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Calendar Events / Announcements '16 II / ShadowGram Update #383 -- Halloween in Hollywood; Tarrytown Fest report
« on: July 07, 2016, 10:32:50 PM »
# 1 **** SHADOWGRAM PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT:
“DS 50th ANNIVERSARY – HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD” – OCT. 29-30, 2016
# 2 **** SHADOWGRAM REPORT: DARK SHADOWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – TARRYTOWN, NY – JUNE 24-26, 2016
SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DARK SHADOWS NEWS ONLINE UPDATE # 383
July 6, 2016
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), provides the following news in this ShadowGram Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "Bulletin."
# 1
**** SHADOWGRAM PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT:
“DARK SHADOWS – HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD” EVENT – OCT. 29-30, 2016
ShadowGram is pleased to announce first word about an extra-special Dark Shadows 50th Anniversary encore event in Los Angeles, CA, the weekend of October 29-30, 2016.
“Dark Shadows – Halloween in Hollywood” will include the debut of Lara Parker's new DS novel, “Heiress of Collinwood.”
---- PLEASE NOTE: The above announcement is to encourage interested fans to “mark your calendars now.” NO further details are available at this time. Planning is underway and these free ShadowGram Online Updates will first report definite news as it is finalized.
Please do not attempt to send any money, request tickets, etc., until the specific information is officially announced through these ShadowGram Online Updates in the coming months. Thank you for your cooperation – and your DS enthusiasm!
These ShadowGram Official DS News Online Updates will premiere-announce all confirmed information FIRST through the free ShadowGram Group List at Yahoo.com.
To be among the first to directly receive each ShadowGram News Update in your inbox:
--- If you’re already a Yahoo member, go to the yahoo.com website. Find the GROUPS tab on the main page. Click there, type Shadowgram in the Search box, and click again. It will take you to the Group. Continue from there.
--- If you’re not already a Yahoo member of the ShadowGram Group, please go to http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/ShadowGram/
Then follow the steps to become a Group member.
If you prefer, you can request an invitation, which makes it even easier to receive each Update as it is posted. For an invitation or more information, please send your request with your full name and full email address to Marcy Robin at ShadowGram@aol.com
Once you join the Group or accept the invitation, you will receive the breaking-news Updates via email as they are posted. You also can see past news developments as they happened by reading recent Updates at the ShadowGram Group page at Yahoo.com..
# 2
****REPORTING:
DARK SHADOWS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION –
COMMEMORATING DS’ 5 DECADES WITH CAST, CREW, & FANS
Over the weekend of June 24-26, 2016, an enthusiastic group of approximately 1,300 devotees of "Dark Shadows" (DS) gathered in Tarrytown, NY, to celebrate the original TV show's golden anniversary (DS premiered June 27, 1966). Fans of all ages came from across the U.S. as well as England, Canada, and Australia. They were joined by a dozen of the series' cast members and a trio of the production personnel.
The festivities began on Friday morning and afternoon, June 24, when over 500 fans visited the nearby historic Lyndhurst Estate. Both MGM motion pictures "House of Dark Shadows" (1970) and "Night of Dark Shadows" (1971) were filmed on location there; a number of the TV cast members starred in these movies. Scenes were shot inside the elegant mansion and numerous buildings as well as around the sprawling grounds filled with lush, varied landscaping. Fans taking the guided tours of the mansion interiors were offered a glimpse into the "Collinwood" of the movies – including a rendition of Angelique’s portrait.
Friday evening, the neighboring DoubleTree Hotel welcomed more attendees for a full schedule of free autographs and photo opportunities with our guests, onstage Q&A / reminiscences sessions with the actors, and a range of video screenings lasting through midnight. A wide array of DS merchandise was offered for sale throughout the weekend. Included were books, photos, and CDs from the guests, a wide range of Big Finish Productions’ wonderful DS audio dramas on CD, and premiering 50th anniversary collectibles from MPI Home Video: a retro-styled, color-illustrated DS lunchbox, a commemorative T-shirt and hoodie, and much more.
Saturday, June 25, brought a full day of activities. Our guests again were available for free autographs and photo opportunities during the day.
Beginning at 11:00am were DS-themed fan videos. Next was a DS News / Q&A audience discussion with Marcy Robin, longtime editor of the recognized ShadowGram Official DS News Online Updates and the ShadowGram Official DS Published Newsletter.
During her session, Marcy also announced that expected guests Mitchell Ryan, Donna McKechnie, and Kathy Cody were unable to attend and sent their regrets to everyone. Following were talks from Wallace McBride of The Collinsport Historical Society website and associate Patrick McCray.
A rare video treat shown during the afternoon was a long-lost live television broadcast of the drama "The House" by Art Wallace. It had not been seen since its only TV airing in the 1950s. In 1966, Art worked with Dan Curtis to create the original “story bible” for DS. This is a compilation of possible storylines, characters, tones, settings, etc., for the proposed TV show that ultimately became “Dark Shadows.” Thus those watching the screening could recognize how certain characters and situations were adapted from "The House" to become part of DS.
Then original DS production staff members Nick Besink (video engineer), Henry Plimack (audio engineer), and Daniel Morgan (stage manager) fronted an insightful panel that focused on the behind-the-scenes aspects of getting the daily DS episodes on the air.
The afternoon continued with the first of 2 charity auctions. Many rare and unique DS items were offered for open bidding, with proceeds benefiting the Lyndhurst Estate, a National Historic Trust site. Among the highlights were Josette's Music Box reproductions and a script from Lara Parker's first DS episode.
“Dark Shadows Lives” brought onstage David Darlington and associates of England’s Big Finish Productions. They discussed BFP’s excellent ongoing series of new DS audio dramas starring many of the original cast members and others. Then Mary O'Leary and Will McKinley, former business associates of Jonathan Frid, presented an insightful and affectionate tribute to Jonathan, recalling the creation and performances of his one-man Readers Theatre live shows that he toured across the country in the 1980s and 1990s.
Next DS actors David Selby, John Karlen, Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Jerry Lacy, Marie Wallace, Sharon Smyth, Donna Wandrey, James Storm, Chris Pennock, and Roger Davis gathered on stage. After saluting DS’ 50th anniversary with flutes of champagne, they informed fans of their latest endeavors and answered a wide range of questions from the audience. Afterward, Chris read excerpts from one of his comic books.
That evening, Nancy Barrett reprised her role of “Carolyn Stoddard” in a humorous Collinsport Players fan skit entitled "Séance Fiction," written by Jay Keaveny and directed by Richard Halpern. Next, over two dozen fans dressed as their favorite DS or horror characters came onstage, individually or in small groups, for the “for fun” Costume Celebration, emceed by Coordinator Marcy Robin. Participants shared their DS enthusiasm and creativity in a delightful variety of characters, costumes, recitations, songs, and more – all just for fun. The event was capped when the onstage costumed participants were surprised: They were joined by Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker, each wearing period attire as Josette and Angelique. The evening activities continued as Sharon Smyth shared with the fans some ghost stories and a short horror film in which she stars.
Sunday, June 26, began with more free guest autographs and photo opportunities that later continued in the afternoon. At 11:30am, the “Luncheon with the Stars” opened. Fans and guests were seated at tables throughout the hotel ballroom. A variety of door prizes were awarded prior to an afternoon of guests’ stage performances and special video presentations.
First, Nancy Barrett teamed with David Selby to sing and dance to their DS signature song, "I Wanna Dance with You," which was featured in DS’ 1897 storyline. David then requested the audience hum along as he recited "Shadows of the Night," the lyrics for "Quentin's Theme." Next, James Storm played his guitar and sang a selection of folk-roots songs before auctioning off one of his evocative black-and-white framed nature photographs to benefit a Native American educational organization in which he is involved. Kathryn Leigh Scott read a segment from her new autobiographical book "Last Dance at the Savoy" prior to the auction of her original Maggie Evans’ waitress costume and saddle shoes from DS’ first episode, plus various hair extensions she used on the show. These were offered to support CurePSP, the affliction which claimed the life of her late husband, Geoff Miller.
Filmmaker Ansel Faraj presented a pair of short films with DS cast members in both mysterious and humorous stories – including one in which “vampire” Chris Pennock conducts a job interview for a potential servant: the “very experienced” John Karlen. Then came a taped segment of Lara and Kathryn costumed as Angelique and Josette, shot on location in St. Pierre, Martinique. Finally, a “Dark Shadows in Remembrance” retrospective honored those cast and production members who have passed.
All Luncheon attendees received complementary DS books and DVDs courtesy of MPI and Hermes Press. They also could bid on more DS collectibles in another charity auction to further benefit Kathryn and Jim's causes.
Afterward, the actors signed autographs and posed for photos. Fans also could browse the wide variety of available merchandise. At 5:00, many fans departed for an optional DS-focused guided tour of nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, also used for location filming for the 1970 and 1971 DS movies. Finally, the Anniversary Celebration weekend was extended as many fans lingered well into the night to talk, visit, and share about DS.
The weekend was indeed a fitting finale to a festive 3 days of honoring half a century of “Dark Shadows.”
Since we held the first DS Festival in 1983, the Fests always have been “by the fans, for the fans, with the fans.” Countless lasting friendships, shared experiences, common interests, creativity, and much more result at every Fest. Here’s to many more together!
“DS 50th ANNIVERSARY – HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD” – OCT. 29-30, 2016
# 2 **** SHADOWGRAM REPORT: DARK SHADOWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – TARRYTOWN, NY – JUNE 24-26, 2016
SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DARK SHADOWS NEWS ONLINE UPDATE # 383
July 6, 2016
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), provides the following news in this ShadowGram Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "Bulletin."
# 1
**** SHADOWGRAM PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT:
“DARK SHADOWS – HALLOWEEN IN HOLLYWOOD” EVENT – OCT. 29-30, 2016
ShadowGram is pleased to announce first word about an extra-special Dark Shadows 50th Anniversary encore event in Los Angeles, CA, the weekend of October 29-30, 2016.
“Dark Shadows – Halloween in Hollywood” will include the debut of Lara Parker's new DS novel, “Heiress of Collinwood.”
---- PLEASE NOTE: The above announcement is to encourage interested fans to “mark your calendars now.” NO further details are available at this time. Planning is underway and these free ShadowGram Online Updates will first report definite news as it is finalized.
Please do not attempt to send any money, request tickets, etc., until the specific information is officially announced through these ShadowGram Online Updates in the coming months. Thank you for your cooperation – and your DS enthusiasm!
These ShadowGram Official DS News Online Updates will premiere-announce all confirmed information FIRST through the free ShadowGram Group List at Yahoo.com.
To be among the first to directly receive each ShadowGram News Update in your inbox:
--- If you’re already a Yahoo member, go to the yahoo.com website. Find the GROUPS tab on the main page. Click there, type Shadowgram in the Search box, and click again. It will take you to the Group. Continue from there.
--- If you’re not already a Yahoo member of the ShadowGram Group, please go to http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/ShadowGram/
Then follow the steps to become a Group member.
If you prefer, you can request an invitation, which makes it even easier to receive each Update as it is posted. For an invitation or more information, please send your request with your full name and full email address to Marcy Robin at ShadowGram@aol.com
Once you join the Group or accept the invitation, you will receive the breaking-news Updates via email as they are posted. You also can see past news developments as they happened by reading recent Updates at the ShadowGram Group page at Yahoo.com..
# 2
****REPORTING:
DARK SHADOWS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION –
COMMEMORATING DS’ 5 DECADES WITH CAST, CREW, & FANS
Over the weekend of June 24-26, 2016, an enthusiastic group of approximately 1,300 devotees of "Dark Shadows" (DS) gathered in Tarrytown, NY, to celebrate the original TV show's golden anniversary (DS premiered June 27, 1966). Fans of all ages came from across the U.S. as well as England, Canada, and Australia. They were joined by a dozen of the series' cast members and a trio of the production personnel.
The festivities began on Friday morning and afternoon, June 24, when over 500 fans visited the nearby historic Lyndhurst Estate. Both MGM motion pictures "House of Dark Shadows" (1970) and "Night of Dark Shadows" (1971) were filmed on location there; a number of the TV cast members starred in these movies. Scenes were shot inside the elegant mansion and numerous buildings as well as around the sprawling grounds filled with lush, varied landscaping. Fans taking the guided tours of the mansion interiors were offered a glimpse into the "Collinwood" of the movies – including a rendition of Angelique’s portrait.
Friday evening, the neighboring DoubleTree Hotel welcomed more attendees for a full schedule of free autographs and photo opportunities with our guests, onstage Q&A / reminiscences sessions with the actors, and a range of video screenings lasting through midnight. A wide array of DS merchandise was offered for sale throughout the weekend. Included were books, photos, and CDs from the guests, a wide range of Big Finish Productions’ wonderful DS audio dramas on CD, and premiering 50th anniversary collectibles from MPI Home Video: a retro-styled, color-illustrated DS lunchbox, a commemorative T-shirt and hoodie, and much more.
Saturday, June 25, brought a full day of activities. Our guests again were available for free autographs and photo opportunities during the day.
Beginning at 11:00am were DS-themed fan videos. Next was a DS News / Q&A audience discussion with Marcy Robin, longtime editor of the recognized ShadowGram Official DS News Online Updates and the ShadowGram Official DS Published Newsletter.
During her session, Marcy also announced that expected guests Mitchell Ryan, Donna McKechnie, and Kathy Cody were unable to attend and sent their regrets to everyone. Following were talks from Wallace McBride of The Collinsport Historical Society website and associate Patrick McCray.
A rare video treat shown during the afternoon was a long-lost live television broadcast of the drama "The House" by Art Wallace. It had not been seen since its only TV airing in the 1950s. In 1966, Art worked with Dan Curtis to create the original “story bible” for DS. This is a compilation of possible storylines, characters, tones, settings, etc., for the proposed TV show that ultimately became “Dark Shadows.” Thus those watching the screening could recognize how certain characters and situations were adapted from "The House" to become part of DS.
Then original DS production staff members Nick Besink (video engineer), Henry Plimack (audio engineer), and Daniel Morgan (stage manager) fronted an insightful panel that focused on the behind-the-scenes aspects of getting the daily DS episodes on the air.
The afternoon continued with the first of 2 charity auctions. Many rare and unique DS items were offered for open bidding, with proceeds benefiting the Lyndhurst Estate, a National Historic Trust site. Among the highlights were Josette's Music Box reproductions and a script from Lara Parker's first DS episode.
“Dark Shadows Lives” brought onstage David Darlington and associates of England’s Big Finish Productions. They discussed BFP’s excellent ongoing series of new DS audio dramas starring many of the original cast members and others. Then Mary O'Leary and Will McKinley, former business associates of Jonathan Frid, presented an insightful and affectionate tribute to Jonathan, recalling the creation and performances of his one-man Readers Theatre live shows that he toured across the country in the 1980s and 1990s.
Next DS actors David Selby, John Karlen, Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Jerry Lacy, Marie Wallace, Sharon Smyth, Donna Wandrey, James Storm, Chris Pennock, and Roger Davis gathered on stage. After saluting DS’ 50th anniversary with flutes of champagne, they informed fans of their latest endeavors and answered a wide range of questions from the audience. Afterward, Chris read excerpts from one of his comic books.
That evening, Nancy Barrett reprised her role of “Carolyn Stoddard” in a humorous Collinsport Players fan skit entitled "Séance Fiction," written by Jay Keaveny and directed by Richard Halpern. Next, over two dozen fans dressed as their favorite DS or horror characters came onstage, individually or in small groups, for the “for fun” Costume Celebration, emceed by Coordinator Marcy Robin. Participants shared their DS enthusiasm and creativity in a delightful variety of characters, costumes, recitations, songs, and more – all just for fun. The event was capped when the onstage costumed participants were surprised: They were joined by Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker, each wearing period attire as Josette and Angelique. The evening activities continued as Sharon Smyth shared with the fans some ghost stories and a short horror film in which she stars.
Sunday, June 26, began with more free guest autographs and photo opportunities that later continued in the afternoon. At 11:30am, the “Luncheon with the Stars” opened. Fans and guests were seated at tables throughout the hotel ballroom. A variety of door prizes were awarded prior to an afternoon of guests’ stage performances and special video presentations.
First, Nancy Barrett teamed with David Selby to sing and dance to their DS signature song, "I Wanna Dance with You," which was featured in DS’ 1897 storyline. David then requested the audience hum along as he recited "Shadows of the Night," the lyrics for "Quentin's Theme." Next, James Storm played his guitar and sang a selection of folk-roots songs before auctioning off one of his evocative black-and-white framed nature photographs to benefit a Native American educational organization in which he is involved. Kathryn Leigh Scott read a segment from her new autobiographical book "Last Dance at the Savoy" prior to the auction of her original Maggie Evans’ waitress costume and saddle shoes from DS’ first episode, plus various hair extensions she used on the show. These were offered to support CurePSP, the affliction which claimed the life of her late husband, Geoff Miller.
Filmmaker Ansel Faraj presented a pair of short films with DS cast members in both mysterious and humorous stories – including one in which “vampire” Chris Pennock conducts a job interview for a potential servant: the “very experienced” John Karlen. Then came a taped segment of Lara and Kathryn costumed as Angelique and Josette, shot on location in St. Pierre, Martinique. Finally, a “Dark Shadows in Remembrance” retrospective honored those cast and production members who have passed.
All Luncheon attendees received complementary DS books and DVDs courtesy of MPI and Hermes Press. They also could bid on more DS collectibles in another charity auction to further benefit Kathryn and Jim's causes.
Afterward, the actors signed autographs and posed for photos. Fans also could browse the wide variety of available merchandise. At 5:00, many fans departed for an optional DS-focused guided tour of nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, also used for location filming for the 1970 and 1971 DS movies. Finally, the Anniversary Celebration weekend was extended as many fans lingered well into the night to talk, visit, and share about DS.
The weekend was indeed a fitting finale to a festive 3 days of honoring half a century of “Dark Shadows.”
Since we held the first DS Festival in 1983, the Fests always have been “by the fans, for the fans, with the fans.” Countless lasting friendships, shared experiences, common interests, creativity, and much more result at every Fest. Here’s to many more together!
