SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 322
 
June 10, 2014
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
***** UPDATING: SLEEPY HOLLOW CEMETERY TOUR, SUNDAY, JUNE 29 –
ADVANCE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE WITH CREDIT CARD
 
The DS Festival and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery ask SG to share the following information.
 
--- Dark Shadows Festival Weekend in Tarrytown, NY
Saturday, June 28 – Lyndhurst Estate – Full day activities & programming
Sunday, June 29 – Double Tree Hotel Tarrytown –  Luncheon & Afternoon with the Stars
 
Recent SG Updates have detailed that fans can take a special guided tour of the nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery on Sunday (6-29) evening after Fest activities conclude.
 
---- PURCHASE TOUR TICKETS NOW ONLINE OR PAY AT THE DOOR
Special DS Weekend Afterglow Event – Private Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Group Tour
 
“DS fans interested in the 1-hour guided tour of historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery on June 29 now can purchase tickets for $9.99 a person through the private ticketing link specifically set up for this purpose at:
 
http://www.showclix.com/event/3853464
 
“The tour begins at 5:30 pm.
 
“The above link will remain open until 4:30pm on Sun., June 29 – an hour prior to the tour start time. 
 
“There is no extra fee associated with online purchases. Advance ticket ordering will greatly simplify the arrival process. Please note that Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is not equipped to process credit card payments on site at the meeting point.
 
“If tour payment is not made in advance by credit card, fans may pay the exact amount of $10 in cash upon arrival at Sleepy Hollow that evening.
 
“Before the evening tour, the DS Luncheon & Afternoon with the Stars takes place at the nearby Tarrytown Double Tree Hotel from 11:30am-5:00pm. Fans going on the tour are encouraged to share cars and taxis for the short rip from the hotel to the cemetery, which is located at 540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
 
“The historic site was a prominent filming location for the 1970 movie “House of DS.”  Key scenes shot there involved Willie Loomis (John Karlen) releasing Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) from his chained coffin in the Collins Mausoleum, as well as the funeral of vampire Carolyn Stoddard (Nancy Barrett).
 
“As this is a private tour, fans will not see this event listed on the Sleepy Hollow website. They must use the link provided above. The Fest thanks the Sleepy Hollow staff for making special arrangements for this Fest group tour. The cemetery normally is not open on Sunday evenings.”
 
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, first established as The Old Dutch Burying Ground in 1849, was listed on the Registry of National Historic Landmarks in 2009
 
--- DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL WEEKEND – TWO DAYS IN TARRYTOWN, NY
 
Lyndhurst Estate, 635 Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Double Tree Hotel, 455 S, Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
 
The Weekend presents 2 full days for fans to enjoy meeting our DS celebrities for free autographs and photo opportunities; guest/audience Q&A sessions; guests’ onstage live dramatic/musical presentations; a wide variety of DS items for purchase, the original movies “House of DS” (1970) and “Night of DS” screening in high definition for the first time ever; free tours of historic Lyndhurst Mansion; and much more.
 
OUR DS GUESTS;
NANCY BARRETT, JOHN KARLEN, LARA PARKER, KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT, DAVID SELBY, SHARON SMYTH LENTZ, JAMES STORM, MARIE WALLACE
(Guest appearances subject to personal and professional situations)
 
The Double Tree Hotel now is full, but sleeping rooms are available at nearby local hotels. Please see recent SG Updates for suggestions or search online for Tarrytown / Sleepy Hollow hotel accommodations. Tarrytown is about 25 miles north of midtown Manhattan on the eastern shore of the Hudson River.
 
Marcy Robin

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 320
 
May 20, 2014
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
**** DARK SHADOWS CRUISE WITH THE STARS TO THE CARIBBEAN –
JAN. 10-17, 2015 - SPECIAL DISCOUNT RATE RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE NOW FOR A LIMITED TIME
 
**** “DOCTOR MABUSE” FILMS NOW CAN BE SEEN ONLINE
 
 
**** UPDATING:  DS CRUISE INFO & SIGN-UPS
 
The DS Fest and Hartford Holidays travel agency ask SG to share the following news about the “Dark Shadows At Sea” Caribbean Cruise with The Stars, roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jan. 10-17, 2015. The trip features one-day stops at 5 Caribbean islands, including Martinique, the 1790s “sugar plantation home” of DS’ Andre and Josette Du Pres and Angelique.
 
---- Announcing: A limited time special reduced rates offer now is extended to JUNE 30 for fans who reserve a cabin or stateroom with a full-refundable deposit.
 
Additionally, a cruise coordinator and Hartford Holiday representative will be available during the DS Festival Weekend in Tarrytown, NY, at Lyndhurst Estate on June 28 and at the nearby Double Tree Hotel-Tarrytown on June 29. They will answer fan questions, provide information, explain arrangements, and accept fans’ reservation payments at the special “significant savings” price for the trip.
 
Recent SG Online Updates previously announced and detailed the DS Weekend event at the hotel and at Lyndhurst, the historic filming location for the 2 major movies, House of DS,” (1970) and “Night of DS,” (1971).
 
Fans can book for the cruise now and at the DS Weekend in June. Fans also can make reservations now online or by calling Hartford Holidays (phone number and website below). As a special bonus, those who “book by June 30 and qualify will be invited to attend an onboard private Dark Shadows at Sea Cocktail Party,” featuring the DS cast member guests who are sailing with you: JERRY LACY, MARIE WALLACE, KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT, LARA PARKER, and KATHLEEN CODY.
 
You and the guests also will enjoy a variety of shipboard activities: a Costume Party (bring your costume), screenings, guest Q&As and interviews, autographs, photo opportunities, merchandise sales, and more, as well as time to spend visiting each island.
 
The limited-time savings offer is for double occupancy and varies depending on the category of cabin or stateroom. These discount prices run from $818 to $1038 per person. It includes “all onboard meals, shipboard entertainment, port charges, DS registration, and government fees and taxes Final payment is due no later than 75 days prior to the cruise departure.”
 
Information: Call 800-828-4813 or visit http://www.hartfordholidays.com/dsfmartinique2015/Home.html
 
“Fans who have not already booked and are interested in the cruise should call Hartford Holidays at1-800-828-4813 today!”
 
 
**** 4 DS STARS IN 2 “DOCTOR MABUSE” MOVIES – NOW ONLINE
 
Diretor/writer Ansel Faraj asks SG to announce:
 “Please let the DS fans know that now both “Doctor Mabuse’ and ‘Doctor Mabuse: Etiopomar’ are now available to watch on Vimeo On Demand.”
 
The psychological thrillers star four DS actors.  JERRY LACY has the title role as a manipulative sinister mastermind. LARA PARKER and KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT co-star as mysterious clairvoyant sisters with powers of their own. CHRIS PENNOCK is in the sequel as a devious nemesis to Mabuse and the sisters. All four of them are deadly dangerous to everyone in the tormented city of Etiopomar.
 
Here are  the links to each film
 
DOCTOR MABUSE (2013)
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/doctormabuse2013
 
DOCTOR MABUSE: ETIOPOMAR (2014)
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/etiopomar
 
The first movie is available on DVD with bonus materials directly from the DS Festival website:  www.darkshadowsfestival.com
 
The sequel had its world premiere on Wed., April 30, at Los Angeles’ historic Vista Theatre, joined by 3 of the DS stars, Ansel, and many of the cast. Presented by the DS Festival and ShadowGram, the evening event also featured the first screening of the remastered acclaimed 1974 “Dracula” movie by DS creator Dan Curtis. Also shown was Dan’s 2004 pilot for a new DS TV series for Warner Brothers, which the network ultimately declined. A “humorous horror” short by Ansel and starring Chris also was seen. The audience of 100+ enjoyed free guest autographs and photo opportunities, merchandise sales, and a charity auction.

Marcy Robin

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS:
SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 318
May 12, 2014
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
*** DS PERSONNEL NEWS:
--- 2 REMEMBRANCES: MICHAEL MAITLAND & ALAN MATLICK
--- CONDOLENCES TO MARIE WALLACE
--- 4 DS ACTORS INVOLVED IN 3 DIFFERENT STAGE PLAYS
--- DAVID SELBY & DONNA McKECHNIE IN NEW DS AUDIO DRAMA
 
**** Please Note: This Update was intended for release early this month. However, my computer abruptly failed and required more than a week in repair. I’m now in the process of learning my way around its new features and simply catching up with everything. I appreciate your understanding and patience. Thank you.     - Marcy Robin
 
 
**** PASSINGS OF MICHAEL MAITLAND & OF ALAN MATLICK
 
--- MICHAEL MAITLAND (“Leviathan Child” Michael) passed away 4-23-14 at age 57 after a long battle with cancer. His sister tells SG: “I'm sure that wherever he is, he is very touched by everyone who remembers him. After Mike left acting, he went into restaurant management and concentrated on his artwork, of which he was especially proud.  We will be doing a memorial service for him later this summer and will have an obituary as well.”
 
Michael loved to play softball in NYC’s Central Park. His family and friends have started a < gofundme > campaign to establish a memorial bench with a plaque in his honor near the Park’s ball fields. Fans who wish to support this effort can go to http://www.gofundme.com/8npg98
 
Born 8-27-56, Michael’s acting career included “Edge of Night,” “Search for Tomorrow,” and a guest role on “Emergency.” He was on Broadway in “Mame” and also did other theater work.
 
--- ALAN MATLICK was 59 when he died suddenly 4-17-14. A music composer and writer, he worked in the television industry 30+ years. He was an engineer at WNYC-TV in the 1980s when the PBS station aired DS reruns. He loved the show and created professional-quality music videos using some of Jonathan Frid's original dramatic recitations from the 1969 DS Soundtrack music album and scene clips from the series. These were aired on WNYC during their repeats of DS and subsequently included on the VHS and DVD releases of "DS Music Videos" on MPI Home Video with other footage.
 
An avid music theatre fan, Alan also wrote a Christmas-themed DS play that was presented on stage at the DS Festival in New York with the original series actors.
 
Fans who wish to remember Alan may support “any Humane Society.”
 
--- Condolences to MARIE WALLACE (Eve, Jenny) whose oldest sister Margie “passed peacefully on the eve of Easter,” a short time before her birthday. Marie says Margie had become ill and eventually went into hospice care. “We all miss her tremendously. She was a kind, loving, generous person and oh so nice.”
 
 
**** 4 DS ACTORS INVOLVED IN 3 STAGE SHOWS - EAST & WEST COASTS
 
--- DONNA McKECHNIE (Amanda, Olivia) is an award-winning dancer, singer, and actress. She choreographed the play “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” running at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA, now to June 8.
 
Theater publicity: It stars acclaimed dancer/actress Leslie Caron as “a formidable, headstrong widow who opens her world by hiring a dance instructor to give her private dance lessons.  What begins as a tentative and even challenging relationship between the pair blossoms into an intimate friendship as these two people from very different backgrounds reveal their secrets, fears, and joys while dancing the Swing, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha and Contemporary Dance. This life-affirming comedy with music and dance will be one you won’t want to miss.”
 
The Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna, CA 92651. 949-497-2787. 
 
Tickets are $30-$76. Call the theater or visit http://purchase.lagunaplayhouse.com/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=3584
 
--- MARSHA MASON (Vampire) is directing a production of the comedy “Chapter Two"
 
It runs May 22-June 13 at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA. Performances are weeknights and weekends with Fri. and Sat. matinees.
 
Marsha starred in the 1978 movie based on the play, receiving an Academy Award nomination for “Best Actress Performance in a Leading Role.” It’s a semi-autobiographical story of director / writer Neil Simon – to whom Marsha was married at the time.
 
Theater publicity: “A comedy about love the second time around,” as “a successful writer mourning the recent loss of his beloved wife…meets a vibrant, recently divorced actress. They begin a whirlwind courtship that leads to marriage” in a “hilarious and touching story that asks if you can start a second chapter when you can’t let go of the first?”
 
Bucks County Playhouse is located at 70 S. Main St., New Hope, PA 18938. bcptheatre.org

Tickets: 215-862-2121.   http://www.bcptheater.org/shows-events/chapter-two/
 
--- Recent SG Updates detailed DAVID SELBY (Quentin) and SUSAN SULLIVAN (Ghost) are starring in the prize-winning play “A Delicate Balance” May 3-June 15.
 
The play continues its run through June 15 at the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. (310) 477-2055.
 
Order tickets online:  boxoffice@odysseytheatre.co    Order by phone:  (310) 477-2055 – ext. 2.
 
 
**** DONNA McKECHNIE & DAVID SELBY currently are recording a new DS audio drama episode titled "The Darkest Shadow," in a story that reunites their characters of Amanda / Olivia and Quentin. SG Online Updates and upcoming SG print newsletters will announce and report confirmed details.
 
 
**** The huge Double SG # 122-#123 is the current Official DS Published Newsletter. Jonathan is remembered with photos, biographical information, and career highlights. He also is fondly and gently saluted by MARIE WALLACE. Her unique perspective extends outside DS, as they were longtime friends. Jonathan directed a college stage production of “The Lion in Winter” in Milledgeville, Georgia, in which Marie starred. He earned a Masters in Fine Art in directing from the Yale School of Drama

Since today's the birthday of Forum cousin Uncle Roger , it seems fitting today to share a couple of Martin Donovan's upcoming projects:

Donovan has a part in the soon-to-be-released film Sabotage as the boss of an elite DEA team led by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He's also a series regular in the upcoming futuristic Lifetime series The Lottery, where he's reunited with '04 series cast member Marley Shelton.

Donovan recently guested on the series Homeland, Hannibal, and Motive.

Posted on the Purchase College Acting Conservancy (SUNY), Class of 1981's Facebook page:

RIP Michael Maitland
b. August 27, 1956 - d. April 23, 2014
It has been my profound privilege to share so many deep, sad, joyous, silly, creative and frank conversations with Mike as the time dwindled and this day neared. Today, at the hospice his sister held the phone to his ear after letting me know that he could no longer speak but that he could still hear me. And I expressed myself to him for the last time. I just learned that only minutes later, after all those months of struggle, Mike's pain finally ended. Goodbye, brother.

A youtube memorial video posted by a fellow alumnus:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wFQrep83M8

A fundraiser page was created by one of his sisters to adopt a memorial bench in Central Park in Michael's memory near the field where he enjoyed playing softball:  http://www.gofundme.com/8npg98

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 316
 
April 22, 2014
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
**** UPDATING:  2014 – 2015 DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL EVENTS
--- “Dark Shadows Movie Night” – Wed, April 30 – Vista Theatre, Los Angeles
--- “DS Festival Weekend in Tarrytown” – Sat.-Sun., June 28-29
(updating hotel sleeping room availability & the optional fan tour of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery)
--- “Dark Shadows Caribbean Cruise to Martinique” – Jan. 10-17, 2015
 
 
*** “DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL PRESENTS “MOVIE NIGHT” – “DOCTOR MABUSE 2” + DAN CURTIS’ “DRACULA” + "DARK SHADOWS" SURPRISE
Wed., Apr. 30 – 6:15pm–12:15am – Vista Theatre, 4473 Sunset Dr., Los Angeles 90027.
 
Tickets are $15.00 per person.
 
Fans who pre-order DS Movie Night tickets will receive a special DS gift at the theatre that evening. Tickets sold at the door are the same price of $15.00 per person.
 
Advance-order tickets still are available. Use PayPal or postal-mail (check / money order)
 
All advance ticket orders must be received no later than Fri., April 25 (a SASE – Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope – is appreciated). Your ticket(s) will be sent to you by postal-mail, postmarked no later than Sat., April 26.
 
--- PayPal – Use recipient address:   ShadowGram@aol.com
--- Check/Money Order payable to   ShadowGram   and send with SASE to:
ShadowGram / Dark Shadows, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766
 
SG Online Updates have detailed this special event, featuring 4 DS actors as supernatural characters in a new dark thriller, “Doctor Mabuse 2: Etiopomar.” This also is the first American theatrical showing of Dan Curtis’ acclaimed 1974 adaptation of “Dracula.”
 
DS actors JERRY LACY, LARA PARKER, and CHRISTOPHER PENNOCK star in “Mabuse” and will attend this world premiere screening. KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT also stars but is out of town and cannot attend. There will be free guest autographs and photo opportunities, plus a variety of DS items in auction and for purchase. Debuting: The restored high-definition “Dracula” on Blu Ray and the just-released “Dracula” soundtrack CD.
 
DS Music Composer ROBERT COBERT composed the “Dracula” musical score. He plans to attend and sign autographs. We also celebrate his upcoming 90th birthday!
 
This special evening is only days away, so we hope you can be there with all of us!
 
 
*** DS FESTIVAL’S “DS WEEKEND IN TARRYTOWN”
Sat.-Sun., June 28-29 – Lyndhurst Estate & Double Tree Hotel – Tarrytown, NY
 
The historic Lyndhurst Mansion & Estate and nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery were filming locations for “House of Dark Shadows” (1970) and “Night of Dark Shadows” (1971) – the first major studio movies based on a daytime TV series. The Weekend salutes both films, which will screen for the first time in high definition.
 
Guests: DAVID SELBY, JOHN KARLEN, NANCY BARRETT, LARA PARKER, JAMES STORM, KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT, CHRISTOPHER PENNOCK, MARIE WALLACE, and SHARON SMYTH.
 
Saturday 12noon-9pm - “Day at Lyndhurst”: $40 Adults / $20 Children under 13
Sunday.11am-5pm – Double Tree Hotel:” Luncheon with the Stars”: $50 per person
 
Space is limited each day. The Fest recommends that interested fans send registration payments soon, as the DS Weekend likely will be sold out very soon. Payment for both days can be combined in one check / money order.
 
All tickets are non-refundable and by advance mail-order only. Please include the full name of each person for whom you are paying and include a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope).
 
You MUST use the official order form available on the Fest website, or send a SASE to the Fest postal-mail address below to request the order form.
 
All payments, completed order forms, and accompanying SASE must be received at the following address no later than Sat., June 21.
 
Dark Shadows Festival
P.O. Box 92
Maplewood, NJ 07040
www.darkshadowsfestival.com
 
Sorry, the Fest cannot accept PayPal or credit cards.
 
Lyndhurst is at 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
The Tarrytown Double Tree Hotel, a few hundred yards from the Lyndhurst entrance, is at 455 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591. 914-631-5700
 
---- Saturday at Lyndhurst:  A dramatic and musical Tribute to DS written and performed by David Selby, accompanied by his wife Chip on piano and Jim Storm on guitar. Our guests will reminisce about filming the movies and participate in Q&A talks, free autographs and photo opportunities. There will be DS merchandise sales, a charity auction, free mansion tours, and more. Food will be available onsite for purchase.
 
That evening at the Double Tree after 9:00, SHARON SMYTH plans to share ghost stories.
 
---- Sunday at the Double Tree Hotel: A stage performance by Marie, Lara, and Kathryn, full 3-course meal, DS goody bag for each attendee, door prizes, free autographs and photo opportunities, DS merchandise sales, and more.
 
After the 5:00 closing, fans can take an optional one-hour tour of nearby historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where 2 “House of DS” scenes were filmed.  The famed cemetery (the setting for Washington Irving’s classic story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and the setting for ABC-TV’s popular TV series “Sleepy Hollow”) will have special extended hours to accommodate the tour. Attendees, please pay $10.00 cash admission per person at the cemetery.
 
---- Fans interested in the Sleepy Hollow tour: Please email or write a postal-mail note indicating how many adults / children would be in your party. Send this information to:
 
ShadowGram@aol.com
OR mail with a SASE to:
ShadowGram / Marcy Robin
P.O. Box 1766
Temple City, CA 91780-7766
 
 
--- TARRYTOWN HOTELS UPDATE:
 
The Double Tree Hotel reports that it is full.
 
However, the nearby Springhill Suites by Marriott has just offered Fest attendees a special reduced room rate of only $139 (+ tax) per night.
 
The Tarrytown Springhill Suites by Marriott offers all studio suites, which are "25% larger than standard hotel rooms, and come complete with modern accommodations and renowned customer service.”
 
The number of these discounted rooms is limited, so it is recommended that interested fans make room reservations as soon as possible by directly calling the hotel.  Please ask for the Dark Shadows Festival special room rate.
 
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Tarrytown is at 480 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown, NY 10591. For reservations, call  914-366-4600.   www.tarrytownspringhill.com
 
DS Weekend attendees may also search online for other hotels in the Tarrytown vicinity.
 
 
**** DARK SHADOWS CARIBBEAN CRUISE – JAN. 10-17, 2015
 
SG Updates reported this exciting week-long cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas ship, sailing round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico southeast to one-day-each stops at the islands of St. Thomas, Antigua, Martinique – the “sugar plantation home” of Josette and Andre DuPres and Angelique – plus St. Lucia and Granada.
 
You join DS stars JERRY LACY, KATHLEEN CODY, MARIE WALLACE, LARA PARKER, and KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT for a variety of onboard DS activities, including a Costume Party (bring your costume), screenings, guest Q&As and interviews, autographs, photo opportunities, merchandise sales, and more.
 
From now until MAY 1, there are special new “lower fares” when you “reserve your stateroom with full-refundable deposit.” These “significant savings” prices run from $818 to $1038 per person, "double occupancy.”  Rates include “all onboard meals, shipboard entertainment, port charges, DS registration, and government fees and taxes Final payment is due no later than 75 days prior to the cruise.”
 
Information: Call 800-828-4813 or visit http://www.hartfordholidays.com/dsfmartinique2015/Home.html

Marcy Robin