Dark Shadows Alumni News

Dark Passages and More by Kathryn Leigh Scott

2011-07-10T19:22:00.001-05:00

Kathryn Leigh Scott (Josette du Pres, Maggie Evans) has penned a new novel that draws upon her experiences as a young actress on Dark Shadows.

Dark Passages, is a coming-of-age story encapsulating the romance and innocence of JFK’s Camelot era and the tumultuous "dark passages" of Meg Harrison, a vampire raised by her mother to resist the temptation of human blood. Meg arrives in New York determined not to use her vampiric gifts to fulfill her dream of becoming an actress. She joins the cast of the cult hit Dark Passages, only to face her nemesis, a beautiful 300-year-old witch bent on destroying her. Their rivalry leads to a final confrontation as the telekinetic vampire and spell-weaving sorceress engage in a spectacular battle for supremacy. It takes all of Meg’s wit and tenacity to defeat the witch and win the affections of a handsome young mortal with a secret life of his own. In the end, Meg realizes that the powers she always denied within herself are not a curse, but a blessing.

If you pre-order the book by July 18 from Scott's web site, you will receive a personalized, autographed, and laminated bookmark.

Dark Passages is also available for pre-order from Amazon.

In 1998, Scott released The Bunny Years, a memoir based on her own experiences as well as interviews with over 250 women who worked at the Playboy Clubs, including Deborah Harry and Lauren Hutton. This fall, NBC debuts The Playboy Club, a new series set in one of the clubs. Rights to Scott's book were acquired for possible use in upcoming episodes, and Gallery Books has announced the reissue of the book. The Bunny Years: The Surprising Inside Story of the Playboy Clubs: The Women Who Worked as Bunnies, and Where They Are Now will be available in September and is available for pre-order from Amazon.

David Selby to Appear at Ford's Theatre Society Gala

2011-05-20T14:20:00.001-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins), who starred as Abraham Lincoln in The Heavens Are Hung in Black at Ford's Theatre in 2009, will return to Ford's Theatre to participate in the Ford's Theatre Society's Annual Gala on Sunday, June 5. Click here to read the complete press release.

David Selby Records Dracula

2011-05-17T11:50:00.000-05:00

Update: Ben Cross has bowed out of Dracula due to other obligations. Simon Templeman replaces him. For discounted tickets, click here.

David Selby (Quentin Collins) ~~and Ben Cross (Barnabas Collins from the 1991 Dark Shadows)~~ will portray Van Helsing ~~and Dracula~~ for L.A. Theatre Works' live radio theatre performances of Bram Stoker's Dracula. L.A. Theatre Works records radio theatre performances before a live audience for eventual broadcast on public radio and release on compact disc.

Five performances will take place between Wednesday, May 18, and Sunday, May 22, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

Latest David Selby Novel Available for Kindle

2011-05-11T19:49:00.000-05:00

The Blue Door, the latest novel by David Selby (Quentin Collins) is now available for the Amazon Kindle.

http://amzn.to/luQ4YI

New Dark Shadows Book

2011-03-27T11:20:00.003-05:00

Wayne State University Press has just released Dark Shadows, a new book in its TV Milestones series. The book is written by Harry M. Benshoff, an Associate Professor in the Department of Radio Television and Film (RTVF) at the University of North Texas who has previously written some shorter academic pieces about Dark Shadows.

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

While supernatural events have become fairly commonplace on daytime television in recent decades, Dark Shadows, which aired on ABC between 1966 and 1971, pioneered this format when it blended the vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and witches of fictional Collinsport, Maine, with standard soap opera fare like alcoholism, jealousy, and tangled love. In this volume, author Harry M. Benshoff examines Dark Shadows, both during its initial run and as an enduring cult phenomenon, to prove that the show was an important precursor—or even progenitor—of today’s phenomenally popular gothic and fantasy media franchises like Twilight, Harry Potter, and True Blood.

Benshoff demonstrates that viewers of all ages responded to the haunted world of Dark Shadows, making unlikely stars out of the show’s iconic characters—reluctant vampire Barnabas Collins, playboy werewolf Quentin Collins, vengeful witch Angelique DuVal, and vampire hunter Dr. Julia Hoffman. Benshoff explores the cultural and industrial contexts of the mid-1960s that gave rise to Dark Shadows and how the show adapted nineteenth-century gothic novels and twentieth-century horror films into a televised serial format. Benshoff also examines the unique aspects of the show’s casting and performance modes, its allure as a camp cult text, and the function of the show’s many secondary and tertiary texts—including novels, records, games, comic books, and the two feature films, House of Dark Shadows (1970) and Night of Dark Shadows (1971).

In the years since its cancellation, Dark Shadows’ enduring popularity has led to a prime-time NBC remake in the early 1990s, recent talk of a Tim Burton and Johnny Depp feature film, and a popular ongoing fan convention. Benshoff’s timely study of Dark Shadows will appeal to fans of the show and all film and television history scholars who are interested in the roots of one of today’s most popular genres.

The book is available from Amazon.

Dark Shadows Actors at the Hollywood Show

2011-01-28T23:31:00.000-05:00

The Hollywood Show, to be held Feb. 12-13, at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, lists several Dark Shadows actors as attending a cast reunion: Jerry Lacy (Rev. Trask), Lara Parker (Angelique), Christopher Pennock (Jeb Hawkes), and Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans). The site also lists David Selby (Quentin Collins); however, according to his official web site, Selby does not plan to attend this event.

My Shadowed Past by David Selby

2010-08-04T22:11:00.000-05:00

YouTube video about David Selby's (Quentin Collins) new book about Dark Shadows, My Shadowed Past:

http://youtu.be/Om1Qpvj3j2k

New David Selby Books

2010-07-23T23:17:00.000-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins) has two new books available for purchase on his official web site, DavidSelby.com. The Blue Door is a novel dealing with one woman's struggle to save her mountain in the southern Appalachians. My Shadowed Past is David Selby's account of his time on Dark Shadows.

For additional information or to purchase the books, visit the Books page of DavidSelby.com:

http://www.davidselby.com/books.htm

New DVD Release for David Selby's The Girl in Blue

2010-05-31T12:16:00.002-05:00

The Girl in Blue is a 1973 film directed by George Kaczender starring David Selby (Quentin Collins), Maud Adams, and Gay Rowan. Selby is the film's lead character, Scott. Here's the synopsis:

Scott has it all. He's a well-paid corporate attorney and lives in a nice apartment with a girlfriend who would do anything for him. But Scott is troubled. He has a vision of a beautiful blonde woman whom he saw four years earlier, but never knew. One morning, without telling anyone, Scott climbs in his car and sets out to look for "The Girl in Blue." His search is romantic, exciting, funny and passionate.

This new DVD release features a brand new 16 x 9 master, an introduction by David Selby, audio commentary by Selby and director George Kaczender, and an interview with co-star Gay Rowan. It will be released on July 27, 2010. Click here to pre-order a copy from Amazon.com.

YouTube Video for My Mother's Autumn by David Selby

2010-04-22T22:16:00.002-05:00

If you have never been to a Dark Shadows Festival or a personal appearance to hear David Selby (Quentin Collins) read from his books, check out YouTube for a slideshow promoting My Mother's Autumn. It includes David Selby reading one of his poems from the companion compact disc.

Signed David Selby Books

2010-04-15T23:53:00.003-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins) is once again offering signed copies of his books through his official web site. He will even personalize autographs. Visit http://www.davidselby.com/ for details.

David Selby to Appear on Mad Men

2009-06-14T08:47:00.001-05:00

According to his official site, David Selby (Quentin Collins) will guest star in an episode of Mad Men. The AMC series will begin its third season on August 16, 2009. The premiere date for Selby's episode, "The Greatest Generation," is not available at this time. Check back for updates.

Teaser Trailer for David Selby Play

2009-02-11T19:35:00.001-05:00

David Selby at Washington National Cathedral

2009-02-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

To celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday, David Selby (Quentin Collins) will be appearing at the Washington National Cathedral's Sunday Forum on February 22. The event is free and open to the public. It will be webcast live on the Cathedral's web site. Audio and video will then be archived on the Cathedral web site.

For more information, visit the official David Selby web site: http://www.davidselby.com

David Selby Discusses Playing Abraham Lincoln

2009-01-26T12:02:00.004-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins) discusses his upcoming stint as Abraham Lincoln in The Heavens Are Hung in Black at Ford's Theatre.

Visit http://www.fordstheatre.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

David Selby to Play Lincoln at Ford's Theatre

2008-11-18T23:03:00.001-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins) will play the role of Abraham Lincoln in The Heavens are Hung in Black, a new play by James Still commissioned to celebrate the grand reopening of Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC and the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Previews begin February 3 with performances through March 8.

For additional information, please visit the official David Selby web site:
http://www.davidselby.com/

New Dark Shadows Audios

2008-11-18T22:53:00.004-05:00

News from Big Finish Productions:

We can now announce the imminent release of the next two dramatic readings in the Dark Shadows series.

For these two new releases, the focus is on the characters of Quentin and Angelique, played by Lara Parker and David Selby. Released this month, The Skin Walkers takes place in New York at the turn of the century, where Quentin is stalked by a mysterious cult, hell-bent on harnessing his werewolf powers.

Meanwhile, The Path of Fate, to be released in December, explores Angelique and marks the Big Finish debut of Stephen Mark Rainey, an author familiar to Dark Shadows fans from his acclaimed official novel, Dark Shadows: Dreams of the Dark.

We are also gearing up to record the final two dramatic readings, which will feature a Dark Shadows original series actor new to Big Finish, who we’ll be announcing soon.

Series two of the full-cast audio dramas is on track for release in August 2009 and will be our most ambitious Dark Shadows project to date. It’s a four-part epic, continuing our ongoing stories in grand fashion. We will be recording these new CDs once the last of our current run of Dramatic Readings are released. The first of the new stories is tentatively called The Banished Creatures and picks up directly from the exciting final scenes of The Rage Beneath.

The Skin Walkers and The Path of Fate are both available to pre-order now.

Dark Shadows: The Path of Fate

Written by Stephen Mark Rainey
Starring Lara Parker and David Selby

“The master tells me that when Quentin Collins finds my heart, I can come back...”

Over a century ago, the first Quentin Collins built a stairway to traverse time, opening the way to countless realms of past and future. Now a new stairway has appeared at Collinwood, and the present-day Quentin is drawn to explore its dark path, forging an unlikely alliance with Angelique. Can she use her powers to help him, even at the risk of her own eternal damnation?

The legend continues in this hour-long dramatic reading, based on the classic ABC-TV series, featuring haunting music and special dramatised scenes.

Dark Shadows: The Skin Walkers

Written by Scott Handcock
Starring David Selby and Lara Parker

“There is no such thing as choice, not here… Merely the inevitable…”

New York, 1899. A city full of hopes, dreams and love… Quentin Collins has left Collinsport, hoping to leave his family and their terrible secrets behind, for ever. But something new and evil is stalking him. As the Skin Walkers seek to take command of a new century, they need Quentin at their side. Just as the
prophecy foretold…

The legend continues in this hour-long dramatic reading, based on the classic ABC-TV series, featuring haunting music and special dramatised scenes.

Available to pre-order now from
http://www.bigfinish.com/Dark-Shadows-Dramatic-Readings

David Selby Comments on Upcoming Election

2008-10-15T00:43:00.003-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins) has posted some comments about the upcoming election on his official web site. A native West Virginian, Selby encourages residents of the state to support Senator Barack Obama.

David Selby Appearance in Las Vegas

2008-10-01T22:08:00.001-05:00

Actor and author David Selby (Quentin Collins on Dark Shadows, Richard Channing on Falcon Crest, and Arthur Foster on HBO's Tell Me You Love Me) will discuss and sign copies of his novel, Lincoln's Better Angel, in Las Vegas on Thursday, October 30, at 7:00 pm.

Barnes and Noble Booksellers Summerlin
Crossroads Commons
8915 W. Charleston
Las Vegas, NV 89117
702-242-1987

Lincoln's Better Angel was inspired by an event the author read about in the Washington Post. The story he creates reflects on the personal impact of war and historical perspective.

A walk with President Abraham Lincoln and Vietnam veteran Charles Huggins through Washington, D.C. on a hot Fourth of July night becomes a walk through history. Layering time, grief, humor, and fantasy, Selby presents a story that is both moving and engaging.

Lincoln's Better Angel is published by Mayhaven Publishing.

For more information about David Selby, please visit his official web site:

http://www.davidselby.com

PBS Is for Ghosts and Werewolves

2008-09-14T12:31:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, September 13, 2008, Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) and David Selby (Quentin Collins) appeared on PBS to encourage viewers to donate. These brief spots aired during The 60's Live: My Generation, My Music.

Local PBS stations played a vital role in keeping Dark Shadows on the air before the series was released to VHS and DVD. To donate to your local PBS station, visit http://www.pbs.org/support

David Selby Appearance in Massachusetts

2008-08-26T19:33:00.000-05:00

Actor and author David Selby (Quentin Collins on Dark Shadows, Richard Channing on Falcon Crest, and Arthur Foster on HBO's Tell Me You Love Me) will discuss and sign copies of his novel, Lincoln's Better Angel, on Friday, September 19, at 7:00 pm in Cambridge, MA.

Harvard Square Coop
Level 3
1400 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02238
617-499-2000

Lincoln's Better Angel was inspired by an event the author read about in the Washington Post. The story he creates reflects on the personal impact of war and historical perspective.

A walk with President Abraham Lincoln and Vietnam veteran Charles Huggins through Washington, D.C. on a hot Fourth of July night becomes a walk through history. Layering time, grief, humor, and fantasy, Selby presents a story that is both moving and engaging.

Lincoln's Better Angel is published by Mayhaven Publishing.

For more information about David Selby, visit DavidSelby.com.

David Selby Appearance in New Jersey

2008-08-19T08:52:00.004-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins) will appear at the Barnes & Noble in West Springfield, NJ on Saturday, September 20, at 2:00 pm. He will be discussing and signing copies of his novel Lincoln's Better Angel.

Barnes & Noble
240 Route 22 West
Springfield, NJ 07081
973-376-8544

David Selby Appearance in Maryland

2008-08-08T23:00:00.002-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins) will be at Borders in Hagerstown, Maryland, on Sunday, September 21, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm to read from and sign copies of his latest book, Lincoln's Better Angel.

Borders
17636 Garland Groh Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD 21742
301-745-5897

Additional information about the book and David Selby is available on his official web site, DavidSelby.com.

David Selby Book Signings in West Virginia

2007-10-16T00:33:00.000-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins) will be making two appearances in West Virginia next week to read from and sign copies of his books. He'll be at Tamarack in Beckley on Sunday, October 21, and at Taylor Books in Charleston on Tuesday, October 23.

Visit DavidSelby.com for complete details.

David Selby Appearance in Canton, Ohio

2007-09-27T09:25:00.000-05:00

Final Assault, a play written by David Selby (Quentin Collins), will be presented at the Players Guild's Arena Stage in Canton, Ohio. The opening performance will be on Friday, October 19. The production will run through October 27 with 8:00 pm performances on Fridays and Saturdays and a 2:30 pm performance on Sunday.

Final Assault deals with the topic of mountaintop removal mining. It focuses on the confrontation between a coal mining company and local residents. The play has previously been performed by West Virginia's Charleston Stage Company in 2003. It was also part of the staged reading series at the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights in August 2004.

The Players Guild Theatre production will be directed by Carla Derr. The cast features Mary Mahoney, Don Jones, Bill Brown, Ross Rhodes, Bambi Fristche and Jodi Wilson.

David will attend the opening night performance on Friday, October 19, at 8:00 pm and will do a meet and greet.

The Players Guild Theatre is located at 1001 Market Avenue North in the Cultural Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15 for opening night and $10 for all other performances. Call the box office at (330) 453-7617.

David Selby's New HBO Series Premieres September 9

2007-08-26T14:43:00.000-05:00

Tell Me You Love Me, HBO's new relationship drama, will premiere on Sunday, September 9, at 9:00 pm Eastern. The series looks at three couples who are all seeing the same couples therapist, portrayed by Jane Alexander. Her relationship with her husband, played by David Selby (Quentin Collins), is also examined.

A "Making of" featurette about the series will air on HBO on Tuesday, September 4, at 10:45 pm Eastern.

"Tease" and "Invitation to the Set" videos are posted on HBO's web page for the series.

Johnny Depp to Produce Film Version of Dark Shadows

2007-07-28T22:02:00.001-05:00

Variety announced this past week that Johnny Depp's Infinitum-Nihil and Graham King's GK Films will team with Warner Brothers to produce a new film version of Dark Shadows. David Kennedy of Dan Curtis Productions will also be involved in the project.

Though Depp's fascination with Dark Shadows and the character of Barnabas Collins has long been noted, it's probably worth mentioning here that no casting has been announced for the project and a director has not been named. Some online postings seem to assume that Depp will play Barnabas and that Tim Burton will direct. No such assertions appear in the original Variety article, which is accessible via the link below:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117969246.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

Angelique's Descent Returns on Audio

2007-07-28T21:49:00.000-05:00

The following news comes from Big Finish Productions, who have already released four Dark Shadows audio dramas along with a special "making of" audio with a bonus music CD.

Angelique's Descent Returns

Big Finish Productions have recorded an audio book of "Angelique's Descent", featuring Lara Parker reading her classic "Dark Shadows" novel for CD. The abridged adaptation features atmospheric music and sound effects, plus special dramatised scenes featuring Angelique and the Dark Spirit, played by Andrew Collins.

Lara comments: "I'm delighted to have recorded this audio version of Angelique's Descent. Dipping back into the story of the character I played on the show, a story I imagined eight years ago when I wrote the novel, was a guilty pleasure. I was disappointed when the book went out of print and I'm thrilled to be able to make it available again for those who still wonder whether Angelique was a villainess or a heroine."

The novel is released as two double-disc releases, retailing at $15.00 each. Part 1: Innocence chronicles Angelique's early childhood and first encounters with Barnabas, while Part 2: Betrayal follows their romance up until the fateful events of 1795. Each set also includes a bonus interview with Lara, discussing the book.

Both CDs will debut at the August Dark Shadows Festival and will be available generally from August 20. To view cover artwork and pre-order online, visit http://www.darkshadowsreborn.com

------

Dark Shadows: Angelique's Descent - Part 1: Innocence
Written and Read by Lara Parker

The first passions of Angelique and Barnabas are revealed at last...

Growing up in the island paradise of Martinique, Angelique Bouchard finds herself plunged into a world of betrayal and corruption. Imprisoned by her cruel father, she turns to the dark arts for solace, not knowing that a chance meeting with the young Barnabas Collins will soon change her life forever.

The Dark Shadows legend continues in this two-part audio book, based on the classic ABC-TV series, featuring dramatised sections performed by Lara Parker and Andrew Collins.

Includes a bonus interview with the author.

Producers: Jason Haigh-Ellery, Stuart Manning Executive Producer: Jim Pierson Directed by Darren Gross

Abridged for Audio by Stuart Manning
Sound Design, Post Production and Mastering: David Darlington Incidental Music: Joseph Fox

2 CDs. Running time: 156 mins
BFPDSCDAD01. ISBN 978-1-84435-312-5
RRP: £10.99 (UK), $15.00 (US), $17.00 (US Postpaid)

----------

Dark Shadows: Angelique's Descent - Part 2: Betrayal
Written and Read by Lara Parker

The first passions of Angelique and Barnabas are revealed at last...

On the run after escaping her father's clutches, Angelique fears her supernatural powers and the mysterious demon that haunts her dreams. Beginning her new life as a servant for the wealthy du Prés family, she finds herself tempted by forbidden love and dark desires when Barnabas Collins returns to Martinique.

The Dark Shadows legend continues in this two-part audio book, based on the classic ABC-TV series, featuring dramatised sections performed by Lara Parker and Andrew Collins.

Includes a bonus interview with the author.

Producers: Jason Haigh-Ellery, Stuart Manning Executive Producer: Jim Pierson Directed by Darren Gross

Abridged for Audio by Stuart Manning
Sound Design, Post Production and Mastering: David Darlington Incidental Music: Joseph Fox

2 CDs. Running time: 159 mins
BFPDSCDAD02. ISBN 978-1-84435-313-2
RRP: £10.99 (UK), $15.00 (US), $17.00 (US Postpaid)

Retail Release of Pre-Barnabas Episodes

2007-05-13T21:14:00.000-05:00

When MPI Home Video released the first round of Dark Shadows DVD collections, the sets began with the arrival of vampire Barnabas Collins. Earlier this year, MPI began releasing the pre-Barnabas episodes exclusively through their Dark Shadows DVD club. These sets carry the title Dark Shadows: The Beginning.

It appears that the sets will now be offered via retail outlets. According to Amazon, the first set of the Dark Shadows: The Beginning series will be available on August 28, 2007. Click here for further details.

Robert Rodan's Cheer Commercial

2007-05-11T08:49:00.000-05:00

In 1969, Robert Rodan (Adam) appeared as an alien in a commercial for Cheer laundry detergent. The commercial is posted on YouTube:

John Karlen Appears at Cagney & Lacey Reunion Event

2007-05-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

The Museum of Television and Radio in Los Angeles hosted a Cagney and Lacey reunion on April 30 to mark the upcoming DVD release of the first season of the series. John Karlen (Willie Loomis), who received an Emmy for the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Harvey Lacey, was present. Photos from the event are posted on WireImage and Getty Images. The DVD will be released on May 8.

Jonathan Frid to Appear at 2007 Dark Shadows Festival

2007-04-22T01:10:00.000-05:00

It's official. Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins) has announced on his web site that he will be appearing at the upcoming Dark Shadows Festival to be held at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, NY on August 17-18.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the arrival of Barnabas Collins. Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the series.

For Your Viewing Pleasure: Anthony George in Wonder Woman

2007-04-15T12:02:00.000-05:00

Here's an episode of Wonder Woman titled "The Bushwhackers." Anthony George (Burke Devlin) makes a guest appearance, and Roy Rogers is the special guest star. This episode originally aired in January 1977.

This video is from AOL's In2TV service that allows visitors to watch a number of Warner Brothers television series for free.

2007 Dark Shadows Festival Dates and Location

2007-04-06T00:08:00.000-05:00

Below is the ShadowGram email update containing the announcement about the 2007 Dark Shadows Festival to be held August 17-18 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, New York.

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 167. April 4, 2007.

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

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

*** SHADOWGRAM PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT:

SG announces the 2007 DS Festival Weekend will be held Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18. We are returning to the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown, NY (site of the 2004 DS Festival).

A special guest will appear exclusively on Saturday. Also on Saturday is a day visit to nearby Lyndhurst Estate, filming location for the 2 movies "House of Dark Shadows" (1970) and "Night of Dark Shadows" (1971). A DS Banquet, special guest appearance, and video presentation that evening will close the event.

SG soon will premiere-announce the guest list, planned programming, and membership information.

The Westchester Marriott Hotel is at 670 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown, NY 10591. 914-631-2200. It is approximately 25 miles (45 minutes) north of Manhattan on the eastern shore of the Hudson River at the Tappan-Zee Bridge. The hotel is accessible by air, train, and driving. Closest major airports: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Main highways: US-87, US-95, US 287, Route 9, and Route 119.

The hotel now is accepting sleeping room reservations at the special reduced price of $129 per room (single-quad) for Thurs.-Sat. nights only. To receive the discounted price, you must request the "Dark Shadows Rate" when you call the direct hotel reservation line at 1-800-882-1042.

SG and the Fest recommend fans make their room reservations as soon as possible.

*** PLEASE NOTE:

This is a 2-day event scheduled for Friday and Saturday only. There is no event programming on Sunday. Fans may wish to meet for breakfast or lunch at the hotel to share their interests.

Prices for membership, the Banquet, and the day trip are not yet finalized. SG will announce this information as soon as it is set and will announce further plans as they are determined. The DS Festival's general mass mailing will be sent via postal-mail sometime after that announcement is made. The information also will be on the official DS Festival website: www.darkshadowsfestival.com

To receive the mass mailing in advance, please send a large (business-size #10) Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) with $.39 postage on it to the Fest address below. Please do NOT send any payments until after the official announcements are made.

Please send your SASE to:

Dark Shadows Festival
P.O. Box 92
Maplewood, NJ 07040

More information will be in the upcoming SG #110 print issue Newsletter, available soon by postal-mail subscription (rates and other information at the end of this Update).

*** DONNA WANDREY IN NEW "BLACK COMEDY" PLAY

Donna (DS' Roxanne Drew) tells SG she's to appear in "Murderers" at Theaterworks' Off-Broadway in Hartford, Connecticut. Publicity: "The wickedly funny new play" has "3 intertwined tales of murder at the usually peaceful Florida retirement village of Riddle Key."

TheaterWorks is located at 233 Pearl Street in downtown Hartford, CT 06103 (near the corner of Ann & Pearl). Box office: (860) 527-7838. http://www.theaterworkshartford.org/content/directions.html

Performances are Tues.-Sun., April 13-May 27. Tickets are $35-$55. Discounted parking is available in the Goodwin Square Garage, less than a half block from the theater.

*** JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT IN NEW THRILLER FILM

Joe (1991 DS' David/Daniel) stars in the title role of "The Lookout," which opened in theaters nationwide Mar. 30. His character "Chris" is a star high school athlete critically injured in a car accident that leaves him brain-damaged. He becomes involved in a planned bank heist at the rural bank where he works as a night janitor. Joe is receiving excellent reviews for his sensitive, distinctive portrayal.

*** MARLEY SHELTON IN NEW "GRINDHOUSE" HORROR MOVIE

"Grindhouse" actually is 2 separate movies within a movie and opens nationwide this Fri., April 6.

Marley (2004 WB Pilot Victoria) plays "an adulterous doctor" who must "battle a horde of zombies spawned from a military experiment" in the segment called "Planet Terror." This is director Robert Rodriguez's portion of the "double-feature" collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, whose segment is called "Death Proof." Both parts – and the special "trailers" seen during the intermission – pay tribute to and re-create the "schlocky, exploitive, B-features" that screened in "less-than-savory theaters decades ago."

*** Fans attending Donna's play are encouraged to share their photos, reports, and program book with SG. Please also share any media publicity, articles, and reviews for Joe's movie and Marley's movie.

*** All fans attending the Fest event also are invited and welcome to share their photos and reports with SG.

Your sharing lets SG readers worldwide enjoy the Festival event through you, and helps each SG published issue be as complete as possible. Please send all materials to SG's e- or postal- mail addresses below. A Contributor's Copy issue is given in thanks for major input.

*** Subscription information for the SG print issues follows.

Subscriptions & Renewals:
US & Canada First Class Mail: $12.00 for 4 issues or $24.00 for 8 issues
Overseas Air Mail: US $ 20.00 for 4 issues or US $40.00 for 8 issues

Please send check/money order to:

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

You can pay online for your subscription/renewal using PayPal and ShadowGram@aol.com

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.

Lukas Haas as Barnabas Collins

2007-02-24T00:38:00.000-05:00

Remember the kid from Witness with Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis? He's all grown up.

Recent editions of ShadowGram, the official Dark Shadows newsletter, have called attention to the motion picture Brick because it stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who appeared in the 1991 Dark Shadows series as David Collins.

Another Dark Shadows connection seems to have gone unnoticed. In the film, Lukas Haas plays a character known as The Pin. He's a drug kingpin who apparently enjoys dressing like vampire Barnabas Collins. However, there is no direct mention of Dark Shadows or Barnabas in the film.

Click here for a photo gallery of stills from the film that includes shots of Haas as The Pin.

Dark Shadows Audio Drama News

2007-02-04T22:04:00.000-05:00

Burbank, CA's Dark Delicacies Bookstore is holding a signing for the Big Finish Dark Shadows audio dramas on February 25.

Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) and Lara Parker (Angelique) will be appearing with writer Scott Alan Woodard to sign the first four CDs - The House of Despair, The Book of Temptation, The Christmas Presence and The Rage Beneath. The signing begins at 2:00 pm.

For directions and more information, visit www.darkdel.com. Fans unable to attend can order signed CDs online - click on the Signing/Events tab on the site's homepage. For general information about the Dark Shadows audio dramas visit www.darkshadowsreborn.com

The Christmas Presence and The Rage Beneath are now available from Big Finish Productions. Dark Shadows will continue in a second series of original audio dramas later this year. Visit www.darkshadowsreborn.com for more news and details.

Available March 2007
Dark Shadows: The Legend Reborn
Presented by Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans)

Go behind the scenes of Big Finish's series of Dark Shadows audio dramas in this special double CD release, uncovering the secrets behind the rebirth of a TV legend. Discover how the cast and crew approached recreating the series 35 years on, how Barnabas was reborn, and get a sneak preview of what's in store for the residents of Collinsport in Series Two.

Featuring candid interviews with original series actors David Selby (Quentin Collins), Lara Parker (Angelique), John Karlen (Willie Loomis), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) and Robert Rodan, plus outtakes and studio rushes, The Legend Reborn is the perfect companion to the new audio dramas.

Also included is a free bonus CD music album, featuring Joseph Fox's haunting music scores from the series, plus never-before-heard material.

2 Disc CD Set
Released: March 2007
RRP: £10.99 (UK), $15.00 (US)

For more information and to order online, visit www.darkshadowsreborn.com

Latest Dark Shadows Audio Dramas Delayed

2006-12-10T16:20:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-28T19:58:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-18T13:26:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-15T15:42:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-09T19:14:00.000-05:00

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

2006-09-30T21:52:00.000-05:00

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)

2006-09-29T12:55:00.000-05:00

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

2006-09-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

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

2006-09-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

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

2006-09-08T20:13:00.000-05:00

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

2006-08-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

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

2006-07-30T23:08:00.000-05:00

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

2006-07-30T00:02:00.000-05:00

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

2006-07-29T23:51:00.000-05:00

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

2006-07-05T19:35:00.000-05:00

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

2006-07-05T09:52:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-24T18:46:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-14T00:03:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-13T22:11:00.000-05:00

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

2006-04-30T13:43:00.000-05:00

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

2006-04-29T21:13:00.000-05:00

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

2006-04-24T18:36:00.000-05:00

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

2006-04-17T00:15:00.000-05:00

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

2006-04-15T20:41:00.000-05:00

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

2006-04-11T00:31:00.000-05:00

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

2006-04-09T23:06:00.000-05:00

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

2006-04-05T00:02:00.000-05:00

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

2006-03-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

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

2006-03-27T17:02:00.000-05:00

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

2006-03-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

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

2006-03-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

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

2006-03-17T00:42:00.000-05:00

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

AOL Unveils In2TV

2006-03-15T17:12:00.000-05:00

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

2006-03-10T20:39:00.000-05:00

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

2006-02-26T12:33:00.000-05:00

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

2006-02-22T20:45:00.000-05:00

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

2006-02-13T23:11:00.000-05:00

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

2006-02-10T14:28:00.000-05:00

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

2006-02-10T14:08:00.000-05:00

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

2006-02-01T16:38:00.000-05:00

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

2006-02-01T16:25:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-27T14:14:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-24T01:53:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-24T01:40:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-19T11:18:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-12T00:10:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-11T01:52:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-09T21:34:00.000-05:00

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.

New Dark Shadows Novel from Lara Parker

2005-12-31T23:29:00.000-05:00

Lara Parker (Angelique) has written a new Dark Shadows novel, The Salem Branch, which will be released in July 2006. Here's the text from the back cover as posted on LaraParker.com:

As the original Dark Shadows storyline ended, Barnabas Collins had escaped the curse of the witch Angelique and found his way back to humanity after two hundred years as a ravenous vampire. Now actress Lara Parker, Angelique herself, reveals the next dark twist in this saga of love and cruelty.

Barnabas Collins is ready to embark on a new life and marriage with his savior, the virtuous Dr. Julia Hoffman. But when Antoinette, a beautiful '60s flower child with a shocking resemblance to the immortal witch Angelique, rebuilds the Old House, his past returns to haunt him. Discovering a grisly corpse in the basement -- where his own casket once lay -- Barnabas realizes another vampire has invaded his domain.

Did Antionette summon the vampire or is she as innocent as she is beautiful? And what of her daughter, Jacqueline, confined for delusions of witchcraft, to the local sanitarium?

The roots of the Collins family's power and wealth go deep.... Back to the corrupt witch trials of of Salem itself...

Barnabas's fight to protect his family from this new threat will take him back through time to an evil moment in America's history. Two hundred years ago, Jacqueline's previous incarnation was tried and condemned to hang as a witch in Salem. Desperate, she spilled the blood of her newborn babe to curse the greedy and corrupt judges --including a Collins. How powerful is her malevolent curse, and how much of her fate and her witchcraft does present-day Jacqueline remember?

After a wait of thirty years, the next chapter in the Dark Shadows saga finally unfolds with the full measure of eroticism and spellbinding suspense, and gripping storytelling that made the original television series a timeless hit.

To order Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch by Lara Parker and support this site and Criseyde's David Selby Site with your purchase, click here or use the link below.

Lara Parker and David Selby in Police Woman on DVD

2005-12-27T22:53:00.000-05:00

Police Woman - The Complete First Season will be released on DVD in March 2006. The series starred Angie Dickinson as Sgt. Suzanne "Pepper" Anderson of the Los Angeles Police Department and originally aired from 1974-1978.

David Selby (Quentin Collins) made a guest appearance as Nate Fesler during the first season of the series in an episode titled "No Place to Hide." I have some screen grabs from this episode on my David Selby site. Lara Parker (Angelique) appeared as Charlene in the episode titled "Sidewinder."

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

Donna McKechnie to Participate in "A Dancer's Life" Discussion

2005-12-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

Donna McKechnie (Amanda Harris) is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion titled "A Dancer's Life" as part of the New York Times' Fifth Annual Arts and Leisure Weekend to be held January 6-8 at the CUNY Graduate Center. Bebe Neuwirth and Kathleen Marshall will also participate. The event will be held January 8 between 12:00 pm and 1:15 pm.

For additional details, please read the news item from Playbill Online.

News on David Selby in End Game

2005-12-09T13:43:00.000-05:00

I've just added some information about David Selby's (Quentin Collins) appearance in the movie End Game to my David Selby site. Included is a review of the film from the Hollywood Reporter that refers specifically to David's performance as Shakey.

Check it out:

http://www.ldrweb.com/davidselby

New David Selby Film Project: Spin

2005-12-03T09:42:00.000-05:00

Reports on various web sites, including the California Film Industry site, indicate that David Selby (Quentin Collins) is currently filming Spin, an independent feature film about the Latin music industry in America.

David Selby on Inside Appalachia radio program

2005-11-28T20:13:00.000-05:00

David Selby (Quentin Collins) was interviewed about his new book, A Better Place, on this weekend's episode of Inside Appalachia, a radio program produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. The show is now archived on the IA web site:

http://www.wvpubcast.org/radio/insideapp/112605.asp

The interview with Selby begins approximately 35 minutes into the program. This interview will be available online for about a week before it is removed.

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 23

2005-11-17T19:55:00.000-05:00

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 23 will be released on March 28, 2006. It will include episodes 2002-2041 featuring Barnabas' and Julia's arrival in 1840. The set includes interviews with television critic Mark Dawidziak, cameraman Nick Besink, Kate Jackson (Daphne Harridge), and writer Sam Hall (husband of actress Grayson Hall).

To pre-order this DVD set from Amazon and support this site through your purchase, click here. To see other Dark Shadows DVD offerings, visit the DVD section of my Dark Shadows Store.

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 22

2005-11-17T19:52:00.000-05:00

Dark Shadows DVD Collection 22, containing episodes 1062-2001, will be released on January 31, 2006. This 4-disc set features Barnabas and Julia's strange visit to 1995, their return to 1970, and the events leading up to the 1840 storyline, including the appearance of the ghost of Daphne Harridge. This set features bonus interviews with Kate Jackson (Daphne Harridge), John Karlen (Willie Loomis), James Storm (Gerard Stiles), and cameraman Nick Besink.

To pre-order this DVD set from Amazon and support this site through your purchase, click here. To see other Dark Shadows DVD offerings, visit the DVD section of my Dark Shadows Store.

AOL and Warner Brothers Launch In2TV

2005-11-14T12:30:00.000-05:00

Today, America Online and Warner Brothers announced a new broadband service called In2TV that will offer classic Warner Brothers television series on demand with limited commercials. Among the series to be offered when the service debuts in January 2006 are Falcon Crest, featuring David Selby (Quentin Collins) as Richard Channing, and Scarecrow and Mrs. King, starring Kate Jackson (Daphne Harridge).

Complete details are contained in the AOL press release.

James Storm on Stage in California

2005-11-11T19:26:00.000-05:00

As recently reported by Shadowgram, James Storm (Gerard Stiles) is currently appearing on stage as Baylor in the Athena Theatre's production of Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind at the Flight Theatre at the Complex at 6472 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. The play opened on October 27 and will continue through November 20. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7 pm.

A Lie of the Mind received the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Play of the Year when it was first presented at the Promenade Theater in New York City in December 1985. The play tells the story of two families torn apart when a husband brutally beats his wife. James Gammon portrayed Baylor in the original Broadway production.

For additional information, please visit the Athena Theatre's web site. The site includes a video trailer for the production with images of James Storm.

Jamison Selby Movies

2005-11-09T23:49:00.000-05:00

For years, Dark Shadows fans have tossed around the name of David Selby's (Quentin Collins) son as an interesting bit of trivia. Jamison Selby was named after the young boy played by David Henesy in the show's 1897 storyline. In 2003, however, Jamison Selby earned his own spot in the Dark Shadows world by writing Return to Collinwood, a radio drama styled sequel to the original series that was performed at the Dark Shadows Festival in Brooklyn. He penned a sequel to it, Vengeance at Collinwood, which was performed at the 2005 Dark Shadows Hollywood Weekend.

Selby was not the first child of a Dark Shadows actor to be involved in a later incarnation of the show. Matthew Hall, son of actress Grayson Hall (Dr. Julia Hoffman) and writer Sam Hall, was one of the writers for the 1991 Dark Shadows series, which was recently released on DVD.

In addition to his writing, Jamison Selby has done some work as an actor. One of his films, Puddle Cruiser, will debut on DVD in early December. The film stars Jay Chandrasekhar as a college student trying to woo another student whose ex-boyfriend is a rugby player named Traci Shannon, portrayed by Jamison Selby in a supporting role.

If you would prefer to see Jamison Selby in a lead role, then check out One Take. The film focuses on his character's journey after mysteriously receiving a photo in the mail of himself with his dead girlfriend.

David Selby Movies Coming to DVD in November

2005-11-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

A couple of David Selby's (Quentin Collins) movies will be released on DVD in November.

Girl in Blue, which is also known by the title U-Turn, stars David Selby and Maud Adams. This Canadian film was originally released in 1973. Here's how the film is described:

Scott Laithem (David Selby) is a successful corporate attorney who seems to have it all: money, a nice apartment and a devoted girlfriend, Bonnie (Gay Rowan). However, what he doesn't have is the beautiful blonde woman (Maud Adams) he saw four years earlier, but never knew. Feeling the pressure of Bonnie's need for commitment, Scott decides one morning to search for the "one that got away"...the Girl In Blue. His search is romantic, funny, exciting and passionate. This is a story of love and desire - of dreams and memories. It is unguarded ardor, both emotional and sensual, smoldering in the wake of a moment.

The Affair was originally released on DVD in 2004. David Selby has a very brief appearance in this film which has been repackaged for sale at a lower price. Here's how it's described:

Trapped within the modernist confines of her remote canyon home and stifling marriage to her uptight architect husband Paul (Horatio LeDon), lonely housewife Jean (Kelsey Oldershaw) finds liberation and comfort in the arms of Viggo (Andy Mackenzie), her free-wheeling and decidedly bohemian lover. Somewhere between the extremes of her new-found freedom and the ordered structure of her marriage lies the path to true happiness... if only she can find the way.

Click on either film's title above or use the links below to purchase them from Amazon and a portion of the proceeds will help to support my web sites. Thanks!

New Book by David Selby

2005-11-07T23:11:00.000-05:00

A Better Place, the latest book by David Selby (Quentin Collins), was released in October 2005. Here's how the publisher describes the book:

A Better Place is a loving tribute to West Virginia. The book is part memoir and part social commentary by native West Virginian David Selby, who has had a long, distinguished acting career. He is probably best known for his roles as Quentin Collins on the TV series Dark Shadows and Richard Channing on Falcon Crest.

In A Better Place, Selby re-visits the West Virginia of his youth and examines the lasting effects of an Appalachian upbringing. He voices concerns about current problems facing West Virginia, concerns he feels compelled to face in the wake of 9-11.

Some chapters are touchingly devoted to family members, such as "The Carpenter," his hard-working father’s story, and "A West Virginia Doctor," about his father-in-law who founded a hospital in Mullens. He writes with reverence about his mother who grew up in a coal camp, but upon leaving it, never looked back.

Selby discusses the state’s absentee landlords, pollution, and chronic appearance at the bottom of most national indicators of health and well-being. He compares out-of-work Latinos in L.A. to unemployed coal miners in West Virginia. Selby examines the pride and prejudice of mountaineers. He quotes his favorite authors as he tries to make sense of a chaotic world but looks toward a hopeful future for West Virginia.

A heartfelt and genuine look at West Virginia and its people.

The book is available from The West Virginia Book Company.