SHADOWGRAM
OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 288

May 5, 2013

Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following breaking news in this Official Online News Update "bulletin."

***** REPORTING: "DARK SHADOWS ISLAND WEEKEND"

**** SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: 2014 DS FESTIVAL EVENT PLANNED

---- "DS ISLAND WEEKEND" REPORT
April 27-28, 2013, Coronado, CA

On April 27-28, over 300 fans of DS and the horror/thriller/film noir genres attended the "DS Island Weekend" in the sunny, scenic setting of Coronado Island, across the bay from San Diego, CA.

Festivities began Saturday evening with the world premiere of the independent movie "Doctor Mabuse." The psychological thriller stars original DS actors Jerry Lacy (in the title role), Lara Parker, and Kathryn Leigh Scott.

The screening took place at the vintage Coronado Village Theatre, recently restored in a striking 1940s-era Art Deco design. The 3 DS actors, other cast members, and filmmaker/writer/director/editor Ansel Faraj watched with the audience. "Mabuse" kept the audience intrigued by its action, characters, innuendos, interpretations, and evolving story developments. The cast and Ansel then came onstage to share anecdotes and answer questions in a panel discussion covering the production itself, DS and other influences, and more.

During the evening, attendees could get autographs, take photos, and purchase DS and "Mabuse" memorabilia. DS actor Chris Pennock also attended the screening and after-events. He will appear in the "Doctor Mabuse" sequel, slated to start shooting in June.

Sunday brought the second part of the Weekend: an extended Luncheon from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm at the nearby Coronado Marriott Hotel. A wide array of door prizes were given out as Jerry, Lara, Kathryn, and Chris dined with the fans. After the meal, DS' David Selby took the stage, accompanied by DS actor Jim Storm on guitar and David's wife Chip on piano. Together, they presented "Shadows & Light," a special "homage to DS fans." David wrote this program of poetry and songs. Selections touched upon DS themes and characters, fond memories, gratitude to fans everywhere, and other subjects close to David's heart. Chip and Jim sang background vocals with David on some songs.

After the performance, all 6 DS actors took part in a Q&A session, followed by autographs and an auction of DS collectibles. Other available merchandise: SG, DS key chains, magnets, photos, and books, Fest items, and new t-shirts and tote bags from MPI. Each fan received a complimentary "gift bag" from MPI with a Barnabas "Bobble-head" doll, 3-D key chain, and Bob Cobert music CD.

The upcoming SG # 122 print issue will have more details about the Island Weekend and the "Doctor Mabuse" movie.

The next DS Festival event is the first-ever "DS Halloween Sea Cruise," Oct. 27-Nov. 3. Fans will join DS stars to sail to Bermuda on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Please visit:
http://www.hartfordholidays.com/DarkShadowsHalloweenCruise/Home.html [edited]

((For Cruise news as it develops and more details, please see recent and upcoming SG Online Updates))


---- Special Announcement during the Luncheon
DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL
RETURNS TO LYNDHURST IN 2014 TO CELEBRATE 30th ANNIVERSARY:

A 2014 Dark Shadows Festival event will be held next summer at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, NY, just north of Manhattan on the east bank of the Hudson River. The first 2 DS movies "House of Dark Shadows" (1970) and "Night of Dark Shadows" (1971) were filmed on the estate and at nearby locations.

SG explains: The 2014 Lyndhurst event announced above is a celebration of the DS Festival/Official DS Fan Club's activities at the estate. The Fest has hosted a variety of DS gatherings there over the past 3 decades, since 1983.

This 2014 Fest event will celebrate those 30 years, featuring stars of the movies, who reprised their DS TV roles or portrayed new characters in 2 distinctly DS-ian stories. Other guests are expected, plus exciting surprises and programming to be announced later this year.

SG in print and in the Official Online DS News Updates will premiere-announce and report plans as we confirm them.

Last summer (July, 2012), the Festival presented a tribute day at Lyndhurst, remembering Jonathan Frid and his iconic impact on DS and its fandom. The memorial salute looked at his entire career, featuring onstage and filmed commentary from his DS colleagues and those who've known and worked with him over the years. ((This special event also will be detailed in the coming SG # 122 print issue.))

Thank you.

Marcy Robin
ShadowGram Editor / Publisher

**** LATEST UPDATE:
DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL PRESENTS: DARK SHADOWS ISLAND WEEKEND
APRIL 27-28, 2013

Recent SG Online Updates have premiere-announced details for "The Dark Shadows Island Weekend" at the end of this month on the idyllic island of Coronado, just off downtown San Diego.

Here is a final recap of the 2-day events. Please note that fans may attend either Saturday or Sunday, or both days.

---- SATURDAY, APRIL 27
"DOCTOR MABUSE" MOVIE PREMIERE WITH DS ACTORS
6:00pm - Midnight

CORONADO VILLAGE THEATRE
820 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 9211

A few tickets remain for the debut screening of the new mystery thriller film "Doctor Mabuse." It stars a trio of original DS actors: Jerry Lacy (in the title role), Lara Parker, and Kathryn Leigh Scott. The evening event is at the vintage Coronado Village Theatre, a few blocks from the Coronado Marriott Hotel. Taxi service is available.

The premiere night begins at 6:00pm with pre-show actor appearances. Movie merchandise and DS collectibles will be available for purchase. After the screening, the actors and filmmaker Ansel Faraj will host a talk/panel, followed by autographs.

The evening concludes with a surprise DS screening before midnight.

Tickets are $20.00 per person, available by mail order only. Advance reservations are required and must be received at the DS Festival's postal-mail address below by April 23 (extended deadline from previously-announced April 20).

NOTE: If your ticket payment arrives after April 23, your tickets will be held under your name at the Coronado Theatre box office for pick-up on Sat., April 27, when you arrive at the theatre.

Please send a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) and check or money order made payable to:

Dark Shadows
PO Box 92
Maplewood, NJ 07040
.
(Sorry, PayPal and credit card can not be accepted.)

---- SUNDAY, APRIL 28
DARK SHADOWS LUNCHEON & AFTERNOON FESTIVAL
11:30am-6:00pm

CORONADO ISLAND MARRIOTT HOTEL & RESORT
2000 Second St.
Coronado, CA 92118

DAVID SELBY (Quentin) has written a special 90-minute musical stage program "Shadows & Light" that he will perform, with musical accompaniment by his DS colleague JAMES STORM (Gerard) and David's wife Chip. "The songs are an homage to DS and the FANS."

David's show is part of the day-long "DS Luncheon" event at the Coronado Marriott Hotel, located five minutes from downtown San Diego. The hotel is 1.3 miles from the Coronado Village Theatre, site of the previous evening's "Doctor Mabuse" world premiere movie screening.

The Luncheon with our guests and fans begins at 11:30am with a three-course meal, door prizes, and a special DS gift bag for each attendee. Dress is casual.

David's show takes place in the same ballroom, after lunch. Following the show is a DS memorabilia auction, plus Question & Answer sessions with all our guests: David, James, Lara Parker (Angelique), Jerry Lacy (Rev. Trask), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie), and Chris Pennock (Jeb). Our guests then will be available for autographs, and a wide array of new and recent DS merchandise will be on sale. The event ends at 6:00 pm.

Advance reservations are required for only $50.00 per person and MUST be received by April 23 (extended deadline from previously-announced April 20). Please send a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) and check or money order payable to:

Dark Shadows, PO Box 92, Maplewood, NJ 07040
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: You can use one SASE and one check/money order to pay for both Saturday and Sunday events

(Sorry, PayPal and credit card can not be accepted.)

Barbara Steele is tentatively scheduled to appear at Monsterpalooza 2013 on April 12-14 at the Burbank Marriott.

Special Guests


With thanks to Kosmo

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 283
March 31, 2013

Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS) announces the following news in this Official Online News Update "bulletin."

---- KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT: APRIL 1 EVENT IN NYC
---- 2012 DARK SHADOWS MOVIE PREMIERES ON CABLE

**** KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT: BOOK-SIGNING & TALK ON APRIL 1

Kathryn (Maggie, Josette, Rachel, Kitty) asks SG to remind NYC-area fans that she'll be at the Barnes & Noble at 82nd & Broadway on Mon., April 1 at 7:00 pm to talk and sign for her new novel "Down And Out in Beverly Heels." Several of her other books will be available for purchase and autographing.

Barnes & Noble, 2289 Broadway, NYC, NY 10024

The novel was just published by Montlake and is available on Amazon in both paperback and ebook.
Publicity: "'Down and Out in Beverly Heels' tells the story of Meg Barnes, a beloved actress who has it all and loses everything—and ends up living on the streets of Tinsel Town in her Ritz-Volvo. The novel is a fun, lighthearted romance, taking us into the Hollywood social swirl, but also delves into the gritty truth of what it is to be "homeless and hiding it" in one of the most glittering, fashionable cities in the world."
Publishers Weekly Review: "Scott (Dark Passages), best known for her star turn on the TV show Dark Shadows, delivers a unique novel about a Hollywood actress short on cash and down on her luck . . . Mystery and romance are craftily combined . . . Scott gives the readers a first-hand view of the fickle nature of Hollywood in a fast-paced story complete with eccentric characters and a plethora of mysterious twists and turns."
Kathryn adds that her "Down and Out" promo now is available online:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddgldsrvs04&feature=youtu.be

**** "DARK SHADOWS" MOVIE WITH JOHNNY DEPP TO AIR ON CINEMAX

The 2012 feature film "Dark Shadows" is expected to premiere on Cinemax on April 14.

Like a gentle tribute to the original DS, this is the first anniversary of the passing of Jonathan Frid, who succumbed at age 86 in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He played "Barnabas" and his portrayed of the anguished vampire was a landmark performance that led to DS' overall and continuing success.

Four original DS actors – Jonathan, David Selby (Quentin), Lara Parker (Angelique), and Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) – flew to England in late June, 2011, to film brief cameo scenes during a "Happening" party at Collinwood. The entire movie shot at Pinewood Studios and English countryside locations, including life-size sets of Collinwood and Collinsport/Harbor.

The DS movie stars Johnny Depp as Barnabas and was directed by his longtime collaborator Tim Burton, both DS fans since childhood. It reflects their signature blend of dark horror, humor, and romance. An opening flashback to the 1772 arrival in America by Barnabas Collins and his parents shows how he was cursed by the spurned servant girl/witch Angelique and buried in a chained coffin for almost 2 centuries. Released into a very realistic 1972-era Collinsport, he sets out to reclaim his family's status and fortune, pursue the reincarnation of his lost true love, and seek final revenge on the witch.

DS met with mixed reviews and audience response. Its mix of comedy, horror, and romance could overrun the main premise, and most supporting characters were given little opportunity or time for background details. The marketing campaign heavily emphasized the comedy at the expense of the other elements and tones. Yet the movie is a salute to the spirit of DS, with Johnny's portrayal revealing aspects of the original Barnabas character and Jonathan's mannerisms and speaking style. The ensemble cast did well with what they were given within the confines of the film's length and overall tone. It clearly set up for a sequel, though none is planned.

Since the project's first public announcement in July, 2007, SG's detailed its progress: script, casting, pre-production, filming May-Sept., 2011, publicity, and international release on May 11, 2012. SG also reported how the movie opened the week after the enormous blockbuster film "The Avengers," which overpowered all other movies for several weeks. Still, DS pulled a respectable international box office take of $250+ million.