Announcement from Chad Hopkins:

We are happy to announce the FRIENDS OF 91 DARK SHADOWS REUNION II.

This fundraiser, for Lockwood-Matthews Mansion (House of Dark Shadows shooting location), will take place on Friday, June 26th and Saturday, June 27th, 2015 at the Double Tree Hotel in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Festivities include a BUS TRIP to Essex, Connecticut (home of Maggie Evans Cottage and The Collinsport Inn); Mini tours of Lockwood Matthews Mansion; Q&A Sessions with Dark Shadows Stars; Autographs and Raffles with a grand prize chance to explore the closed off Basement of Lockwood Matthews Mansion.

Flyer and Registration form with payment information to follow soon. Availability is EXTREMELY LIMITED, so it is first come, first serve event.

For updates, please join our mailing list at FO91DS@yahoo.com.

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 353
March 31, 2015
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "bulletin."
 
 
*** FANS INVITED TO SEND GET-WELL WISHES TO JERRY LACY’S MOTHER
 
*** “BEST OF ANGELIQUE” & “BEST OF QUENTIN” DVD RELEASE DATES
 
 
**** JERRY LACY’S MOM RECOVERING FROM A FALL
 
Jerry’s mother Mary Lacy is 97. She fell recently and broke bones in her arm. She’s recuperating at a rehabilitation center.
 
Jerry has asked if his DS friends would be kind enough to send notes and/or cards to his mom. She's in a rehab facility in Texas.

Mary Lacy
c/o Heritage Oaks West
3300 W. 2nd Ave.
Corsicana, TX 75110

Thank you.
 
SG thanks Gloria Lillibridge for providing this information. Gloria ran Jerry’s fan club during and after DS originally aired and frequently visited the DS studio. Over the years she’s shared many of the personal photos she took there. She continues to assist Jerry when he guests at the DS Festivals and other events. She is and has always been a great lady herself. Thanks, Gloria!
 
Please send your get-well notes or cards to:
 
Mary Lacy
c/o Heritage Oaks West
3300 W. 2nd Ave.
Corsicana, TX 75110
 
Jerry was DS’ Tony Peterson, Rev. Trask, Gregory Trask, Mr. Trask, and Lamar Trask.
 
 
**** NEW DS COMPILATION DVDS DUE THIS SUMMER
 
SG Update #345 (1-26-15) announced that MPI will release 2 new “Best of” compilation DVDs: “The Best of Quentin” and the “Best of Angelique.”
 
Each separate DVD is a collection of full episodes that follow each character’s development and spotlight key points in their storylines. DAVID SELBY (Quentin) and LARA PARKER (Angelique) recently recorded introductions for each episode.
 
MPI tells SG the 2 DVDs expect release 8-18-15.
 
The episodes for each DVD are:
 
DARK SHADOWS - The Best of Angelique
                         
1. Episode #368/369 : In the year 1795, vengeful witch Angelique arrives at Collinwood from Martinique.             
2. Episode #405: Angelique places a vampire curse on Barnabas Collins after he shoots her.                                                 
3. Episode #477: In 1968, Angelique appears to Barnabas in a dream to announce a new vampire curse.
4. Episode #499: An aged Cassandra arrives when artist Sam Evans alters the ancient portrait of Angelique.
5. Episode #606: As a vampire, Angelique attacks Barnabas while he is again a mortal.
6. Episode #852: In 1897, Angelique pursues a romance with Quentin, and Lady Kitty has a frightening dream.
7. Episode #1003: During Parallel Time 1970, the evil Angelique poses as her twin sister Alexis.
8. Episode #1130: In 1840, Angelique appears and announces that she is Barnabas' wife.
9. Episode #1140: Angelique recalls when, as Miranda DuVal, she testified against the warlock Judah Zachary.
DARK SHADOWS - The Best of Quentin
           
1. Episode #694: In 1969, the Collins family abandons Collinwood, which is haunted by the ghost of Quentin Collins.
2. Episode #714: In the year 1897, Quentin learns his family's fate with the reading of his grandmother's will.
3. Episode #722: Angelique resurrects Quentin as a zombie, who then possesses young Jamison.
4. Episode #786: Under a werewolf curse, Quentin recites “Shadows of the Night” in Charity Trask's nightmare.
5. Episode #836: In 1969, the ghost of Beth Chavez reveals how Quentin died in 1897.           
6. Episode #905: Closely resembling Quentin, Grant Douglas appears in Collinsport, suffering from amnesia.
7. Episode #984: During Parallel Time 1970, Quentin and his bride Maggie struggle with the supernatural.
8. Episode #1065: In 1995. Barnabas Collins and Dr. Julia Hoffman discover Quentin has gone insane.                           
9. Episode #1129: In 1840, Quentin reveals to Barnabas the history of the evil warlock Judah Zachary.

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 350
March 18, 2015
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "bulletin."
 
**** DS INCLUDED IN   METV.COM    ONLINE VIEWER POLL
**** DAVID SELBY & SUSAN SULLIVAN  – 2014 PLAY HONORED
**** DAVID SELBY’S 2 NEW BOOKS PUBLISHED  -
AUTOGRAPHED COPIES NOW AVAILABLE
**** CHRIS PENNOCK IN ONE-DAY-ONLY PLAY PERFORMANCE
**** EMORY BASS PASSES AWAY
 
 
**** DS PART OF “MOST MEMORABLE PROGRAM” VOTER POLL ON ME-TV
 
The MeTV cable network’s “2015 Me Madness” pits 64 TV shows against each other in a viewer-votes bracket-style competition for “The Most Memorable Program on MeTV.”
 
--- SHADOWGRAM NOTE: Though DS episodes are not (and never have been) aired on the cable network, DS is included in the competition listings.
 
MeTV.com publicity: “Your votes will crown the Most Memorable Program on MeTV!
 
Vote now as “64 programs from our library will compete in a bracket style competition for the distinction of Most Memorable Program on MeTV. We’ll air episodes of the winning show in a special viewing event to be held on Tuesday, April 7.
 
“Register now to make your votes count! Download our bracket to see our round schedule, and follow the competition offline.” Register and vote at the MeTV website: http://metvnetwork.com/me_madness
 
The bracket-style rounds, similar to the annual “March Madness” collegiate basketball tournaments, puts up 2 TV shows at a time in each round. Getting the most email votes in a round will eliminate one program of the pair and move the winning show to the next bracket. Thus the competition is narrowed down each round. Every individual winner then goes up against another round’s winner the next time. Winning programs must keep earning repeat voting successes until the 2 last-remaining shows vie in a final round. That winner then is designated the ultimate “Most Memorable Program on MeTV.”
 
 
**** DAVID SELBY & SUSAN SULLIVAN: “A DELICATE BALANCE” HONORED
 
SG Updates chronicled David (Quentin) and Susan (Ghost) in the 5-3/6-15-14 revival run of Edward Albee’s 1967 Pulitzer Prize-winning play “A Delicate Balance” (ADB), presented at Los Angeles’ Odyssey Theatre. The production earned great critical reviews and has already been honored with local awards and nominations. Latest news:
 
--- The LA Drama Critics Circle Awards gave ADB its McCulloh Award for Revival (for plays written between 1920 and 1980) at the 3-16 ceremony.

--- The 1st Annual Stage Raw Los Angeles Theater Awards nominated ADB for 4 awards. “Honoring professional excellence in Los Angeles County theaters of up to 99 seats for the 2014 calendar year,” the ceremony will be held in Los Angeles 4-13. ADB’s nominations are: DAVID SELBY – Leading Male Performance; Ensemble Cast, Director Robin Larsen; and the Revival Production Of The Year Award (20th-21st-century work).
 
 
**** DAVID SELBY: NEW DS BOOK & NEW NOVEL NOW AVAILABLE
 
SG Update #348 (2-27-15) focused on David’s 2 latest books. Both are now available. When ordered through his official website, each can be personally autographed.
 
http://davidselby.com/books/orderinginformation.htm
 
The website also offers his previous books. These also can be personally autographed.
 
--- “LIGHT & SHADOWS” is his personal tribute to DS – its impact on his life and career and, especially, his appreciation and thanks to the DS fans over the years. Featured are his comments and original song lyrics for the musical performances he presented at the DS Festival’s “DS Island Weekend” in Coronado, CA 4-30-13, and again at the Fest’s “Weekend in Tarrytown” in Tarrytown, NY 6-29-14. At both performances, he was accompanied by his wife Chip on piano and DS’ Jim Storm on guitar. The book also has “dozens of rare and previously-unpublished photos from his life and career.”
 
“PROMISES OF LOVE,” his novel “about a family,” is published by Headline Books. Set in the Appalachian Mountains of David’s home state West Virginia, it follows a man through his life. Partial Press Release: “A deeply felt story of love, the novel examines the boundaries of a family, of its secrets, of the complex web family relationships can weave. Finally, the novel examines the damage that abandonment, poverty, and childhood neglect can do to a human personality, damage that sometimes cannot be overcome.”
 
Kindle download e-book and paperbacks are available now on amazon.com at
Kindle:   http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TZFEE4E
 
Paperback:   http://www.amazon.com/Promises-Love-David-Selby/dp/0938467778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424011186&sr=8-1&keywords=promises+of+love+selby
 
 
**** CHRIS IN “INTERVIEWED” AS A REAL (DECEASED) ARTIST”
 
Chris tells SG he portrays the real French-American painter “’Marcel Duchamp” in DEAD INTERVIEWS 4-17 at Studio Six01 in Burbank, CA. s. Duchamp was a French-American painter in the avant-garde and abstract art styles.
Publicity: “Brilliant authors were commissioned by Granta to write an “interview” with their favorite dead celebrity. The results created a sensational book with hilarious interviews” Five actors portray deceased artists in various fields who “come back from the dead with hilarious results.” The other interviewed artists are the Marquis de Sade, Andy Warhol, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jimi Hendrix.
 
Tickets are $20 purchased before 4-3-15. Studio Six01. 630 S. Flower St., Burbank, CA 91502. 323-639-0451. http://www.six01studio.com
 
 
--- EMORY BASS (Mr. Best aka Death / Minister 1841 PT) was 89 when he died 3-4-15 in Woodland Hills, CA. His career included stage, film, and TV roles TV: HART TO HART, WEBSTER, MURDER SHE WROTE, and a recurring character on ANGIE. He was the voice of Discover Card for 3 years. Theater: TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON, WOMAN OF THE YEAR, and 1776 (also the film). 1776 onstage and film both also starred DS’ VIRGINIA VESTOFF (Samantha), DAVID FORD (Sam Evans, Andre DuPres), and DANIEL KEYES (Eagle Hill Cemetery Caretaker).
 
Thank you.
Marcy Robin

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 348
February 27, 2015
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "bulletin."
 
 
*** MARIE WALLACE’S “UNUSUAL” CHARACTER IN SHORT ONLINE FILM
*** DAVID SELBY’S NEW NOVEL: KINDLE DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE NOW
*** DONNA McKECHNIE RETURNS TO BROADWAY AS A “STAR STANDBY”
*** BIG FINISH DS AUDIO DRAMAS: 2015 RELEASE SCHEDULE
 
 
**** MARIE WALLACE IN AN ONLINE COMMERCIAL COMPANY FILM
 
Marie (Eve, Jenny Collins, Megan Todd, Danielle Roget) recently told SG she did an industrial film for the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, an organization that represents the interests of American companies that specialize in commercial production. Her film runs just over a minute and she says it should be on the internet for a year.
 
Marie is seen wearing a long, straight, graying wig and a business-like dress, seated in a professional office setting (though there’s an unusual decoration on her desk). An off-camera voice asks her for advice on “the future of advertising.” Her reply seems rather odd – and then the words “Tiffany Rolfe-35 years from now” appear. Marie’s seen again in the same setting. She mentions a couple of advertising accomplishments that “set a high standard for my career.” So she “developed a process called Brand Magic” that clearly “worked” for her. With a sly smile, she reveals exactly what actually will bring “brand awareness, consumer loyalty.”
 
SG won’t spoil this “process” and its foundation – but there’s a DS-ian twist. The final taglines are for AICP: “Craft Your Legacy. We’ll Protect It.”
 
Marie says fans can see the film now on the AICP website AICP.com and then “look in the Video Library for “Tiffany Rolfe-35 Years From Now.”
It's also on the AICP Facebook page and she says fans can click "like it if you like it.” 
It's also on YouTube at http://youtu.be/RU-V8DAfiXg  or   https://www.youtube.com/watc?v=RU-V8DAfiXg&feature=youtu.be
 
 
**** DAVID SELBY “PROMISES OF LOVE” IN DOWNLOAD & PRINT
 
David’s (Quentin) new novel about a family is “Promises of Love.” His wife Chip tells ShadowGram it’s now available as a Kindle download e-book on amazon.com
 
There is a special reduced price of $.99 per download for a very limited time. The paperback book (“estimated 299 pages”) is due for release in March and will be $15.12 on amazon.com
 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TZFEE4E
 
The pictured book cover has the tagline: “Small town drama with powerful characters you will never forget!”
________________________________________
--- Book Description:
“A product of usually beautiful but sometimes cruel southern Appalachia, Daniel Friend overcomes poverty, abuse, and personal tragedy to establish an identity. Inspired by the strength and love of his older sister, he realizes the power of education to lead him to a life he has imagined for himself— the pinnacle of his ambition is to graduate from Harvard University. That he does not get this opportunity, devastating as it is to his life plan, does not prevent him from becoming a beloved doctor, loving husband and father. Although well-meaning, he stumbles in his relationship with his two children as he tries to interject his own preferences into their lives. A deeply felt story of love, the novel examines the boundaries of a family, of its secrets, of the complex web family relationships can weave. Finally, the novel examines the damage that abandonment, poverty, and childhood neglect can do to a human personality, damage that sometimes cannot be overcome.”
 
--- About the Author
“David Selby was born and educated in West Virginia. A veteran of stage, screen, and television, including such popular series as Dark Shadows and Falcon Crest, the actor and author pens his newest novel, Promises of Love. In 1989, he was honored as a distinguished alumnus of West Virginia University and was given the first Life Achievement Award from the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts. He received the distinguished West Virginian Award from the state in 2002. In 2004, he received an honorary doctorate from West Virginia University. He and his wife fund a guest artist series at West Virginia University, and he has made many guest appearances around the state. David is a member of the Cleveland Playhouse Hall of Fame, and in May 1992, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the College of Communications and Fine Arts at Southern Illinois University, where he had earlier earned a PhD. In 1999 he received the Millennium Recognition Award from the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC. He lives with his family in California. For more information, visit DavidSelby.com
 
Product Details
File Size: 981 KB
Print Length: 299 pages
Publisher: Headline Books (February 24, 2015)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00TZFEE4E
Text-to-Speech: Enabled

 
 
**** DONNA McKECHNIE ON BROADWAY AS “STANDBY” FOR CHITA RIVERA
 
Theater media announced 2-26 that Donna (Amanda, Olivia) will be “standby” for Chita Rivera in the new musical THE VISIT at Broadway’s Lyceum Theater. Previews begin 3-26 and the opening date is 4-23.
 
Donna is a multi-faceted dancer/singer/actress who won the 1975 Tony Award as “Cassie” in A CHORUS LINE – a character based on her own personal life and performing experiences. She’s won Drama Desk and other awards for  productions in the US and England. She’s created her ever-evolving autobiographical one-woman musical showcase that candidly explores her life and career through her own commentary with selected songs and dances.
 
Chita Rivera also is an acclaimed dancer/singer/actress who’s performed in many classic stage musicals, including special programs like “Chita  & All That Jazz” and “Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life.” She is the first Hispanic woman and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honors Award (2002). She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
 
Playbill 2-26: “Donna McKechnie Makes Killer Plans for Rare Broadway VISIT.” She’s “been announced as standby for another legend, Chita Rivera, in the upcoming Broadway musical THE VISIT…. Producer Tom Kirdahy: "Who else could go on for a Broadway legend like Ms. Rivera but another Broadway legend? The tradition of an actor standing by, should the star not be able to perform, though unlikely in Ms. Rivera's case, has been turned on its ear by this news. We are ecstatic that Donna is joining our company.”
 
Donna, 72, “has worked steadily in theatre around the U.S. and London in the 40 years since ACL premiered.” Her most recent Broadway role was STATE FAIR in 1996. “She will stand by for the 82-year-old Rivera, who plays Claire Zachanassian, a wealthy courtesan who returns to the small village where she grew up in order to destroy the man who robbed her of her virtue when she was a girl. It’s based on the 1958 drama of the same title by Swiss author Friedrich Dürrenmatt.
 
Early publicity: “Based on the satirical play” created from the novel, it’s “about greed, love, and one woman’s carefully plotted revenge. The oft-widowed Claire…richest woman in the world, returns to the hardship-stricken town of her birth. The locals pray that her wealth will bring them a new lease on life, but her arrival carries a dreadful price…. Sardonic and morally complex, (it) asks ‘What can your heart afford?’” Kirdahy: It “is a master work. Fascinating, visceral, and haunting, (it) entertains and challenges in ways that can only be described as thrilling.”
 
http://thevisitmusical.com/
 
Lyceum Theatre, 149 W. 45th St., NYC, NY 10036.  (Between 6th Ave. and Broadway)
Box Office Hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm | Sun: Noon - 6pm
 
--- NOTE: As “standby,” Donna is not starring in specific performances. She rehearses with the cast/crew/orchestra and knows the play, but would be called upon to take over the role should Ms. Rivera be unable to perform. Contact the theater for more information.
 
 
**** BIG FINISH PRODUCTIONS:
2015 DS AUDIO DRAMAS RELEASE SCHEDULE
 
SG Published Newsletters and Online News Updates have announced and detailed these original DS audio dramas on CD since they premiered at the 2006 DS Festival.
 
Each audio drama is a new story set within the 1966-71 DS “universe” – its characters, their relationships, time periods – and the years and centuries not actually shown on the daytime series. Many original series’ cast members reprise their TV characters and/or portray new ones. The dramas are professionally recorded with sound effects and music to help create the atmosphere and encourage listeners to “see” what they are hearing.
 
SG now shares the release schedule through the first half of 2015.
 
January 2015 - Bloodlust Episodes 1-6
February 2015 - Bloodlust Episodes 7-13
 
--- NOTE: BLOODLUST is presented like a daily “soap opera,” in episodes progressing the way the DS TV episodes carried a plot forward day by day. See recent SG Online Updates for details on BLOODLUST, previous, and these new BFP audio dramas.
 
May 2015 - #45 - Panic - with David Selby & Susan Sullivan
June 2015 - #46 - The Curse of Shurafa - Barnabas and Julia storyline
July 2015 - #47 - And Red All Over - Mitchell Ryan & Kathryn Leigh Scott
August 2015 - story #48 - to be announced
September 2015 - #49 - to be announced
October 2015 - #50 - to be announced
 
--- NOTE: These are the first DS audio dramas starring MITCH (Burke Devlin) and SUSAN (Ghost).
 
The Dark Shadows Festival has available a variety of the audio dramas autographed by the DS stars, all exclusively by mail-order. Please send check or money order only. Sorry, credit cards and PayPal can not be accepted.
 
Dark Shadows Festival
P.O. Box 92
Maplewood, NJ 07040
www.darkshadowsfestival.com
 
The audio dramas are also available from http://www.bigfinish.com/hubs/v/dark-shadows and amazon.com.

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 349
March 4, 2015
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "bulletin."
 
 
**** LARA PARKER-RECORDING HER DS NOVELS
**** LISA RICHARDS ONSTAGE IN PLAY
**** SHADOWGRAM SOON TO ANNOUNCE PREIMINARY PLANS FOR THE DS FESTIVAL’S DARK SHADOWS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
 
 
**** LARA’S 3 DS NOVELS SOON AVAILABLE ON CD & DOWNLOADS
 
Lara (Angelique, Cassandra, Alexis, Catherine) has written 3 novels for Tor Books, each with intertwining streams: a story set in DS’ approximate late 1960s-early/mid-1970s time period blending with a flashback story exploring characters’ earlier lives. Original and TV characters and their histories are presented, revealing connections across the centuries.
 
In late Feb., Lara began recording the first book in complete, unabridged form.  She’s currently doing “Angelique’s Descent,” soon to be followed by “The Salem Branch,” then “Wolf Moon Rising.” These are being produced through Audible, An Amazon Company.
 
Several more sessions are scheduled in a Los Angeles recording studio. Each audio book then will be released individually, once the multiple sessions are done and the work of assembling and editing the material together is completed.
 
When released, each book will be available as a download and on compact discs. Ordering information will be announced closer to the confirmed release date.
 
Lara’s first book ANGELIQUE’S DESCENT (1998) is her story of Angelique’s life, from being a young girl worshipped as a goddess-on-earth through her training in magic and dark arts, encounters with Barnabas Collins in Martinique, then coming to Collinsport as maidservant to the DuPres family in 1795-1796 and meeting Barnabas again – all from Angelique’s point of view. There also is a contemporary story of the fate of the Old House – and its new owner.
 
THE SALEM BRANCH (2006) details her earlier incarnation (introduced briefly on DS) as a free-spirited witch in the late 1600s – and the period of the Salem Witch Trials in Salem, Massachusetts. Running concurrently is a contemporary story furthering the Collins family’s and Angelique’s lives together over 400 years.
 
In WOLF MOON RISING (2013), Barnabas faces an unusual new vampire as he also copes with what his own undead existence has wrought – and who now threatens that existence. At the same time, a teenaged David Collins finds a love that soon carries him back to the 1920s Prohibition era, where a young, flamboyant Elizabeth Collins, her father, her very special and unusual love, all are entangled with the critical location of a magical portrait missing in contemporary times.
 
Audible was founded in 1998, purchased by Amazon in 2008, and in 2012 launched Whispersync for Voice, which allows readers to switch between reading a Kindle book and listening to the corresponding audio book at whatever point where the curser is on the Kindle or reading device. Audible players are available for Apple iPhones, iPods, Androids, and Windows Phone devices.
 
More information about Audible is found on its website: http://www.audible.com/t1/30trial_at?source_code=GO1GBSH060214909Y&mkwid=sLF8lA848_dc&pcrid=51277589529&pmt=b&pkw=%2Baudible.&gclid=CIGDq9WukMQCFQ0bgQode4kAvQ
 
Additionally, Lara is finishing up her 4th DS novel, “The Heiress of Collinwood.” It’s her story of Victoria Winters’ life before, during, and after she came to Collinwood. The novel is scheduled for publication in 2016 for DS’ 50th Anniversary. (The original daytime series debuted on ABC-TV 6-27-66.)
 
SG thanks Lara and Roy Isbell for their help with this announcement.
 
 
**** LISA RICHARDS IN PLAY AT ICONIC ACTORS STUDIO WEST
 
Lisa (Sabrina Stuart) tells SG she has “a small but nice part” as “sex therapist Madame Yoda” in the play GOOD IN BED at the iconic Actors Studio West. “It runs Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00, through March 14.
 
Actors Studio West, 8341 DeLongpre Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069.  323-654-7125.
 
“The Actors Studio was formed to provide a place where professional actors could work together between jobs or during long runs to continue to develop their craft and to experiment with new forms in creative theatre work. Many known and renowned actors have benefited from their membership with the Actors Studio. Membership is a commitment that affords a place for its members to work on their craft and techniques in private and in concert with master moderators and close colleagues. This commitment is free to our membership.”
 
 
**** COMING SOON:
SHADOWGRAM TO ANNOUNCE EARLY INFORMATION ABOUT DS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
 
The upcoming ShadowGram Double SG #124-#125 print issue and the ShadowGram Online Updates soon will premiere-announce the date and preliminary plans for the DARK SHADOWS' Golden 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend in 2016.
 
ShadowGram is The Official Dark Shadows Published Newsletter & News Source, along with the ShadowGram Official Dark Shadows News Online Updates. SG announces and reports directly-confirmed DS news.

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 347
February 17, 2015
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following “ShadowGram Premiere Announcements” with key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
**** KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT ON UPCOMING TV SERIES EPISODE
*** DAVID SELBY’S NEW NOVEL NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
 
 
**** KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT: “AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.” EPISODE TO AIR
 
In Nov., SG Updates #336 and #337 shared Kathryn’s news that she guests in an episode of ABC –TV’s MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. The series returns 3-3 after its mid-season break with an episode titled “Epidemic.” Kathryn appears as “The Baroness.”
 
On 11-25-14, she explained in SG Update # 336: “I filmed several scenes in a new episode…. The show is so secretive that I was never given a script, only my dialogue! I am going to respect their desire to keep the story a surprise. Besides, I can't provide a synopsis because I have no idea what the story is.”
 
The episode synopsis was announced 2-13: “After discovering an alien city with ties to his resurrection, Coulson and his team destroyed it before the forces of Hydra could claim its secrets, eliminating the villainous Whitehallin the process. But new threats to the world have arisen, including Skye’s father, Cal, who now seeks retribution against Coulson for stealing his revenge against Whitehall; a disturbing alliance between former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Ward and Agent 33; the enigmatic Raina, who struggles with her transformation into something inhuman by the alien Obelisk and seeks vengeance; and Skye, who developed mysterious new powers from the Obelisk but whose lack of experience with her new abilities may threaten the safety of those she loves.
 
“Meanwhile, Bobbi and Mack begin the next phase of a plan which seems to have grave repercussions for Coulson and his team, who are unaware that there’s another mysterious force moving against them. And as Hunter is forced to make the biggest choice of his life, Coulson will find his mission threatened by this shocking endgame.
 
“Coulson’s team must deal with the consequences of their war with Hydra as shocking revelations threaten to tear them apart, and Hydra makes a dangerous move that may involve a traitor in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s midst.”
 
Kathryn played Maggie, Josette, Rachel, and Kitty on DS.
 
Please share with ShadowGram any materials about Kathryn’s AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. episode: Publicity, reviews, interviews, articles, etc. Please include the full name of the source, date, and your full name. You can send these by postal- or e- mail to the ShadowGram addresses below (later in this Update).
 
 
**** DAVID SELBY’S NOVEL “PROMISES OF LOVE” CAN BE PRE-ORDERED
 
David’s (Quentin) new novel, “Promises of Love,” now is available for pre-order on amazon.com
 
The publication date is 3-20-15. Published by Headline Books Inc., the paperback book has 320 pages and is $19.95.   
 
ISBN-10: 0938467778
ISBN-13: 978-0938467779
 
Synopsis: “A product of usually beautiful but sometimes cruel southern Appalachia, Daniel Friend overcomes poverty, abuse, and personal tragedy to establish an identity. Inspired by the strength and love of his older sister, he realizes the power of education to lead him to a life he has imagined for himself – the pinnacle of his ambition is to graduate from Harvard University. That he does not get this opportunity, devastating as it is to his life plan, does not prevent him from becoming a beloved doctor, loving husband and father. Although well-meaning, he stumbles in his relationship with his 2 children as he tries to interject his own preferences into their lives. A deeply-felt story of love, the novel examines the boundaries of a family, of its secrets, of the complex web family relationships can weave. Finally, the novel examines the damage that abandonment, poverty, and childhood neglect can do to a human personality, damage that sometimes cannot be overcome.”
 
To order: http://www.amazon.com/Promises-Love-David-Selby/dp/0938467778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424011186&sr=8-1&keywords=promises+of+love+selby
 
Amazon’s About the Author: “David Selby was born and educated in West Virginia. A veteran of stage, screen, and television, including such popular series as DS and Falcon Crest, the actor and author pens his newest novel, Promises of Love. In 1989, he was honored as a distinguished alumnus of West Virginia University and was given the first Life Achievement Award from the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts. He received the distinguished West Virginian Award from the state in 2002. In 2004, he received an honorary doctorate from West Virginia University. He and his wife fund a guest artist series at West Virginia University, and he has made many guest appearances around the state. David is a member of the Cleveland Playhouse Hall of Fame, and in May 1992, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the College of Communications and Fine Arts at Southern Illinois University, where he had earlier earned a PhD. In 1999 he received the Millennium Recognition Award from the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC. He lives with his family in California.” For more information, visit DavidSelby.com
 
Please share with ShadowGram any materials about David’s “Promises of Love” novel: Publicity, reviews, interviews, articles, etc. Please include the full name of the source, date, and your full name. You can send these by postal- or e- mail to the ShadowGram addresses below.

Marcy Robin

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 346
February 12, 2015
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following “ShadowGram Premiere Announcements” with key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
 
**** SG PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT:
JOHN KARLEN REPORT
PLUS “SNEAK PEEK” ANNOUNCEMENT FOR “BLOODLUST” AUDIO DRAMA
 
**** CONGRATULATIONS! TO JERRY LACY & “SPIDORA”
 
 
**** JOHN KARLEN UPDATE + EXCLUSIVE PHOTO IN SG # 124
 
SG shares the latest news about JOHN KARLEN (Willie, Carl, William H. Loomis, Desmond, Kendrick, NODS Alex).
 
Since 2013, SG in print and the SG Online Updates have reported John’s ongoing health issues, including diabetes complications. He’s been in and out of the hospital and rehabilitation facilities. He’s currently back in private-home care to help improve his mobility and overall health.
 
He’s enjoyed visits and calls from DS colleagues including Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, David Selby, James Storm, Roger Davis and Robert Rodan. Dan Curtis Productions/DS Festival director Jim Pierson and ShadowGram's Marcy Robin visited him as well.
 
SG now updates that David Selby and Lara Parker, along with Jim Pierson, visited John Karlen at home on 2-6-15 after David and Lara recorded their introductions for the upcoming ‘Best of Quentin’ and ‘Best of Angelique’ DVD releases. He was in good spirits and enjoying catching up with his old friends.
 
John’s been resting and recovering the past 2 years from a variety of health issues and reports that he’s looking forward to participating in the DS Festival’s DS’ 50th Anniversary Celebration next year.” SG will announce the exact event date and other details as plans are finalized very soon.
 
John wanted to join us at the Festival's DS Weekend in Tarrytown, NY, last summer but was unable to do so. Instead he was seen in a recently-filmed brief video greeting that was screened at the event 6-28-14.
 
SG adds: “John has a surprise recording in an episode of the new 13-episode DS audio drama BLOODLUST.” Episodes #1-6 are available now via CD and digital download, with the next batch of episodes due later this month. Recent SG Updates have detailed the exciting new series starring original DS actors and others.
 
John appreciates fans’ written cards and your good wishes, encouragement, and support. He has no internet or email access, but fans are welcome and invited to send e-mail (will be printed out and given to him) and postal-mail messages and greeting cards for John in care of:
 
Via email: ShadowGram@aol.com
 
Via postal-mail:
John Karlen
c/o Marcy Robin/ShadowGram
P.O. Box 1766
Temple City, CA 91780-7766


**** PLUS: SHADOWGRAM ANNOUNCES: A ShadowGram-exclusive photo of John, Lara, and David taken during their Feb. 6 visit will be featured in the upcoming new SG #124 print newsletter.
 
That SG issue will be sent to all current postal-mail subscribers when it is published soon. Subscription rates and information are later in this Update.
 
 
**** PLUS:  A SHADOWGRAM “SNEAK PREVIEW” ANNOUNCEMENT
 
ShadowGram also premiere-announces: “There is another surprise original DS actor cameo coming in the BLOODLUST audio drama series.”
 
 
**** BRAVO! JERRY LACY IS HONORED
 
Jerry’s (Tony Peterson, Rev. Trask, Lamar Trask, Gregory Trask) performance as “Dr. Graves” in the independent short film SPIDORA: AN 8-LEGGED LOVE STORY was honored with the “Best Supporting Actor Award” at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival 2-8. SPIDORA also won as “Best Picture” for writer/director Fred Olen Ray.
Set in a bizarre carnival world, the film explores the lives and relationships of the “human freaks” who are the performers and living exhibits in “Dr. Graves’ Museum of the Weird Side Show.”
 
Publicity: “After receiving a series of anonymous love notes, Spidora, a performer in a carnival Side Show, is finally encouraged to meet her secret admirer. But is he real or just an illusion?”
 
SPIDORA’s theatrical release was at the Los Feliz Cinema, Hollywood. 8-29/31-2014.
.
Jerry tells SG: “I am very pleased about it. Fred is going to pick up my award along with his and we will have lunch one day so he can give it to me. I will try to get more details about events and especially a release date for the DVD of SPIDORA.”
 
The LA Independent Film Festival Awards are selected monthly from submitted short films from around the world. The full 1-2015 awards list is available by scrolling down the official website: http://www.laiffawards.com/jan-2015-winners.html
 
More SPIDORA honors: In its first film festival competition at the LA Cinema Festival, it received "Award of Merit" and "Best Original Score." The International Independent Film Awards gave it a Platinum Award for “Narrative Short,” and it earned the “Audience Award” at the 2014 Valley Film Festival. It’s also an “Official Selection” for the Beverly Hills Shorts Festival and the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival. Jerry’s been in several of Fred’s films.
 
Jerry also says: 2015 “is starting out great and I hope it stays that way. My late life venture into playwriting has been a good way to channel my creative juices when not performing. I have 4 plays completed now that I am sending to theatres and I have started work on yet another.  No productions lined up yet, but there has been some interest in a couple of them from small theatres around the country.  I will let you know if anything definite comes up.”
 
He stars as the title character in “a macabre mystery.” On 2-8, he told SG: “I just completed another film for Ansel Faraj, called THE LAST CASE OF AUGUST T. HARRISON. It will be ready for viewing in April and it is already scheduled for the H.P. Lovecraft film festival. In the film, a private detective gets involved with a witch who has found a way to contact the Old Ones of Lovecraft novels.”
 
DS’ LISA RICHARDS (Sabrina Stuart) plays his wife. LAST CASE expects digital HD release 11-2015. Jerry’s seen in several of Ansel’s films. He starred in DOCTOR MABUSE and its sequel DOCTOR MABUSE: ETIOPOMAR.
 
SG will report future news from Jerry as well as SPIDORA and LAST CASE news.

Marcy Robin

Cheers writer Ken Levine answers a question about errors in plot continuity on his shows, in particular Donna McKechnie's one and only appearance:
Friday Questions  Scroll down to question #5 (or the photo of Donna M)


With thanks, once again, to Kosmo