Latest Dark Shadows Audio Dramas Delayed

Big Finish Productions has announced a delay in the release of the latest Dark Shadows audio dramas, The Christmas Presence and The Rage Beneath. The titles were originally slated for a November 2006 release. Due to "unforeseen production difficulties," they are now scheduled for January 2007. For more information, visit the official web site.

Haunted Halloween Party Reports and Photos

The Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary Haunted Halloween Party was held Thursday, October 26, at the Vista Theatre in Los Angeles. Original series guests in attendance were Bob Cobert (composer), Betsy Durkin (Victoria Winters #2), Lara Parker (Angelique), Robert Rodan (Adam), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans), and David Selby (Quentin Collins). Also attending were Karen Black (Trilogy of Terror) and Barbara Steele (Dr. Julia Hoffman from the 1991 Dark Shadows).

Black, Cobert, and Steele placed their handprints/footprints in the cement outside the theatre to kick off the evening's festivities. Selby appeared in costume to recite the lyrics to "Quentin's Theme." The evening concluded with an autograph line.

Below are links to various accounts of the event, some of which include photos.

• Dark Shadows Geek Out
• More on the Dark Shadows Festival (though it was not technically a Festival)
• Oh my God
• A Night of Dark Shadows

Selby's Unknown Premieres in November

Unknown, a new independent film starring an ensemble cast that includes Jim Caviezel and Greg Kinnear, will premiere in November. David Selby (Quentin Collins) also appears in the film.

Unknown is part of the IFC Films First Take series. It will be available on demand to cable subscribers and will also play in various theaters across the country. Visit the IFC Films site for more information.

Gay South Florida Mentions Craig Hamrick

Craig Hamrick's passing was noted in the Gay South Florida blog on October 4 by Miami Herald writer Steve Rothaus. Lara Parker (Angelique) is quoted in the article.

(Click here for a September article on Craig's passing from this blog.)

Dark Shadows Theme Featured on Mannheim Steamroller Album

The latest Halloween album by Mannheim Steamroller, Halloween 2: Creatures Collection, features a rendition of the Dark Shadows theme. The 3-disc set includes a music CD, a sound effects CD, and a DVD.

Click here to listen to clips from the album or to purchase a copy from Amazon.

Article Links

Here are links to a few Dark Shadows-related articles that were either sent to me or that I came across in the past few days:

• Comics in Context #149: Forty Years in Shadows by Peter Sanderson - This is a lengthy review of the recent Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary Celebration in Brooklyn. It also includes information about the newest DS offerings: Lara Parker's (Angelique) latest novel, Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch and the Dark Shadows audios from Big Finish Productions.

• Return to Dark Shadows by David Nahmod - A feature from the Bay Area Reporter on actress Lara Parker (Angelique) and her latest novel, Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch.

• A Life Well-Lived in the Theatre by David Nahmod - A feature from the Bay Area Reporter on actress Marie Wallace (Eve) and her memoir, On Stage and in Shadows.

• Gay Icon in Waiting by David Nahmod - A profile of actress Grayson Hall (Dr. Julia Hoffman) and the recent biography, Grayson Hall: A Hard Act to Follow by R. J. Jamison. Visit the book's official web site for more information.

Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary Halloween Party

ShadowGram has announced a special Dark Shadows Halloween event. The original email message appears below. Hyperlinks are my additions. Although the update does not mention it, please be aware that appearances by actors are usually subject to change due to their professional commitments.

ShadowGram Online Dark Shadows News Updates List
Marcy Robin's Cyberspace "Dark Shadows" News Update List
An Internet Publication of SHADOWGRAM
< ShadowGram@aol.com >

Number 158. September 21, 2006.

*********************************************
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark
Shadows (DS), announces the following breaking news:

SHADOWGRAM ONLINE PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT

**** THE DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL PRESENTS...
DARK SHADOWS 40TH ANNIVERSARY HALLOWEEN PARTY ****

Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary
Haunted Halloween Party
Thursday, October 26, 2006
7:30 - 11:00 PM

At the historic Vista Theatre
4473 Sunset Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-6639

Meet the DS stars in person and celebrate Halloween – all in one
night!

--- Free autographs will be available from our guests:
David Selby (Quentin), Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Josette), John Karlen (Willie), Jerry Lacy (Rev. Trask), Roger Davis (Jeff Clark), Chris Pennock (Jeb Hawkes), Robert Rodan (Adam), and Betsy Durkin (Victoria Winters #2).

--- Premiere performance: DS Composer Robert Cobert will conduct the first-ever live concert of his famous DS soundtrack music, including a recitation by David Selby of "Shadows Of The Night" ("Quentin's Theme").

--- Memorial Salute: Actress Barbara Steele will host a special tribute honoring DS creator Dan Curtis. She is best-known as the star of numerous Italian and British 1960s horror films such as "Black Sunday." She also starred as "Dr. Julia Hoffman" and "Natalie du Pres" in the 1991 DS primetime revival TV series.

--- Special Appearance by actress Karen Black, star of the legendary 1975 TV movie "Trilogy Of Terror," produced and directed by Dan Curtis. On display will be the original Zuni fetish doll, her ferocious demonic "co-star" in the film. Fans may take pictures with the iconic doll.

--- In keeping with the Halloween theme, a first-ever "Barnabas Collins Look-Alike" contest will be held. Those who dress in costume as the vampire will compete to win the complete collection of MPI's upcoming "Dark Shadows - The Beginning" DVD boxed sets.

--- A wide variety of new DS merchandise will be available for purchase, including "DS - The First Year" book; Lara Parker's novel "DS - The Salem Branch"; 2007 DS Calendar; DS Action Figures; the Big Finish DS audio drama CDs; Kathryn Leigh Scott's novel "Murder In Prime Time"; David Selby's evocative "A Better Place"; music cds, photographs; and much more.

--- Door prizes will be given out and there will be an auction of unusual vintage DS memorabilia. Popcorn, soft drinks and candy will be available.

This unique DS evening will benefit the Alzheimer's Research Center at UCLA in memory of Dan and Norma Curtis.

Tickets are only $20 for adults, $15 for seniors & students, and $10 for children ages 6-12.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Vista box office after 2:00 pm (weekends) and 4:00 pm (weekdays).

Tickets also may be ordered via postal-mail. Please send your check or money order to:

Dark Shadows, P.O. Box 480726, Los Angeles, CA 90048.

Advance ticket buyers will receive a surprise DS gift!

The Vista Theatre is a beautifully-restored 75-year-old movie palace. It is located at the intersection of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards, 3 blocks east of Vermont Ave., in the lovely Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, near Hollywood.

For out-of-town visitors: The Burbank Bob Hope Airport is only about 7 miles to the north of the Vista and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 12 miles southwest of the Vista. For sleeping accommodations, approximately ½-mile from the theatre are the Hollywood Travel Lodge, 1401 N. Vermont Ave. 323-665-5735 and the Hollywood Ramada Inn, 1160 N.Vermont Ave. 323- 660-1788.

A full-color flyer for the event will be available online starting Sept. 23 at: www.collinwood.net/hollywood-halloween

**** An illustrated SHADOWGRAM SPECIAL BONUS ANNOUNCEMENT will be sent via postal-mail to all print-issue subscribers within a few days. The upcoming SG #109 and subsequent print issues will feature details, exclusive guest photos, and more about the event.

--- FAN SHARING: All fans joining us at the Halloween celebration are invited and encouraged to please send their reports and photos to ShadowGram at SG's postal- or e- mail addresses below. These will be shared with SG readers - including the DS cast and crew and fans worldwide - in the published SG newsletters, starting with the upcoming SG #109. A complimentary Contributor's Copy SG print issue
is given in thanks for major contributions.

This SG Online DS News Updates List will update all this news and print issue SG #109 will have the latest complete detailed developments, photos, reports, and additional information.


Thank you.

Marcy Robin

ShadowGram Editor / Publisher
Marcy Robin, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766
E-mail: ShadowGram@aol.com

*****************************************************************

SHADOWGRAM (SG) is the * Official * "Dark Shadows" Newsletter. Much of its news is provided by the show's personnel and those involved in the 1966-71 TV series, 1991 TV series, and 2004 WB pilot. Established in 1979, SG works directly with individuals, companies, and others involved in DS' creation, distribution, promotion, merchandise, etc.

Regular SG print issues are published throughout the year, with free bonus complimentary breaking-news published updates as needed.

Brief Update bulletins are posted on this ShadowGram Online "Dark Shadows" News Updates List / Marcy Robin's ShadowGram "Dark Shadows" Cyberspace News Updates List. These posts are sent via e-mail between regularly-published issues to quickly notify fans of time-sensitive developments. Each e-mail Update is expanded and detailed in the subscription postal-mail print issues. You also can receive this
identical SG Online Update by joining the ShadowGram Group at yahoogroups

SG postal-mail print issues are immediately available:
--- US & Canadian 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.

Please send print issue subscription payment to:

Marcy Robin, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766.

Online subscription payment can be made via Paypal to:
ShadowGram@aol.com

For more information on the newsletter, please write with a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) to the above postal-address or e-mail ShadowGram@aol.com

Whenever your e-mail address changes, please notify me immediately. Please include your old and new e-mail addresses. If you do not wish to remain on the Online "ShadowGram / Marcy Robin's Cyberspace Dark Shadows News Update List," please notify me directly via return e-mail. Thank you.

Craig Hamrick (1966-2006)

On Sunday, September 24, 2006, Dark Shadows fan, author, and webmaster Craig Hamrick passed away after a four-year battle with cancer. His writing credits include Barnabas and Company, Big Lou: The Life and Career of Actor Louis Edmonds, and The Dark Shadows Collectibles Book. He also collaborated with Diana Millay on The Power of Halloween and with Marie Wallace on On Stage and In Shadows.

His Dark Shadows Online web site served as a portal to many of the actors' official web sites. He helped to launch official sites for Nancy Barrett, Diana Millay, Denise Nickerson, Lara Parker, David Selby, and Marie Wallace, several of which he continued to maintain until his passing. He also maintained a personal web site.

Craig Hamrick is survived by his partner Joe Salvatore who requests that donations in Craig's memory be made to New York City Animal Care and Control, Inc. Joe and Craig adopted their cats from a shelter run by this organization.

To make a contribution, please send your donation and indicate that it is in memory of CRAIG HAMRICK to the following address:

Development Department
New York City Animal Care & Control
11 Park Place, Suite 805
New York, NY 10007

Grayson Hall Book Launch

At the recent Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary Celebration at the Brooklyn Marriott, author R. J. Jamison was on hand to launch her new biography of actress Grayson Hall (Dr. Julia Hoffman), entitled Grayson Hall: A Hard Act to Follow. Portions of her presentation are now available for viewing on YouTube.

For additional information about the book, please visit the official site.

David Selby to Appear in New Series

The official David Selby web site reports that he will appear in a recurring role in the upcoming HBO series Tell Me You Love Me. It is scheduled to begin airing in 2007.

For more Selby stuff, please visit (my) Criseyde's David Selby site.

Dark Shadows: The House of Despair Now Available

The first of the new Dark Shadows audio dramas from Big Finish Productions is now available from Amazon.com. The House of Despair features appearances by original Dark Shadows cast members John Karlen (Willie Loomis), Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans), and David Selby (Quentin Collins). Jamison Selby, David's son and the author of two previous audio dramas including Return to Collinwood, which is available through MPI Home Video, also appears.

Click here to order The House of Despair through Amazon and support this site through your purchase. For more information about the new Dark Shadows audio dramas, visit the Dark Shadows Reborn web site.

Grayson Hall: A Hard Act to Follow

R. J. Jamison's biography of Grayson Hall (Dr. Julia Hoffman) is now available. Click here to purchase Grayson Hall: Hard Act to Follow from Amazon, or check your favorite retailer's web site. Additional information about the book is available from the official web site.

More Lara Parker Appearances

Lara Parker (Angelique) will be making several public appearances in August and September to promote her new novel, Dark Shadows novel, The Salem Branch. (A previous post on this site mentioned her July signing schedule.)

Cities scheduled for August and September include:

• Salem, OR
• Portland, OR
• Memphis, TN
• Columbus, OH
• Dayton, OH
• Whippany, NJ
• Brooklyn, NY (Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary Festival)
• Philadelphia, PA
• Brentwood, CA
• San Francisco, CA

For more information, visit LaraParker.com.

To purchase Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch from Amazon and support this site via your purchase, click here.

Dark Shadows Bloopers & Treasures

On November 21, 2006, MPI will release Dark Shadows Bloopers and Treasures, a single-disc DVD.

In addition to bloopers from the series, the set will also contain Dark Shadows Music Videos, previously available on VHS, and a new feature, Dark Shadows in Salem, a look at the historic site of the witch trials hosted by the witch Angelique herself, Lara Parker. Clips of guest appearances by Dark Shadows actors on game shows and in promotional spots will also be included.

Click here to purchase this DVD from Amazon. Using this link helps to support this site.

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 26

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 26 is scheduled to be released on September 26, 2006. It will contain the final nineteen episodes of the series plus bonus materials to fill out the four-disc set.

Here are some details regarding its contents:

In 1841 parallel time, Daphne Harridge becomes suicidal at the thought of losing Bramwell Collins to her sister Catherine. James Forsythe's spirit reveals why he cursed the Collinses in 1680. The ghost of Brutus Collins traps Morgan Collins and Julia Collins in a secret corridor at Collinwood where they find two mummified bodies. After marrying Kendrick Young, Melanie Collins becomes insane. Morgan is enraged to learn Catherine and Bramwell have resumed their romance. As crises continue to surround them, the Collins family struggle to survive, hoping to finally end the curse that has brought so much sorrow.

Includes more than 3 hours of Bonus Material!

Exclusive Documentaries:

• "Dark Shadows Tribute"
• "Dark Shadows 25th Anniversary"

Special Compilations

• "Dark Shadows Vampires and Ghosts"
• "Dark Shadows Scariest Moments"
• "The Best of Barnabas"

Featurettes and Montages:

• "The Making of Return to Collinwood"
• "Before the Shadows"
• "A Fan Remembers"
• "Dark Shadows - The Beginning, Beyond the
  Shadows"

And...rare rehearsal footage, promotional spots,
trailers and behind-the-scenes home movies!

Click here to order this set from Amazon. Your purchase via this link will help to support this site.

Saving Milly on CBS July 9

Saving Milly, one of the final projects of Dark Shadows creator Dan Curtis, who passed away this year, will be rebroadcast on CBS on Sunday, July 9, at 8:00 PM Eastern/Pacific. Curtis directed this 2005 television film, based on the book, which deals with the relationship between political journalist Morton Kondracke and his wife Milly as they confront her diagnosis with Parkinson's disease. The CBS web page for the movie includes a synopsis and relevant links.

Lara Parker Appearances This Summer

Lara Parker (Angelique) will be making some appearances in California this month to promote her new Dark Shadows novel, The Salem Branch, which is scheduled to be released on July 11. Visit the Appearances page of her official web site for details.

To order a copy of The Salem Branch from Amazon and support this site through your purchase, click here.

To read other entries about the book on this blog, click here.

Dark Shadows Reborn Site Launches

The web site for Dark Shadows Reborn, the new series of audio dramas from Big Finish productions, launched on June 5, 2006. The site includes photos taken during the May recording session as well as a trailer.

The new Dark Shadows audio series was mentioned in an earlier entry on this blog on April 17, 2006. Click here to read that news item.

Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary Festival Information

The Dark Shadows Festival web site has just been updated to include details about the 40th Anniversary event to be held August 25-27, 2006 in Brooklyn. Visit the site for a guest list, event highlights, and a copy of the registration form.

Donna McKechnie Autobiography

An autobiography by Donna McKechnie (Amanda Harris) should be available in stores in September 2006. Amazon lists an August 29, 2006 release for McKechnie's Time Steps: My Musical Comedy Life.

While Dark Shadows fans know McKechnie for her portrayal of Quentin Collins' love interest, Amanda Harris, fans of musical theatre know her for her Tony Award winning portrayal of Cassie in A Chorus Line on Broadway. She has made occasional film and television appearances since Dark Shadows, but the majority of her work has been on stage.

For an overview of the chapters contained in Time Steps: My Musical Comedy Life, read the Playbill Online article about the book.

If you plan to purchase this book, please consider using this Amazon link. Your purchase will help to support this web site.

New Documentary from Alexandra Isles

Alexandra Isles (Victoria Winters) has directed a new documentary, The Healing Gardens of New York. Two screenings are scheduled in New York in June. For more information, visit the New York Women in Film and Television web site.

The film will be broadcast on WNET, New York's PBS station, as part of their Reel New York series, on July 27. For more information, visit the WNET web site.

Isles' previous documentary credits include Scandalize My Name, which chronicles the impact of McCarthy-era blacklisting on African-American performers. This film is available on DVD from Amazon. Click here for additional information.

This information was originally posted on the Dark Shadows Forums by victoriawinters.

Grayson Hall Biography Due This Summer

R. J. Jamison's biography of actress Grayson Hall (Dr. Julia Hoffman) is set to be released this summer. Hall, an Academy Award nominee, was married to Sam Hall, who went on to write for Dark Shadows. Their son, Matthew Hall, served as a writer for the 1991 Dark Shadows series.

Here's an announcement regarding the book:

Ms. Hall (1923-1985) was a widely acclaimed New York Theatre actress, 1964 Academy Award nominee and co-star of the 1960s-70s iconic Gothic television serial, Dark Shadows. Research into her career has uncovered reviews of Grayson's earliest stage appearances as a teenager on Long Island and includes material on her extensive stage work in New York City; Spoleto, Italy; and the Hedgerow Theatre outside Philadelphia. Rare, previously unpublished documentation of her television and film careers will also be presented.

The biographical project's goal is to provide a comprehensive, candid view of Ms Hall's professional achievements, persona and legacy for her admirers, the theatrical community, and students of the history of the American media arts.

The book contains excerpts of interviews with Kathryn Leigh Scott, David Selby, Nancy Barrett, Alexandra Isles, Marie Wallace, Diana Millay, Sylvia Miles, John Guare, Ted Mann, Arthur Penn, and Sam and Matthew Hall. It will also include several privately, unpublished photos of Grayson's early life, including a photo of her first husband -- Ted Brooks, and her theatrical endeavors.

The book is scheduled for publication in August 2006.

Information on the book can be found at www.rjjamison.com (Click on Non-Fiction)

Look for an announcement on this site when the book becomes available.

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 25

Originally posted on April 16, 2005. Episode and interview information added on April 30, 2006.

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 25 is scheduled to be released on July 25, 2006. According to MPI Home Video, the set contains episodes 1186-1226, which include the transition from 1840 to 1840 parallel time. Here's the synopsis:

At Collinwood in the year 1840, Daphne Harridge describes strange occurances she viewed in a room in the east wing. Dr. Julia Hoffman warns her to beware of the parallel time band she has witnessed. Barnabas begs Angelique to use her powers to help save Quentin Collins from being executed for practicing witchcraft. Using Quentin's stairway through time, Barnabas, Julia and Professor Stokes travel back to the future.

In 1841 parallel time, Bramwell Collins insists that Catherine Harridge marry him instead of Morgan Collins. As the family's oldest son, Morgan is placed in charge of the dreaded lottery, where a family member is selected to endure a night in a mysterious, cursed room. Kendrick Young discovers that his lover Melanie Collins suffers from a split personality. Carrie Stokes reveals that Morgan is possessed by James Forsythe, the man who placed the curse on the Collinses in 1680. The ghost of Brutus Collins taunts Morgan.

The set features bonus interviews with David Selby (Quentin Collins), John Karlen (Desmond Collins), Lara Parker (Catherine Harridge), and costume designer Mary McKinley.

This set also includes a reconstruction of Episode 1219, the only episode of Dark Shadows that does not exist on videotape or kinescope. Lara Parker (Catherine Harridge) provides a synopsis of the events of the missing episode.

If you plan to purchase this DVD set from Amazon, please click here or use the link below to help support this site through your purchase at no additional cost.

Criseyde's David Selby Site Update 4/29/06

A few odds and ends:

• Information about David's possible participation in a touring version of L.A. Theatre Works' Caine Mutiny Court-Martial has been added to the Upcoming Appearances section of the News page.
• The premiere date for Black Hole has been added to the Events Calendar on the What's New? page and to the News page.
• Information about a second book signing in Morgantown held this past week has been added to the Recent Appearances section of the News page. Anyone who attended is invited to share photos on the site.
• The oft imitated and sometimes flat-out duplicated Biography page has been updated to include recent projects.

http://www.ldrweb.com/davidselby

New Book by the "Other" Victoria Winters

When Alexandra Moltke (Victoria Winters) left the cast of Dark Shadows due to her pregnancy, a couple of other actresses took a stab at playing the part. One of them was Betsy Durkin, who now goes by the name Betsy Durkin Matthes.

Matthes has written a new book, Dressing the Man You Love: A Woman's Guide to Purchasing, Coordinating and Caring for His Classic Wardrobe. It is scheduled to be released on June 1, 2006. You can read more about Matthes and her book on the book's official web site.

Special thanks to Craig Hamrick who first posted about Betsy Durkin Matthes and her new book on his Dark Shadows Online site.

Use the link below to purchase a copy of the book from Amazon. Sales generated through this link will help to support this web site at no additional cost to you.

New Dark Shadows Audio Dramas

On April 10, 2006, Shadowgram Update #149 announced that new Dark Shadows audio dramas will be produced by Big Finish Productions, a British company who is also behind a Dr. Who audio drama series.

Dark Shadows cast members first reunited to produce an audio drama continuation of the series at the 2003 Dark Shadows Festival in Brooklyn. Return to Collinwood, written by Jamison Selby, son of David Selby (Quentin Collins), was performed live at the Festival and then recorded in a studio for release on compact disc from MPI Home Video, the company behind the Dark Shadows video releases.

Jamison Selby penned a sequel, Vengeance at Collinwood, which was performed at the 2005 Dark Shadows Hollywood Weekend. It has not been released on compact disc.

On April 15, 2006, Big Finish Productions announced the new Dark Shadows audio drama series on their web site. Four single-disc audio dramas are slated to be produced, and the first two will debut at the 2006 Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary Celebration in Brooklyn in August. You can read the complete release here. The official web site for the new audio series is www.darkshadowsreborn.com. It will launch on June 5, 2006.

Diana Millay in The Man from UNCLE

The first season of The Man from UNCLE, starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum as Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, is scheduled to be released on DVD in July 2006.

Diana Millay (Laura Collins) appeared on the first season of The Man from UNCLE as Ernestine Pepper in an episode titled "The King of Knaves Affair." This episode originally aired in December 1964, a few years before Dark Shadows debuted on ABC.

To order the first season of The Man from UNCLE on DVD and support this site through your purchase, click here.

Update: This title has been removed from Amazon due to a dispute over the DVD rights. If and when the matter is resolved and the set is made available, an update will be posted on the site.

Dark Shadows Meets The King of Queens

Dark Shadows and its fan conventions were mentioned on a March 2003 episode of the CBS series The King of Queens. The main plot of the episode involves Doug's machinations to get out of attending the opera with Carrie. A subplot focuses on Spence's girlfriend's objection to his attending a Dark Shadows convention. The episode is titled "Cowardly Lyin'," and it is featured on The King of Queens: The Complete Fifth Season, scheduled to be released on DVD in June 2006.

Watch Dana Elcar in Falcon Crest Online

Dana Elcar (Sheriff George Patterson) appeared in three episodes of Falcon Crest as vintner Carl Reed. One of those episodes, "The Tangled Vines," is currently available for online viewing through AOL's In2TV service. In2TV is a free broadband television service.

Click here to access Elcar's episode.

Click here to read the AOL In2TV system requirements.

Donna McKechnie to Participate in Summer Music Theater Immersion Experience

Donna McKechnie (Amanda Harris), who won a Tony for her performance as Cassie in A Chorus Line, will participate in the Summer Music Theater Immersion Experience at the New School for Drama in New York. The three-week program features master classes taught by visiting artists including McKechnie.

For more information, visit Playbill Online.

Dan Curtis Obituary and Guest Book

A paid obituary for Dan Curtis, Dark Shadows creator and producer, appeared in the Los Angeles Times today. The obituary includes a link to a guest book to post condolences.

Thanks to Midnite who first posted this information on the Dark Shadows Forums site.

Dark Shadows Creator/Producer Dan Curtis Dies

Dan Curtis, the creator and producer behind Dark Shadows, passed away this morning at his home in California. For additional details, please see the AP Wire story, available on the San Luis Obispo Tribune web site.

Donna McKechnie to Appear in Baltimore

Donna McKechnie (Amanda Harris), who received a Tony Award for her performance as Cassie in A Chorus Line, will perform as part of Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway at the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The event will take place on Friday, April 7, at 7:00 PM.

For ticket information and a recent photo of McKechnie, read the article from BroadwayWorld.com.

Criseyde's David Selby Site Update 3/24/06

A few recent additions:

• New, better quality images from David Selby's 1975 appearance on Police Woman have been added to the Photo Gallery.
• The What's New? page has been redesigned to feature a new Events Calendar section.
• A link to photos from The Wonder of Reading's Explore-A-Story event has been added to the "Recent Appearances" section of the News page.

All new material is accessible directly from the What's New? page of the site.

http://www.ldrweb.com/davidselby

Lara Parker on Police Woman

Images of Lara Parker (Angelique) in a 1975 episode of the series Police Woman have been added to the Gallery.

AOL Unveils In2TV

March 15, 2006 is the premiere date for In2TV, America Online and Warner Brothers' new free on-demand broadband television service. Internet users will be able to view episodes of classic Warner Brothers television series, including Falcon Crest, which features David Selby (Quentin Collins) as Richard Channing, and The Scarecrow and Mrs. King, starring Kate Jackson (Daphne Harridge).

Ten episodes of each series will be available at a time. Beginning in May, the first five episodes of each series will be removed to make room for five new episodes, and new episodes will continue to rotate in and out in this fashion in the coming months.

David Selby fans will have to wait a few weeks for the Falcon Crest episodes featuring Richard Channing. The character doesn't appear until the second season begins.

In addition to these two series featuring former Dark Shadows actors as regular cast members, several of the In2TV series featured DS actors in guest appearances. Look for more information about those episodes as they become available.

Michael Stroka on Wonder Woman

Images of Michael Stroka (Aristede) from his 1978 appearance in an episode of Wonder Woman have been added to the Gallery.

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 24

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 24 will be released on May 30, 2006.

At Collinwood in the year 1840, governess Daphne Harridge finds a letter from her absent sister warning her to stay away from Quentin Collins. Roxanne Drew rises as a vampire and attacks Lamar Trask. When Trask discovers Quentin's laboratory and proclaims that he will be placed on trial for witchcraft, Barnabas and Desmond Collins vow to save Quentin from being executed. Gabriel Collins plots to revise his father Daniel's will so that he and Edith Collins will inherit the entire family fortune. After reading servant Ben Stokes' diary from 1795, Lamar Trask finds the skeleton of his father bricked up in the Old House basement and plans revenge on Barnabas. Angelique realizes that Barnabas' claims that Gerard Stiles is possessed by Judah Zachery may be true.

This set will feature bonus interviews with David Selby (Quentin Collins), John Karlen (Desmond Collins), James Storm (Gerard Stiles), and Dan Curtis, creator and executive producer of Dark Shadows.

To pre-order this set from Amazon and support the site through your purchase, click here.

David Selby in End Game on DVD

Fans of David Selby (Quentin Collins) can purchase End Game on DVD beginning in May 2006. The movie was filmed in Spokane, Washington in the early part of 2005. It stars Cuba Gooding, Jr and Angie Harmon as a Secret Service agent and a journalist who team up to investigate the conspiracy behind the assassination of the President. The film also features Anne Archer, Burt Reynolds, Jack Scalia, and James Woods. Selby portrays Shakey, a homeless man who may be an important source in the investigation.

To purchase this DVD from Amazon and help support this site and Criseyde's David Selby Site (at no additional cost to you), please click here.

David Selby Appearance in LA in March

The following information comes from DavidSelby.com, the official David Selby (Quentin Collins) web site:

David Selby is among the celebrity readers scheduled to appear at Explore-A-Story: A Celebration of Books. This children's book-themed festival is a fundraiser for The Wonder of Reading, an organization that "expands and renovates public elementary school libraries, provides funds to restock the library's collection of books, and trains volunteers to read one-on-one with struggling readers in the new library."

Explore-A-Story will be held Sunday, March 12, 2006, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at ArcLight Cinemas Hollywood. Scheduled events include: screenings of book-inspired movies; book readings by celebrated children's authors, illustrators, and celebrities; live children's entertainment; walk-around book, TV, and film characters; food; a book fair; and much more. Tickets are $75 each or $275 for a family of four.

Please visit The Wonder of Reading web site for additional information including a complete list of participants and how to purchase tickets for this event.

For more information about David Selby, please visit my David Selby site.

Donna McKechine to Play Mame

Donna McKechnie (Amanda Harris) will play the title role in the Barrington Stage Company's concert version of Jerry Herman's Mame. Performances will be October 4-15 at the Berkshire Music Hall in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

McKechnie won a Tony Award for her performance as Cassie in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line.

Dark Shadows fans may recall that David Selby (Quentin Collins) appeared in a production of Mame in California in 2002.

For additional details about the Barrington Stage Company production of Mame, read the article on Playbill Online or visit the Barrington Stage Company web site.

Kate Jackson on Larry King Live

Kate Jackson (Daphne Harridge) appeared on Larry King Live on Friday, February 3, to discuss surviving heart disease. Patty Duke was also a guest on this program. It will be rebroadcast on Saturday, February 11, at 9:00 pm Eastern.

February is American Heart Month. Visit the American Heart Association web site for more information.

Read the First Chapter of Lara Parker's New Dark Shadows Novel

In July 2006, a new Dark Shadows novel by Lara Parker (Angelique) will be released. You can pre-order a copy of The Salem Branch and support this site via your purchase by clicking here. In the meantime, Parker's official site, LaraParker.com, has an exclusive preview which includes the first chapter of the book. Click here to read it.

This site first reported on Parker's book on December 31, 2005. Click here to read the original news item.

Kathryn Leigh Scott Radio Interview

According to the Pomegranate Press web site, Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) will appear on Getting to Know You with Susan McCray on KSAV radio on Tuesday, February 14, at 6:00 pm PT. There will be a rebroadcast on Thursday, February 16, at 6:00 pm PT.

You can listen live online via the KSAV web site. The site includes podcasts and an Audio Archives section.

Grayson Hall's Oscar-Nominated Performance Coming to DVD

Before she worked on Dark Shadows, actress Grayson Hall (Dr. Julia Hoffman), wife of Dark Shadows writer Sam Hall, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in Night of the Iguana, a film adaptation of the Tennessee Williams play directed by John Huston. She portrayed Judith Fellowes. The cast included Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, and Deborah Kerr.

Night of the Iguana is scheduled to be released on DVD on May 2, 2006. To order a copy of this title and support the site through your purchase, please click here.

Reserve Your Room for the Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary Weekend Now

The following information comes from Shadowgram Update #146:

**** DARK SHADOWS 40th ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

To commemorate 4 decades of DS, the DS Festival is presenting the show's official celebration August 25-27, 2006, at the newly-remodeled New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. Over a dozen of the original DS actors will participate in this extra-special occasion, featuring dramatic performances by the stars, autograph sessions, new DS memorabilia, banquet dinner, and many surprises. Membership rates and specific guests and activities still are being planned.

This SG Online Updates List and the upcoming SG #107 print issue will announce confirmed details when they are set. A Fest postal mailing should be sent soon, at which time fans can also receive updates via the website www.darkshadowsfestival.com . Persons who send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Festival address will receive earliest notification. Send your SASE to Dark Shadows Festival, P.O. Box 92, Maplewood, NJ 07040.

It is highly recommended that all fans who plan to attend the 40th Anniversary event make hotel reservations immediately before the hotel sells out of rooms, as is usually the case with the DS conventions. Please note: The cut-off date for this room block is July 31. If rooms are needed after this date, they will be handled on a 'first come, first served' basis, based upon the hotel's availability. So please make your reservations before the date indicated above.

You can receive the special, reduced DS sleeping room rate of $153 + tax per night (single-double occupancy) by making reservations online or by phone. The hotel provides the following information.

Online: Go to their website - www.brooklynmarriott.com - and follow these instructions:
- On the opening Home Page you will see an information box titled; Check Rates & Availability.
- Enter arrival/departure information, and number of occupants staying in the room.
- Just below you'll see a section for; Optional Information.
- There is where you can enter your Marriott Rewards Number, and if you do not have one, please let them know so they can sign you up to start earning points or miles for every dollar that you spend with Marriott.
- Just below that is an area for your Group Code. Please enter the following 7-character code: DARDARA
- Then follow all other prompts and instructions.

By phone: You may call the Brooklyn Marriott directly on the phone to make reservations at toll-free number (888)-436-3759. Ask to be connected with the reservations department.
- Have a credit card and Marriott Rewards Number in hand, and if you do not have one, let Marriott know so they can sign you up to start earning points or miles for every dollar that you spend with Marriott.
- Let the reservations person assisting you know that you would like to make a reservation for a group block, and give them the following information:
- Arrival/Departure information.
- Group Name: DARK SHADOWS
- Then answer all other questions pertaining to personal information.

Transportation: The Brooklyn Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge is just a couple of minutes from lower Manhattan and is easily reached via subway, buses, taxis, car services, and rental cars. A parking garage is adjacent and the hotel is accessible from JFK and LaGuardia Airports.

All fans joining us at the coming Fest are invited and encouraged to please share their photos and reports with SG.

The Dark Shadows 40th Anniversary promises to be one of the biggest and best-ever DS conventions, so don't miss out!

Dark Shadows Gets Dolled Up

As reported in the recent Shadowgram email update, Majestic Studios will begin shipping their new series of Dark Shadows 12-inch figures in February 2006. Three figures will be offered: a 1960s Barnabas Collins, a 1795 Barnabas Collins, and an 1897 Quentin Collins.

The 1960s Barnabas Collins and the 1795 Barnabas Collins each comes with three interchangeable heads: regular, vampire, and aged. The 1897 Quentin Collins comes with two interchangeable heads and matching hands for his human and werewolf forms.

The figures are available online from Monsters in Motion. They currently sell for $39.99 each.

Criseyde's David Selby Site Updates

Over the course of the past few weeks, I've added several news items to my David Selby site. Some of the information has also appeared here, but here it is again in a single post. Updates include:

• Information about the DVD release of the first season of Police Woman. David Selby appears as Nate Fesler in the episode "No Place to Hide." Screen captures are available on the site. (Lara Parker also appears in an episode in this collection.)

• Information about the first Region 1 (U.S./Canada) DVD release of Raise the Titanic, the 1980 film based on the Clive Cussler novel starring Jason Robards, Richard Jordan, David Selby, Anne Archer, and Alec Guinness. Screen captures and production stills are available on the site.

• Information about the DVD release of the third season of The Waltons. David Selby appears as art teacher Joshua Williams in the episode "The Romance." A link to screen captures from this episode is included. (Kathy Cody appeared in the following week's episode.)

• A link to the official Spin web site. David Selby appears in this film as record company owner Rob Polan. Filming wrapped in December, and the final product should be ready by the spring. The site features images and a preliminary version of a trailer. David can be seen in both the images and the trailer.

• Information about a couple of David Selby movies that are available for free online viewing from CinemaNow. One of these, King of the Olympics, is a rather hard to find title.
  

All new material is accessible via the "What's New" page of the site:

http://www.ldrweb.com/davidselby

The Waltons: The Complete Third Season on DVD

In October 1974, David Selby (Quentin Collins) guest starred in an episode of the third season of The Waltons. In "The Romance," he portrays Joshua Williams, Olivia Walton's art teacher. Joshua Williams holds the dubious distinction of being the only character other than Olivia Walton's husband to have kissed her during the entire run of the series.

Images from this episode are located in the Photo Gallery of my David Selby web site.

David Selby would team up with Waltons creator Earl Hamner again in the 1980s when he appeared as Richard Channing in Falcon Crest, another Hamner series.

Kathy Cody (Hallie Stokes) made an appearance as Audrey Butler in "The Ring," the episode that aired the week following Selby's appearance.

The Waltons: The Complete Third Season will be released on DVD on April 25, 2006. To order this DVD from Amazon and support this site via your purchase, please use this link.

Raise the Titanic Surfaces on DVD

Raise the Titanic, which made its theatrical debut in 1980, will finally be released on DVD in the United States on January 24, 2006. The film has been out of print on VHS for some time, but it has been available on DVD outside the United States.

Raise the Titanic stars Richard Jordan, Jason Robards, David Selby (Quentin Collins), Anne Archer, and Alec Guinness. It is based on the bestselling novel by Clive Cussler. The American military races to raise the Titanic believing that the ship contains a rare material that could be critical to the Cold War.

Photos and screen grabs from Raise the Titanic are posted in the Photo Gallery of my David Selby site.

The new DVD release will be a double feature that includes Man Friday, a reworking of Robinson Crusoe starring Richard Roundtree and Peter O'Toole. To order this DVD from Amazon and support this site via your purchase, please use this link.

Donna McKechnie Cabaret Performance in NYC

Donna McKechnie (Amanda Harris) will appear alongside Brian Stokes Mitchell and Penny Fuller at the Rainbow Room in New York on Monday, January 23. Their cabaret-style program is titled An Intimate Night and is part of the Manhattan Theatre Club's annual Winter Benefit. For more details and a recent photo of McKechnie, see the complete article from Playbill Online.