shadows to receive the special reduced room rate.

*** 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND SCHEDULE

--- Please note: This is a tentative schedule. All times are approximate and events are subject to change.

Friday, August 25
11:00 South Street Seaport Day Trip
3:00 Registration Opens
6:00 DS: The Beginning
6:30 DS 1960s Novels Guest - Marilyn Ross
7:00 The First Year - Guests - Kathryn Leigh Scott, John Karlen, Diana Millay, Conard Fowkes
7:30 DS: The Salem Branch - Guest: Lara Parker
8:00 Dan Curtis Tribute
9:00 Autographs/DS In Remembrance
10:00 Night Of Dark Shadows
11:30 Movie: The Black Hole (2006 science fiction film starring David Selby)

Saturday, August 26
11:00 Fan Videos
12:00 Guest - Marie Wallace
12:30 Guest - Betsy Durkin
1:00 DS 40th Anniversary Auction I
2:00 Remembering Grayson Hall
2:30 Guest - Donna McKechnie
3:00 Guest - David Selby
3:30 DS Cast Reunion
4:15 Nancy Barrett In Cabaret Performance
5:00 Autographs/DS Bloopers
6:00 DS Game Shows
6:30 DS Movie Trailers
7:00 Dark Shadows 2004 TV Pilot
7:45 Dark Shadows In Salem
8:00 Costume Gala/Skit
9:30 House Of Dark Shadows
11:00 Movie: Horror Classics

Sunday, August 27
11:00 DS Informational Fan Panel
12:00 Guest - Diana Millay
12:30 Guest - Chris Pennock
1:00 DS 40th Anniversary Auction II
2:00 Big Finish Presents New DS Dramas
2:30 Guest - Jerry Lacy
3:00 Guest - Kathryn Leigh Scott
3:30 Dark Shadows 1991 Rehearsals
4:00 Guests - Dark Shadows Cast Presents First & Last Episodes Live On Stage
5:00 Autographs
7:00 Banquet Dinner with the Stars (By Advance Reservation Only)
Door Prizes/Special Video Screening

*** DS MERCHANDISE NEWS UPDATES

--- SHADOWGRAM PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT - NEW DVD UPDATE
In November, MPI Home Video will be releasing a special, single-disc DVD for $19.98 called "Dark Shadows Bloopers & Treasures." This is a 2½-hour collection of bloopers, outtakes, music videos, promos, and vintage game show appearances by the DS actors. There also is a new featurette with actress Lara Parker (Angelique the witch) entitled "Dark Shadows In Salem," where she visits the actual sites of the witch trials and ties-in with her new novel "Dark Shadows - The Salem Branch." The DVD will be available early for fans at the DS 40th Anniversary event in August.

--- SHADOWGRAM PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT - BARNABAS EPISODES DVDS UPDATE

MPI tells SG it is using the title "Dark Shadows - The Beginning" for the 206 early, pre-Barnabas episodes. SG previously announced that plans call for them to be released on DVD in 2007. They will be identified as Collections 1-6.

The title "Collector's Series," which was utilized when those episodes were issued on VHS video, will not be used for the DVDs. These 6 DVD releases, to be issued throughout 2007, initially will be available exclusively through MPI.

--- LARA PARKER'S NOVEL "DS: THE SALEM BRANCH" - PUBLICATION UPDATE
Lara's new novel "Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch" is officially published on July 18 and should be available in stores approximately that date. SG print issues and this SG Updates List have announced and reported about this 288-page trade paperpack being published by Tor Books. Retail price is $12.95 U.S. / $17.95 Canada.The novel picks up immediately after the end of Lara's first DS novel, "Angelique's Descent." Written in Lara's lyrical, intricate style, there are 2 inter-connected stories. One is set in 1971 Collinsport, as Barnabas finds himself irresistibly drawn to a woman who looks identical to Angelique, yet has a very different personality. The other story steps back 3 centuries to explore the life and death of Miranda du Val, the character Lara also portrayed during DS' brief flashback to the 1690s. Miranda is caught up in the hysteria and terror of the Salem Witch Hunt and Trials. In "The Salem Branch," Lara brings Barnabas into that world and that time - and also brings new twists to his own life in 1971 Collinsport.See SG List Update # 152 (June 26) for details about Lara's upcoming book signing events in San Diego and Burbank, CA. More signings are being planned; SG will announce details and SG print issues will report on these events. Visit Lara's official website to read the first chapter: www.laraparker.com

--- The DS Festival asks SG to announce that 2 items now are sold out: Autographed copies of the book on Dan Curtis' career, "Produced & Directed by Dan Curtis", and the limited edition DS coin purse.

*** DAN CURTIS' "SAVING MILLY" ENCORES ON CBS SUN., JULY 9, AT 9:00 pm

This fact-based TV movie was one of Dan's final projects before his recent death. He produced and directed the drama based on Washington journalist Morton Kondracke's memoir about his wife Milly's battle against Parkinson's Disease. Before its 3-13-05 premiere, Dan said, "Everyone involved hopes the movie helps increase awareness that money is needed to find cures for neurological diseases."

*** ALEXANDRA MOLTKE ISLES' NEW DOCUMENTARY BROADCAST - UPDATE

SG Online Update #152 announced her new film "The Healing Gardens of New York City" will be seen on PBS. Plans call for it to be shown on WNET-NY as Part 5 of 8 parts of a series called "Reel New York." Of the parts scheduled to air in July, it is the only one listed which is a one-hour show. The other parts are all compilations of short subjects. It airs Thurs., July 27 at 10 pm and repeats early Tues., August 1, at 4.30 am.

*** SHARING WITH OTHER FANS

SG invites all fans attending Nancy's DVD filming session, Lara's signings, and the Fest to please share their photos and reports with SG so all SG readers worldwide can enjoy these special occasions with you.
Please also send all articles, reviews, and publicity material you may find about Alexandra's documentary, the "Saving Milly" broadcast, and the upcoming book, DVD, and CD releases. A Contributor's Copy SG
print issue is given in thanks for major sharing. Send all information to SG's e-mail- or postal- mail addresses below.

Subscription information for the SG print issues follows. To begin your subscription, the 2 current companion issues, SG #107 and SG #108, will be sent to you.

Thank you.
Marcy Robin

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

[CrazyJenny]

Ok, I may be in the minority here, but since the actors from the first and last episodes will obviously not all be there, I think it would be really fun if Betsy Durkin pliayed Vicky in the first one!

[jimbo]

Thanks Midnite for posting the latest Shadowgram for the readers here. It shows that the Fest is on top of things and that is a credit to its hard work.

This is just a general statement not directed to anyone. I just don't get the purpose of the survey and its timing. I think it it great for us fans to have some type of fantasy-like input regarding the direction of a possible new Dark Shadows project. This is the second recent survey requested by the powers that be albeit asking a bit more information about a potential new DS project. I would like to think that the people in control of DS have some type of plan prepared in the event an entity approaches them about a new DS project. I would have to speculate that the results of the last survey was not too helpful to those in power and I don't see how this new survey will be any different. Still, I am glad that the new management is asking for our opinions.

[CyrusL]

Ok, I may be in the minority here, but since the actors from the first and last episodes will obviously not all be there, I think it would be really fun if Betsy Durkin pliayed Vicky in the first one!

In total agreement with you, C Jenny. I hope it happens
Michael    

[ClaudeNorth]

Ok, I may be in the minority here, but since the actors from the first and last episodes will obviously not all be there, I think it would be really fun if Betsy Durkin pliayed Vicky in the first one!

In total agreement with you, C Jenny. I hope it happens

My fantasy of how the reading of the first episode will go:

After an introduction by the Festival MC, all the lights in the ballroom are turned off.  An audio track, featuring the sound of a train and the familiar DS opening music cue, begins to play as a solitary figure, her identity concealed by the darkness, takes her place before the microphone.  As she reads her first line ("My name is Victoria Winters..."), the lights are brought up, revealing the actress' identity:  Alexandra Moltke Isles.

The production is the brought to a halt for several minutes as the audience goes wild. 

[Midnite]

Wow, ClaudeNorth.  From your keyboard to God's ear.  

[BuzzH]

I just don't get the purpose of the survey and its timing.

I agree Jimbo.  Not to rile anyone, but I remember a survey some years back created by the Fest Committee asking fans to name 10 cities they'd like to see the Festival's go to and NOTHING was ever done w/it.  I feel it was a cheap attempt to get ppl's hopes up that the Fest might actually come to their town.  This survey, if I'm remembering correctly, was after the Vegas Fest.

[Raineypark]

Perhaps we're mis-understanding the purpose of the surveys, and why the information is requested.  It has to be more useful to gather information BEFORE they want or need it in order to assess the possibility of another series/movie/whatever.   If they were already convinced that a new version was viable, they'd be past the stage of wondering who and where their audience is.

At the same time, lots of factors change rapidly, and a survey's value is limited after a certain point, and needs to be repeated to assure that the results are still valid.

We should probably expect these surveys to pop up routinely, and at the same time, we should probably attach no particular significance to them.

[BuzzH]

Ok, I may be in the minority here, but since the actors from the first and last episodes will obviously not all be there, I think it would be really fun if Betsy Durkin pliayed Vicky in the first one!

I agree wholeheartedly.  Although I didn't care much for Betsy as Vickie, it was only because I was so used to Alexandra.  If Betsy had gotten the job from Day 1 I wouldn't have had any problem w/her as Vickie.

[BuzzH]

My fantasy of how the reading of the first episode will go:

After an introduction by the Festival MC, all the lights in the ballroom are turned off.  An audio track, featuring the sound of a train and the familiar DS opening music cue, begins to play as a solitary figure, her identity concealed by the darkness, takes her place before the microphone.  As she reads her first line ("My name is Victoria Winters..."), the lights are brought up, revealing the actress' identity:  Alexandra Moltke Isles.

That would KICK ASS Claude!  And you're right, the crowd would be on their feet for at LEAST 5-6 minutes, much like it was when Nancy Barrett made her first appearance in 1997 and did her cabaret act.  We were at her rehearsal that Friday afternoon, courtesy of Craig Hamrick, and when she asked us for feedback on her performance I told her that she should prepare herself for the at least 5 minute ovation she would get.  She was shocked to hear this and was like, "No, really?  You think I will?" and we ALL said, "Yes!"  But I digress...if only Pierson could pull it off.  Doubt he can...

[jimbo]

My fantasy of how the reading of the first episode will go:

After an introduction by the Festival MC, all the lights in the ballroom are turned off.  An audio track, featuring the sound of a train and the familiar DS opening music cue, begins to play as a solitary figure, her identity concealed by the darkness, takes her place before the microphone.  As she reads her first line ("My name is Victoria Winters..."), the lights are brought up, revealing the actress' identity:  Alexandra Moltke Isles.

The production is the brought to a halt for several minutes as the audience goes wild. 

I agree with BuzzH, Midnite and all. I can't even begin to imagine the enormity of that moment. That would be magical. Hope it happens.

[retzev]

Ok, I may be in the minority here, but since the actors from the first and last episodes will obviously not all be there, I think it would be really fun if Betsy Durkin pliayed Vicky in the first one!

I'm with you, CrazyJenny.

I love Moltke's Vicky, and miss her terribly after her departure. But, Durkin didn't get much of a chance to develop her own interpretation, and she may have done well if she were given the chance. I think she is by far the best choice for the reenactment, if Moltke isn't there.

[Miranda]

An even bigger shock, ovation would be if in doing the last episode recreation, the lights go out, they come back on and there is Jonathan doing Bramwell, my God, that would be something, I would think at least a fifteen minute ovation.  But we can dream, can't we??

I honestly don't understand how ANYONE who is primarily a JF fan could ever have gone to another Fest if you were lucky enough to have gotten to one before he stopped attending...

[ClaudeNorth]

An even bigger shock, ovation would be if in doing the last episode recreation, the lights go out, they come back on and there is Jonathan doing Bramwell, my God, that would be something, I would think at least a fifteen minute ovation.  But we can dream, can't we??

I honestly don't understand how ANYONE who is primarily a JF fan could ever have gone to another Fest if you were lucky enough to have gotten to one before he stopped attending...

And if they managed to convince both Moltke and Frid to make such appearances, then they would probably need to have a few paramedics stationed in the ballroom... 

[BuzzH]

I honestly don't understand how ANYONE who is primarily a JF fan could ever have gone to another Fest if you were lucky enough to have gotten to one before he stopped attending...

Even those who adore Jonathan can still like the other stars and want to see them, not to mention their friends.  Frankly, I think it's silly NOT to attend a Fest simply because Frid doesn't go anymore.