ShadowGram Online Dark Shadows Updates List Marcy Robin's Cyberspace "Dark Shadows" Update List An Internet Publication of SHADOWGRAM < ShadowGram@... > Number 119. August 4, 2004 ********************************************* Hello, Dark Shadows Fan, ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following breaking news bulletin. For complete details, pictures, media coverage, and more news, please see the new SG #102 postal-mail subscription print issue. --- SG #102 PRINT ISSUE TO PREMIERE AT THE "DS WEEKEND IN TARRYTOWN" This brand-new issue will debut at the Dark Shadows Festival's "DS Weekend in Tarrytown" Aug. 13-15. The newsletter issue spotlights the 2004 WB pilot with more exclusive cast photos, plus detailed reports and information about the network's decision not to pick up the pilot as a new series. There also are new honors and projects for some DS personnel and all the latest confirmed news. All active SG subscribers attending the Fest's Weekend event are encouraged to please come pick up their copy of SG #102 at SG's table in the Marketplace rooms. You'll then have the issue "hot off the press" for immediate reading. For subscribers who are unable to join us for the Weekend, your issue will be mailed to you soon afterward. --- DONNA McKECHNIE PERFORMANCES Donna (Amanda Harris / Olivia Corey) appears in a production of "Side By Side By Sondheim" at the Rubicon Theatre Co. Aug. 18-22. Information: 21006 E. Main St., Ste. 300, Ventura, CA 93001. 805-667- 2900. Fans attending the shows are invited to send SG their reports, photos, etc., to enable SG readers/DS fans who cannot be there to enjoy it too. Send all materials to SG's e- or postal- mail addresses below. --- NANCY BARRETT ARTICLE A DS article featuring Nancy Barrett (Carolyn, Millicent, Charity, etc.) by Mark Voger will appear in the Asbury Park (NJ) Press on Aug. 6. Their website is http:www.app.com --- NEW DARK SHADOWS COLLECTIBLE ACTION FIGURES Dan Curtis Productions (DCP) reports that Majestic Studios plans to release officially-licensed Barnabas and Quentin collectible action figures in mid-2005 ("Second Quarter, 2005"). These 12-inch figures are from "the toy company specializing in premium retro collectible action figures." The exact price for each probably will be around $40. Majestic Studios Press Release: "The Barnabas figure will come with a complete set of real-cloth 1700's clothing and late 1900's clothing," accessorized with the familiar ring on his finger and a wolf's head cane in hand. "Also, there will be multiple heads showing the regular Barnabas, vampire Barnabas (with fangs bared), and his rapidly-aged old man look." The Quentin figure comes dressed in real-cloth 1897 period-style clothing and has an interchangeable werewolf head. Prototypes were displayed at the San Diego ComicCon in July. Press Release "Breaking News!" – "Majestic Studios has just signed to also create mini-busts and statues of Barnabas Collins (and) Quentin Collins." There is no release date yet for these items; SG will be informed of and report all confirmed developments. Majestic Studios also is releasing a collectible figure of the Zuni Fetish Warrior doll that pursued and attacked actress Karen Black and terrified TV audiences in Dan Curtis' horror anthology TV movie "Trilogy of Terror." A limited-edition version was available at the San Diego ComicCon and the regular figure should be released in "early October, 2004." Website: www.majesticstudiosinc.com ---- DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL'S "DS WEEKEND IN TARRYTOWN" PROGRESS REPORT / UPDATE 8-4-04 The weekend gathering is held Fri., Aug. 13 - Sun., Aug. 15 at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown, NY, just north of Manhattan. This is a short distance from the historic Lyndhurst Estate where both Dark Shadows movies were filmed – "House of Dark Shadows" (released 1970) and "Night of Dark Shadows" (released 1971). * New & Premiering Items --- The "RETURN TO COLLINWOOD" double CD audio drama and separate bound script feature the original DS sequel performed and recorded by 11 cast members live onstage at last year's DS Festival. --- DAVID SELBY (Quentin) has a colorful new cover on his poetry book, "My Mother's Autumn." His verses touch the heart and help each of us look thoughtfully at life, death and love. --- Pomegrante Press has the "DS Memories" double CD audio book, recorded by KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT (Maggie, Josette, etc.). --- The 2005 Barnabas calendar shows a different picture of JONATHAN FRID as "Barnabas" for every month. * All pre-registered Weekend attendees now should be receiving the following Progress Report Update via postal-mail. Weekend Highlights and the Tentative Schedule are below. (Also see recent SG Online Updates and print issues SGs #100 and #101) * Membership & Registration DS Weekend Membership is only $25 for all 3 days or only $15 for 1 day. Children 6-12 are half price. Membership is payable by mail until Aug. 6, thereafter at the door only. Send payment to: Dark Shadows, P.O. Box 92, Maplewood, NJ, 07040. Registration begins at 4 pm on Fri., Aug. 13 to allow attendees to receive badges and program books early. If you pre-paid for the Lyndhurst trip on Fri. morning, Aug. 13, you will receive a flyer giving details of your visit with the Progress Report. * Dark Shadows Stars On Stage & Free Autographs In Person Guests: Stars David Selby, Lara Parker, John Karlen, Nancy Barrett, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Denise Nickerson, Marie Wallace and Diana Millay. Throughout the weekend, the stars will appear on stage. Of special note: the cast will perform the extra-special Sunday finale: The House, the ultra-rare DS prequel not seen in over 40 years! Because this year's DS gathering is planned as a smaller, more intimate event, the wait for autographs will be much shorter than usual and many of the actors will be available to chat and sign photographs at individual tables throughout most of the weekend! Unlike at many other celebrity shows, the DS actors do not charge a fee for their autographs. * The Lost Beginning Rediscovered As a special treat, on Sun., Aug. 15 the DS actors will perform on stage the lost 1957 Goodyear Playhouse production of The House, written by Art Wallace. The original 1966 DS "bible," also penned by Wallace, was based on this story. Not seen since it first aired, this one-hour show is set in Collinsville, Maine and centers around a reclusive woman named Caroline and her daughter Elizabeth who live in a great house on a hill. You'll enjoy discovering many other early influences on what would become DS ten years later. Don't miss this one-time-only event. * Dark Shadows 2004 Sneak Peek & Video Highlights On Sun., Aug. 15, the new DS pilot for the WB Network will be discussed by associate producer Jim Pierson and a sneak peek will be shown. Unfortunately, the program was not picked up for a series, so this will be the only chance to get a glimpse of the 2004 versions of Barnabas, Victoria, Angelique and other Collinwood characters. You'll also see unusual DS clips, rare TV and film appearances by the DS stars and surprises, all on a giant video screen. * Nancy Barrett Sings DS' beloved Carolyn will perform a new cabaret show on Sat., Aug. 14. With her pianist, Nancy will sing wonderful and amusing songs, including some pertaining to her DS characters. An afternoon at the Blue Whale was never more fun! * Night Of Dark Shadows Restoration Film expert Darren Gross will present an exclusive look at the restoration process of 1971's Night Of Dark Shadows, including rare footage never before seen. Shot entirely at the Lyndhurst estate in Tarrytown, the movie was severely trimmed prior to release. Actors David Selby, Lara Parker, John Karlen and Diana Millay will also discuss the film. * Dark Shadows Marketplace The DS Weekend offers the best-stocked source for DS merchandise anywhere! You'll find a wide array of products to buy: the new DVD sets, videos, photos, books, T-shirts and much more -- such as new CD and DVD releases, books, and a new batch of Josette's Music Boxes. Marketplace hours: Friday: 6 pm - 9 pm; Saturday: 11 am - 6 pm; Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm. Charity auctions, benefiting the Alzheimer's Association, on Sat. and Sun. will offer rare and unusual DS items to the highest bidders -- including props such as Josette's music box from the 1991 DS series. * Dark Shadows Costume Gala with Complimentary Refreshments Join the fun at Saturday's DS Costume Gala - free snacks and drinks will be served! Dressing in costume is not required, but vampire attire and DS related costumes are encouraged. Entry forms for the gala will be available at the Festival Information/Volunteer Desk on Fri. and Sat. * Dark Shadows Banquet With The Stars A deluxe dinner with the DS actors is at 7:00 on Sun. Attendees will receive a DS souvenir plus door prizes will be awarded and rare video will be screened. The dinner is only $60 per person (non-refundable). Reservations (required) must be received by Aug. 6. Tasty vegetarian and vegan selections are available upon request. * Hotel Update & Directions A map and directions to the Westchester Marriott are below. The hotel has sold out of sleeping rooms during the DS Weekend but two nearby hotels have a few rooms available: Tarrytown SpringHill Suites By Marriott and Tarrytown Courtyard By Marriott. Call 1-800-831-4004 and mention Dark Shadows for special discounted room rates. Directions: From Tappan Zee Bridge, take exit 9 after toll booth, turn R at Rt. 9 N. go 1/4 mile, turn R on 119, go 1 mile E - hotel is on right. From NYC: Take I-87 N to exit 9, turn R on Rt. 119, go E 3/4 mile, hotel is on right. The hotel has free parking available for everyone. Nearest airports and distances: Westchester Airport: 25 mins. by taxi ($5-$10), served by major airlines. LaGuardia Airport: 30-40 mins.; JFK Airport: 1 hr - 1 1/2 hrs.; Newark Airport: 1 1/2 hrs. Local Train Transportation: MTA Metro North, Hudson Line, frequent service from Grand Central Station, NYC to Tarrytown. Call 1-800- METRO-INFO or check website: www.mta. nyc.ny.us for schedule and fare information. Taxi to hotel from station (approx. $5). Recommended: Transportation Services Guide, Westchester's Smart Commute Program, from Westchester County Department of Transportation, Commute Alternatives Program, 100 E. 1st., Mount Vernon, NY 10550, 1-914-955- 4444, or www.westchestergov.com/smartcommute (for complete bus & train info). * Tentative Schedule Of Events - Marriott Ballroom Friday, August 13 4:00pm Registration Opens 6:00 Opening Greetings/Collinsport Players Skit #1 6:30 Dark Shadows Video Surprise 7:00 Guests: Marie Wallace & Denise Nickerson 7:30 Guests: John Karlen & Kathryn Leigh Scott 8:00 Guest: Lara Parker 8:30 Autographs/DS TV Publicity 9:00 Movie: House Of Dark Shadows 10:45 Movie: Night Of Dark Shadows Saturday, August 14 10:00am Dark Shadows Highlights & Fan Videos 12:00 Fan Panel Discussion 12:30 DS Video Vault: King Of Queens (DS plot) 1:00 Guest: Kathryn Leigh Scott 1:30 Return To Collinwood - Guest: Jamison Selby 2:00 DS Memorabilia Charity Auction I 3:00 Night Of Dark Shadows Restoration - Host Darren Gross with David Selby, Lara Parker, John Karlen, and Diana Millay 4:30 Nancy Barrett Cabaret Performance 5:15 Autographs/DS Music Videos 7:00 New DS Celebrity Interviews 7:30 Dan Curtis Career Discussion & Tribute 9:00 Dark Shadows Costume Gala (Complimentary Refreshments) 10:30 Movie: The Girl In Blue with David Selby Sunday, August 15 10:00am Dark Shadows Highlights 11:00 Inside DS Panel 12:00 Guests: Marie Wallace & John Karlen 1:00 Guest: Diana Millay & Denise Nickerson 2:00 DS Memorabilia Charity Auction II 3:00 Dark Shadows 2004 Pilot Sneak Peek 3:30 Cast Dramatic Performance: The House 4:30 Guest: David Selby/Autographs 7:00 Banquet Dinner (door prizes & video screening) Note: All times are approximate and subject to change. Please send any postal mail address corrections to: Dark Shadows, P.O. Box 92, Maplewood, NJ 07040 or to: pansyfaye@... To be added to the online list to receive future updates for Fest events and news, please e-mail your request to ShadowGram@... or write to Marcy Robin / ShadowGram, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766. *** Note: Please share your reports, photos, and video footage with ShadowGram so it can be enjoyed by fans of all ages around the world who are unable to join us in person. Every photo and every person has a unique view and experience, so each helps present the full picture of the Weekend. Please send all material as soon as possible to SG's e-mail or postal-mail addresses below. A Contributor's Copy of SG is given in thanks for major contributions. Thank you. Marcy Robin ShadowGram Editor / Publisher Marcy Robin, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766 E-mail: ShadowGram@... ***************************************************************** SHADOWGRAM (SG) is the * Official * "Dark Shadows" Newsletter. Much of its news is provided by the show's personnel and those involved in both 1966-71 TV series and 1991 TV series. Established in 1979, SG works directly with companies and others involved in DS' creation, distribution, promotion, merchandise, etc. The complete print issues are published throughout the year, with free bonus complimentary breaking-news published updates as needed. Brief Updates are posted on this Marcy Robin's ShadowGram "Dark Shadows" Cyberspace Updates List / ShadowGram Online "Dark Shadows" Updates List. These posts are sent via e-mail between regularly- published issues to quickly notify fans of time-sensitive developments. You also can receive this identical SG Online Update by joining the ShadowGram Group at yahoogroups SG postal-mail print issues: US &Canada First Class subscriptions: $12.00 for 4 issues, $24.00 for 8 issues. Overseas Air Mail subscriptions: US $20.00 for 4 issues, US $40.00 for 8 issues. Send print issue subscription payment to: Marcy Robin, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766. Your subscription payment can be made online via Paypal to: Shadowgram@... For more information on the newsletter, please write with a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) to the above postal-mail address or e-mail: ShadowGram@... If your e-mail address changes, please notify me immediately. Please include your old and your new e-mail addresses. If you do not wish to receive this online "ShadowGram / Marcy Robin's Cyberspace Dark Shadows Update List," please notify me via return e- mail. Thank you.