David Selby Book Signings in West Virginia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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