Dark Shadows News Page

Audio Dramas in Studio

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:35:00 +0000

The cast of Dark Shadows have been busy in studio, as Big Finish Productions continue recordings for this year's slate of audio dramas. Here are some photos from the recent sessions...

Alec Newman and Lysette Anthony recording guest appearances for Kingdom of the Dead, the new four-part miniseries, available from July. Alec played Barnabas in the WB's 2004 Dark Shadows pilot, while Lysette played Angelique in the 1991 Dark Shadows remake. Both play new characters in the new series. But who is Dr. Rankin, and what is the secret of her patient?

Lisa Richards (Sabrina) recording Blood Dance, a new dramatic reading. The story features Quentin embroiled with a mysterious nightclub in Prohibition-era Chicago and is due out in April.

Andrew Collins and Jerry Lacy (Trask) recording Kingdom of the Dead. To pre-order upcoming titles on CD and download, visit the Big Finish website.

Actor News

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:58:00 +0000

Barbara Steele (1991 Julia) has filmed a new horror movie, The Butterfly Room, marking her first major role in several years. Fangoria has published some photos from the project, which can be seen here. Barbara also recently recorded a commentary for a new DVD edition of The She Beast, available now from Amazon.
Fans of Jerry Lacy (Reverend Trask) can keep abreast of his latest activities on Facebook, at the Friends of Jerry Lacy group, featuring news and many rare photos from Jerry's career. Pay a visit by clicking here.
Marie Wallace (Eve) will be performing on stage during March in Where's Sheila?, part of the New York City's Emerging Artists Theatre's Spring Eatfest. For more information, visit Marie's website.

Burton and Depp Speak

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:55:00 +0000

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have been busy promoting their new film, Alice in Wonderland, and have spoken about the upcoming Dark Shadows feature film, slated to being shooting in 2011.

On the BBC's Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, the pair were in high spirits, explaining the Dark Shadows concept to the UK audience. “It was on TV in the afternoon," said Burton enthusiastically. "It was like a supernatural soap opera... and it was just the weirdest vibe of any show I’ve ever seen." Johnny Depp: "Yeah, a gothic soap opera."

"There were some of the worst camera moves you’ve ever seen in your life," Burton joked. "And strangely a lot of flies landing on actors’ faces, and them still trying to act through it — it was amazing. We’re gonna fill the room with flies... and make the actors pretend that they’re not there!”

Speaking for Enquirer.net, Depp revealed: "I was obsessed with this character, Barnabas Collins... I came to find out many years later that when he was a kid, Tim ran home like I did to watch that Gothic soap opera. It was a very strange thing back then.” Speaking about developing film, Depp said: “We looked at ways to go, story-wise. We’ve started to come up with something interesting. If all goes well, I will jump into that toward the end of this year.”

Update: BBC America are screening this edition on Friday March 5 at 10pm ET/PT.

Audio Drama Recording Continues

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:01:00 +0000

The Dark Shadows cast were back in the studio in Los Angeles this weekend, as recording on the new series of full-cast audio dramas continues. Jerry Lacy, Kathryn Leigh Scott, John Karlen and Andrew Collins will be heard in the four-part miniseries, Dark Shadows: Kingdom of the Dead, due out in July.

The new CDs are available to pre-order online here from Big Finish, plus series co-writer Eric Wallace has been busy documenting the recording sessions on his blog, which can be viewed here.

Johnny Depp's Dark Shadows Hopes

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:01:00 +0000

In a press junket for his new movie Alice in Wonderland, Johnny Depp has spoken about the upcoming Dark Shadows feature film. The project's status has seemed uncertain of late, with Depp's commitment to the new Pirates of the Caribbean film, On Stranger Tides, which is due to shoot later this summer.

Depp confirmed that Dark Shadows is "coming along now", adding that "I see it going [into production] this year. I hope it does." To read the complete interview, click here.

New Audio Dramas for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Big Finish Productions have announced a number of new titles in their series of Dark Shadows audio dramas, with five new Dramatic Readings and a new four-part full-cast series due out in 2010.

The full-cast stories return in July with a four-part serial Kingdom of the Dead, picking up from the cliffhanger ending of The Rage Beneath. Recording has taken place in Los Angeles, New York and London. Confirmed cast members include David Selby (Quentin), Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie), John Karlen (Willie), with Nancy Barrett (Carolyn), Marie Wallace (Eve), Lysette Anthony (1991 Angelique) and Alec Newman (2004 Barnabas) making guest appearances.

Kingdom of the Dead is written by Stuart Manning and Eric Wallace, and directed by Darren Gross. It will be available from July as a limited edition box set, or as four individual CDs from July to October. To pre-order online, click here.

The two-hander Dramatic Readings continue with Final Judgement, available now, followed by an additional four titles in the coming months. April sees the release of Blood Dance by Stephen Mark Rainey, starring David Selby and Lisa Richard (Sabrina Stuart), which features Quentin in prohibition-era Chicago.

Other stories in preparation include The Doll House by Torchwood and Being Human novelist James Goss and London's Burning by Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures script writer Joseph Lidster. For more information on these stories, click here. To pre-order upcoming stories on CD and download, click here. Listeners can also follow the productions on the Big Finish Dark Shadows Facebook Group.

2010 Festival Update

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:11:00 +0000

The Dark Shadows Festival has issued an update on its 2010 event, taking place on July 16-18 at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention centre in Burbank, CA. Guests include Jonathan Frid (Barnabas), David Selby (Quentin), Lara Parker (Angelique), John Karlen (Willie) and, making a debut appearance, Kathleen Cody (Hallie Stokes). There will also be an "extra-special pre-convention event" taking place on the Friday afternoon before the convention, and the Festival encourages fans to arrive on Thursday 15, so as not to miss out.

The Festival has arranged a discount rate at the convention hotel for the event of $129 per night plus tax (valid Thursday-Sunday). To reserve a room, call 1-818-843-6000 (Ask for Reservations Department). You must mention Dark Shadows to get the discount rate.

Actor Updates

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:08:00 +0000

David Selby (Quentin) was a recent guest on Canadian talk show Unscripted. The episode can be viewed online here. He's also due to appear in the upcoming story of Facebook movie The Social Network, scripted by The West Wing's Aaron Sorkin.
Lisa Richards (Sabrina) is currently on stage at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in Pulitzer Prize-winning drama The Buried Child, which runs from February 5-21. For more information, click here.
Julianna McCarthy (1991 Mrs Johnson) guested in the February 2 episode of CBS' NCIS: Los Angeles. The episode can be viewed online here.

Dark Shadows Movie Update

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:54:00 +0000

In an interview with Collider.com, Dark Shadows movie producer Graham King has updated the status of the proposed feature film, set to star Johnny Depp as Barnabas. Contrary to earlier indications, King says that filming is not due to begin until 2011, as work continues on the script.

"I know that Johnny is dying to do it and passionate to do it..." says King, adding that production cannot progress "until everyone feels that the script is in a good place." As previously reported, John August has been working on the screenplay for Dark Shadows.

To read the full interview, click here.

Big Finish Accepts Story Submissions

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:33:00 +0000

Big Finish Productions are to begin accepting story submissions for their Dark Shadows CD Audio Dramas. If you are interested in writing for the range, there is now a set of Writers' Guidelines available, detailing how prospective writers can prepare their pitches. For more information, email webmaster@collinwood.net

Staged Reading with Marie Wallace

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:59:00 +0000

Marie Wallace (Eve) is to take part in a staged reading of War Wounds by Terri Campion, forming part of the ARTC Winterworks event. The production takes place on February 2 from 7.30pm at the Roy Arias Studios, Fifth Floor, 300 West 43rd Street, New York City. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Jean Simmons: 1929-2010

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:57:00 +0000

Veteran Hollywood actress Jean Simmons, who played Elizabeth Collins Stoddard in the 1991 Dark Shadows revival, has died following a long battle with lung cancer. Jean passed away at her Santa Monica home on January 22 aged 80. Her career included numerous classic films, including Black Narcissus, Guys and Dolls and Spartacus.

At the time of Dark Shadows' production, she was quoted as saying: "I was a great fan... The children would come home from school and before homework, before tea, we would sit down and watch Dark Shadows. I just wanted to kind of join the club." To read a full obituary from the Los Angeles Times, click here.

Movie Costume Designer Announced

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:37:00 +0000

Footwear News reports that Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood will be working on Tim Burton's upcoming Dark Shadows feature film. "It's really the most fun a person can have, because Tim really lets you do your thing," she says.

Atwood's numerous film credits include Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Sleepy Hollow, plus award-winning designs for Chicago and Memoirs of a Geisha.

Credit's Due

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:30:00 +0000

I love the Dark Shadows closing credits. At the close of each episode, the closing music would wheeze into life over a static shot of one of the studio sets, complete with reassuringly abstract shout-outs for "Miss Scott's Clothes by Junior Sophisticates", "Fashions by Ohrbachs" and "Bat by Bill Baird". Some of these tableaus are striking, some are humdrum, and very once in a while, comes a credits backdrop that stands out from the crowd, be it beautiful, bizarre... or just a bit dodgy. Here's a countdown of five of my favourites:

5. Episode 903: One of the highlights of the Leviathan storyline is a particularly bizarre dream sequence from genius writer Violet Welles, which sees Elizabeth terrorized by fairground impresario David Collins and a pair of freaky robotic mannequins. Doubtless the Dark Shadows props buyer experienced no small measure of satisfaction when the mechanic marvels were given pride of place, at the end of the show, cheerily waving goodbye to the viewers.

4. Episode 991: The Seventies had made it to Collinwood, and soon no dream sequence was complete without a spangly backdrop courtesy of the resident Dark Shadows disco ball, resulting in this closing credits trip into the subconscious. All that's missing is a funk remix of the theme tune.

3. Episode 1062: Barnabas and Julia have journeyed through a mysterious space-band-time-warp-disturbance (delete as applicable) to the faraway year of 1995, where Collinwood lies in ruins. Alas, this vision of the future proved to be a disappointingly conservative one, clothed exclusively in plaid shirts and nylon fibres. So, rejoice then, in the futuristic wonder of Victor Flagler's spacey table lamp, flashing in distress as the credits play us out.

2. Episode 928: Another corker from the Leviathan sequence sees one-shot supporting artiste Mrs. Hutchins' Budgie step into the limelight. Cue mild seasickness from the viewing nation, as it sits rocking on its perch looking distinctly nonplussed.

And finally...

1. Episode 703: Clocking-off time at West 56th Street, and first out of the door is man-about-town Jonathan Frid, sashaying into frame with some smart casuals folded over his arm. A bonus point too for the balletic 'oops' moment, as he realises his mistake and quickly tries to veer out of frame. Stunning.

Second Comics Collection Cover

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:23:00 +0000

Hermes Press have unveiled the cover image for Dark Shadows: The Complete Series Volume 2, which features a great vintage rendering of Barnabas Collins stalking a victim. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

The book is the second in a series of deluxe hardback reprints of the classic 1960s Dark Shadows comic books from Gold Key, and is due out on July 29 2010, priced $49.99. Amazon are currently offering the book at a 30% discount, and it can be pre-ordered by clicking here.

Michael Currie: 1928-2009

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:43:00 +0000

The Portland Press Herald has reported the death of actor Michael Currie, who played Sheriff Jonas Carter in the early episodes of Dark Shadows. Michael died on December 22 at his home in Freeport, Maine, aged 81. His other work included appearances on M*A*S*H, Soap, Dallas and Cheers. For a full obituary, click here.

Conard Fowkes: 1933-2009

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:25:00 +0000

Theatermania has reported the death of actor Conard Fowkes, who played lawyer Frank Garner in the early episodes of Dark Shadows. Conard died on December 14 at the age of 76.

His career included roles on Broadway, stints on Secret Storm and As The World Turns, plus a long-serving position working for the Actor's Equity council, which he held until earlier this year. To read a full obituary, click here.

Final Judgement Due in January

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Big Finish's next Dark Shadows audio drama is out on CD and download in January. Final Judgement is an all-new audio drama starring Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott in an exciting story that sees Angelique and Josette fighting for survival. Here's a teaser synopsis:

"Do you swear to reveal to this jury of your peers, the truths you’ve withheld from your lord and master?"

In the afterlife, Josette has made a pact with the Dark Lord to try Angelique for crimes against true love. But Josette’s time spent as a restless spirit has taken its toll. Is she strong enough to take on her old adversary? If Angelique is convicted, then her soul is forfeit, restoring Josette to life and beauty. If not...

"I received an email from Lara Parker saying that she'd always wanted to do something where she and Kathryn Leigh Scott could really go at it,” reveals author Debbie Smith. "I immediately thought that was a wonderful idea."

Final Judgement is the second release in the new series of Dark Shadows Dramatic Readings, following on from September’s Curse of the Pharaoh. From January-May 2010, there will be five new stories, including scripts by Stephen Mark Rainey and Torchwood novelist James Goss. To order online, click here.

Dark Shadows Movie Confirmed for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:06:00 +0000

It's been a long time coming, but SciFiWire reports that Dark Shadows has been confirmed as Tim Burton's next film. The big budget feature film will begin shooting in late 2010, starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins.

The project had previously been delayed by director Tim Burton's ongoing commitments on his current project, Alice in Wonderland. Dark Shadows producer Graham King, updated the production's status at a recent press conference for The Young Victoria, revealing that pre-production is underway:

"We've been working on the script a lot... John August wrote the first screenplay. We're making some changes, but the film's going to be in production [by] September or October of next year."

Second Volume of Gold Key Reprints Announced

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:04:00 +0000

Hot on the heels of the announcement of the first volume of 1960s Dark Shadows comic book reprints, Hermes Press has confirmed the release of a second volume, due out in Summer 2010. The publisher plans to issue the entire series in five hardcover books.

Dark Shadows: The Complete Collection Volume 2 is due out on July 29 2010 and includes digitally restored strips, plus bonus content and other features. To pre-order the book at a 30% discount from Amazon, click here. Volume 1 is still due out on March 29 2010 and can be pre-ordered by clicking here.

Ron Sproat Dies

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:37:00 +0000

It is with sadness that we report the death of longtime Dark Shadows writer Ron Sproat. Ron died at his apartment in Manhattan of a heart attack on November 6, aged 77. In addition to contributing numerous scripts for Dark Shadows, Ron was a key player in the development of the character of Barnabas, who cemented the show's transition into mainstream popularity.

In addition to his work on Dark Shadows, Ron contributed scripts to several other soaps, including Strange Paradise, Never Too Young, Secret Storm and The Doctors. His other television credits included United States Steel Hour and General Motors Presents. Latterly, he worked as a magazine and feature writer, and as a lyricist contributed to musicals such as Ravenswood and Abie's Island Rose.

He is survived by his sister, and Frank Evans, his partner. Click on the links to read obituaries from Playbill and Variety.

Halloween Press Cuttings

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:24:00 +0000

With Halloween approaching, Dark Shadows has been getting plenty of mentions in the media:

Canadian news source CNews profiles Jonathan Frid (Barnabas), with An Interview with a 'real' Vampire; Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Kevin Williamson, executive producer for CW's The Vampire Diaries acknowledges Dark Shadows as an influence on his new show; while Phil Guarnieri discusses the nostalgic appeal of Dark Shadows for the Floral Park Dispatch.

Rounding off things, New York's Paley Center for the Media will host Dark Shadows at Twilight: A Paley Center Vampire Weekend, taking place on November 13-15. Dark Shadows DVD producer and author Jim Pierson will be discussing the show on Saturday 14. For more information, click here.

News Round-up

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:01:00 +0000

Dark Shadows fans could recently see some familiar faces amidst the new US fall line-up. US Ivana Milicevic (2004 Angelique) guested on the October 14 episode of ABC's Eastwick, while Michael Cavanaugh (1991 Sheriff Patterson) turned up in the October 22 episode of FlashFoward.
Barnabas Collins is featured in a poll currently being conducted by the Paley Centre for the Media. You can vote for Barnabas as your choice in the TV Vampire (S)Takedown by clicking here.
Several readers have emailed in about the recent iTunes release of Night of Dark Shadows, which features some audio not included in the theatrical release, including additional music and some unheard dialogue. Dark Shadows movie expert Darren Gross tells me that this release accidentally uses the film's original magnetic soundtrack master, which includes some unmixed edit joins from the film's last-minute editing session. These were later smoothed out for the final release. Darren located the longer director's cut of the movie over 10 years ago, and has been working on a restoration effort, which includes reconstructing the full soundtrack. So while these glitches may leave iTunes viewers scratching their heads for now, they will play their part in the eventual restoration: "It's this aspect of the original master that's so helpful," explains Darren. "All these little bits help indicate what music was used in the scene that follows or the scene preceding it."

Halloween is Coming

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Halloween is just around the corner, so here's the Dark Shadows Journal's run-down on how to enjoy the holiday, Collinsport style. Way back when, this site hosted a Dark Shadows Halloween micro-site, featuring e-cards, desktop wallpaper and a a downloadable Barnabas jack-o-lantern pattern – just the thing for scaring away evil spirits and mad relatives in the attic.

If you're having a Halloween party, you'll need some party music, so why not check out the Dark Shadows: 30th Anniversary Collection, featuring some great kitschy muzak arrangements of Robert Cobert's character themes. And if you're decorating your home with a flavour of Collinwood, then don't forget the blue candles and cobwebs. For party food ideas, the show's resident phoenix Laura, alias actress Diana Millay, has a great cookbook, I'd Rather Eat Than Act, featuring her personal recipes and tasty treats from Dark Shadows co-stars. Also, for some creepy festive viewing, check out MPI's two new DVD compilations – The Vampire Curse and The Haunting of Collinwood, plus for a midnight matinee round-off, there's the spin-off movie House of Dark Shadows, now available as a digital download.

I also realised this week that it's been 10 years since the Dark Shadows Journal launched online. The exact date is lost somewhere on a dusty hard drive, but this seems as good a time as any to celebrate. So a tip of the hat to everyone who's supported and contributed to this site over the past decade. Thank you all. Have a great Halloween everyone!

News Bites

noreply@blogger.com (StuartM) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Night of Dark Shadows, the second Dark Shadows spin-off movie, is now available as a digital download from the iTunes store source from a new HD transfer. This version is the original theatrical edit of the film and not the mooted extended director's cut.
Rebecca Staab (1991 Daphne Collins) is to join the cast of ABC's Desperate Housewives, as the show enters its sixth season. Rebecca plays a new permanent resident of Wisteria Lane, and makes her debut on October 25.
Seaview Terrace, the original location for Collinwood, has ended its long-time affiliation with the Salve Regina University. For many years, the property's owners had leased rooms out as dormitories and teaching facilities. Seaview's owners, the Carey family, have now returned the Newport, Rhode Island location to a private property.
The Greystone mansion (1991 and 2004 Collinwood) was featured in the October 12 episode of Fox's House, titled Instant Karma. The show featured exterior and interior scenes of the estate and can be viewed online for a limited time.