Gay icon in waiting
Life of 'Dark Shadows' Grayson Hall
by David Alexander Nahmod
Grayson Hall: A Hard Act to Follow by R.J. Jamison; iUniverse Press, $18.95

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 157. September 12, 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 from the DS Festival / Official DS Fan Club.

**** NEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY DS MERCHANDISE - INCLUDING EXCLUSIVE ITEMS ONLY FROM THE DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL & OFFICIAL FAN CLUB

---- DARK SHADOWS: THE FIRST YEAR BOOK
This beautiful book, hot off the press from Blue Whale Books, offers an in-depth, deluxe look at the first 210 episodes with detailed summaries, 100 rare photographs, original production documents, cast list, background information, and a foreword by series writer Ron Sproat. 272 pages, 8 1/2 x 11 softcover with full-color cover. Only $22, including postage.

---- DARK SHADOWS 2007 CALENDAR
Also fresh from the printer, this publication features 15 captivating and crisp DS photographs from the original negatives -- images of Jonathan Frid, David Selby, Don Briscoe, Lara Parker, Grayson Hall, Joan Bennett and other series favorites in character. Only $13.99, including postage. Also - a limited supply of 2006 DARK SHADOWS calendars are still available for reduced price of $10, including postage.

---- NEW DARK SHADOWS NOVEL - THE SALEM BRANCH - AUTOGRAPHED BY AUTHOR LARA PARKER
Just published by Tor Books is a dramatic new DS novel by Lara Parker (alias Angelique), which involves the Salem Witch trials and romantic passions of Barnabas, Angelique, Julia Hoffman and a new character, Antoinette. 286 pages, trade paperback, 6 x 9". Each copy is autographed by Lara Parker. Only $17, including postage. Supply is limited - order now!

---- DARK SHADOWS ACTION FIGURES - BARNABAS & QUENTIN
The first-ever action figures of DS characters, Barnabas Collins in 1795 costume and Quentin Collins in 1897 attire, all made of real cloth clothing and each with display base. (Quentin also comes with interchangeable werewolf head.) These handsome and authentic creations are 12" high and come in full-color collectible boxes with display window and Velcro front cover flap. (Please note that the Barnabas modern day version has been sold out by the manufacturer. The only two figures available are the ones listed here.) Each action figure -- Barnabas 1795 or Quentin 1897 - - is only $45, including postage or buy both for reduced rate of $85.

---- NEW DARK SHADOWS AUDIO DRAMA COMPACT DISCS WITH ORIGINAL CAST
A legend is reborn! Big Finish Productions presents two just issued, all-new suspense stories reuniting the original DS cast, including David Selby, Lara Parker, John Karlen, Kathryn Leigh Scott and Robert Rodan. These attractively packaged, authorized audio dramas include original DS music by Robert Cobert with new score added as well as sound effects. "The House Of Despair" (CD #1) and "The Book Of Temptation" (CD#2) are available for only $17 each, including postage.

---- ONE-OF-A-KIND 16mm DARK SHADOWS EPISODE KINESCOPE NEGATIVES
As a limited-time offer, the original ABC-TV 16mm kinescope negatives of DARK SHADOWS episodes are now available for purchase. Although the 1966-71 series was videotaped, ABC created filmed "kinescope" copies
for distribution to remote and smaller stations who aired the show on a delayed basis, not showing the "live" network feed or able to videotape for a later broadcast. Only one negative was created for each episode, and multiple prints were made from that negative to distribute across the country and ultimately for dubbing into Spanish for Latin America. But there was only one negative made for each episode and that unique negative is now offered for sale. These one-of-a-kind collectibles, which feature all the original commercials and promos as aired on ABC, consist of two separate reels, one of the picture and one of the optical sound, inside a film can with ABC-TV paperwork and logo. Episodes will be selected at random. These will go fast, so order now -- only $25 each, including shipping.

---- SPECIAL OFFER -- Receive a FREE Quentin promotional-only trading card, autographed by David Selby, with any order, while supplies last!

**** TO ORDER, send payment to:

DARK SHADOWS, P.O. BOX 92, MAPLEWOOD, NJ 07040.

When ordering multiple items, please send one check or money order. These are the only forms of payment accepted by the Dark Shadows Festival.

Please note: Souvenir program books of the DS 40th Anniversary Celebration are sold out and not available for purchase.

--- FAN SHARING: All fans who joined us at the Brooklyn Fest are invited and encouraged to please send their reports and photos to ShadowGram at SG's postal- or e- mail addresses below. These will be shared with SG readers - including the DS cast and crew and fans worldwide - in the published SG newsletters, starting with the upcoming SG #109. A complimentary Contributor's Copy SG print issue is given in thanks for major contributions.

This SG Online DS News Updates List will update all this news and print issue SG #109 will have the latest complete detailed developments, photos, reports, and additional information.

Thank you.

Marcy Robin

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

Orange County station KDOC will begin its new lineup this coming Monday that includes Charlie's Angels at 7 p.m.  Skipping the pilot, it begins with the 1st ep of Season 1.  Kate Jackson starred in the first 3 seasons of the series.

Other appearances:

Cheers will also begin Monday, starting with the pilot ep "Give Me a Ring Sometime" with Michael McGuire (Judah Zachery) in his first appearance as Professor Sloan at 6 p.m.

Michael Cavanaugh (Sheriff Patterson, Andre du Pres 1991) in ep "Deadlock in Parma" in The Rockford Files on Friday at (new time) 10 a.m.

Lara Parker plays a secretary in Quincy M.E.'s "Sullied Be Thy Name" on Friday at (new time) 11 a.m.

Check your listings for the channel number in your area.

NOTE: I attempted to post this to the group Tuesday night, but Yahoo seemed to be "down". I'm trying to send this post again now.

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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 156. August 22, 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.

**** ShadowGram Premiere Announcement:

--- JONATHAN FRID - SPECIAL VIDEO PRESENTATION TO PREMIERE AT DS FESTIVAL

Jonathan (Barnabas, Bramwell) has created a special 40th Anniversary Video that will be screened at the DS Festival this weekend. The video was conceived by Jonathan and his webmaster Mark Lawrence over the last couple of weeks, and was recorded only a few days ago.

Jonathan describes this special video project as follows:

"Guess Who's Still Around? And The Miracle of the Digital Camera

"Jonathan Frid sends greetings to all of you at the 40th celebration of Dark Shadows. Get a look at how this `living-dead' guy of ours is getting along. It seems he's discovered a new medium for drama...the sound, look, and amazing clarity caught by, of all things, his own digital camera.

"Upon seeing this technology for the first time, it was a revelation of how I think I actually look these days. I was more convinced by that than any reflection of mine¢â‚¬¦well, I was going to say¢â‚¬¦ in a mirror¢â‚¬¦ha ha ha".

The actual reading will be a selection from The Wooing of Lady Anne¢â‚¬¦ second of four episodes from Jonathan Frid's Evil Incarnate¢â‚¬¦from William Shakespeare's King Richard III."

Plans call for the video to be available on his official website after the Fest. Website: www.jonathanfrid.com

Jonathan's dramatic reading is one of many selections he included in his various one-man Readers Theatre shows. He developed and performed these programs at auditoriums, theaters, libraries, universities, and other venues across the US and around Toronto, starting in the mid-1980s. His last engagement was in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, in late 2003.

Jonathan uses only the power of the written words, his own vocal talents, and his interpretive body language to create characters, settings, and moods. The dramatic and humorous selections range from Shakespeare through Edgar Allen Poe, Stephen King, Eve Merriam, and other authors, all laced together by his own perceptive observations and commentary. As a trained and experienced Shakespearean actor, he has a keen interest in the playwright's works.

--- DS FESTIVAL: LAST-MINUTE NEWS UPDATE

The 40th Anniversary Celebration is this Update is this weekend, Friday-Sunday, August 25-27, at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams St., Brooklyn, NY 11201. 718-246-7000.

Memberships can be purchased at the door at the following rates:

Adults:
$25 for all 3 days (Children 6-12 are half price).
$15 per day (Children 6-12 are half price).

These are the same rates that were available to advance memberships. (Advance membership reservations via postal-mail reached the cut-off date a few days ago.)

Hours of operation:
Fri., Aug. 25: Registration opens at 4pm. Convention hours: 6pm - 12 Midnight.
Sat., Aug. 26: Convention hours: 11am - 12 midnight.
Sun., Aug. 27: Convention hours: 11am - 6pm.
Banquet With the Stars Dinner: 7pm - 10pm.
This is the traditional closing event for the Fest, with DS guests randomly seated at the tables with the fans, special video screenings, and door prizes. Some tickets will be available at the door.

Additionally, the convention needs a few more volunteers to help in various capacities. Those who can serve 4+ hours are invited to a private party with DS stars. To volunteer, please * immediately * contact Volunteer Coordinator Nina Johnson at: : ds_volunteers@hotmail.com

For a complete schedule of Fest events, go to www.darkshadowsfestival.com Fest details also were announced in recent SG Online Updates to this List.

--- ANNOUNCING: DS 40TH ANNIVERSARY HALLOWEEN-IN-HOLLYWOOD PARTY

Just confirmed is a special West Coast event with the DS stars to be held on Thurs., Oct. 26, at the beautifully-restored historic Vista Theatre in the Los Feliz area of Hollywood, CA.

The evening will include autograph signings, memorabilia sale and auction, plus surprise screenings. More details will be announced soon on this ShadowGram Updates News List, in the upcoming SG #109 print issue, and at www.darkshadowsfestival.com

--- FAN SHARING: All fans attending the Brooklyn Fest and the Halloween-in-Hollywood Party are invited and encouraged to please send their reports and photos, plus media publicity, interviews, and articles, to ShadowGram at SG's postal- or e- mail addresses below. These will be shared with SG readers - including the DS cast and crew and fans worldwide - in the published SG newsletters. A complimentary Contributor's Copy SG print issue is given in thanks for major contributions.

This SG Online DS News Updates List will update all this news and print issue SG #109 will have the latest complete developments, photos, reports, and additional information.


Thank you.

Marcy Robin

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

Happy Birthday to VAM