Over a thousand Dark Shadows fans jammed the convention ballroom this past weekend Saturday to see the original Barnabas Collins, Jonathan Frid, on-stage as special guest of honor. In their hearts (un-staked), he will always be the original and most beloved vampire of the DS legions. But, judging by the reaction and excitement over the mentions of the upcoming remake, Johnny Depp will be welcomed with open arms, and fangs.
.jpg)
Dark Shadows Festival," the 26th official Dark Shadows convention, was held this past weekend in Elizabeth, NJ, where Frid was joined by fellow cast-members Lara Parker ("Angelique"), John Karlen ("Willie Loomis"), Kathryn Leigh Scott ("Maggie Evans"), Marie Wallace ("Eve"), and Jerry Lacy ("Reverend Task"). Frid was funny and wonderfully received, the ladies of the show were high-class and distinguished, and Karlen was hilarious and unpredictable. Now we know why he was a perfect Willie Loomis! The highlight of the weekend may have been Frid's "Game," where he hosted a screening of the top ten clips, and then counted them down to number one. He also told some interesting stories, and reminisced about touring in the Broadway play "Arsenic and Old Lace" and acting alongside Katherine Hepburn. He was honest and forthcoming with all his responses, even admitting that he wasn't fond of having to greet well-wishers at the stage door after a long evening's performance. The full cast joined Frid onstage after this for a question & answer session with the fans, and there wasn't an open seat in the room.
Many rare items were sold at the auction, including an original director's clap-board from (Dark Shadows producer) Dan Curtis which sold for $500, and souvenirs from Jonathan Frid's personal collection, including a record album and other memorabilia. A contract from Frid's business files sold for $600. Exhibitors filled a dealer's room (where the guests signed autographs for hours on end), and souvenir sales were brisk.
Other highlights of the convention included the banquet on Sunday and the costume gala on Saturday evening, hosted by ShadowGram's Marcy Robin. At the gala, fans ascended the main stage for an assortment of skits, song parody's, dramatic re-creations, and even a ballet performance. One of the most entertaining was a theatrical rendition of one of the bombastic songs from the under-rated Broadway musical "Dance of the Vampires," sung by Anthony Scheinman of New York. The only thing missing was an American Idol-like panel of judges to pick winners, but we realize that it wasn't a talent contest, just a fun fan costume presentation, with some added entertainment.
About the only thing missing from the convention itself was a schedule board, so fans could see what was happening in the ballroom, without having to refer to their program, and some signs pointing to the dealers room. But everyone found what they needed, and everyone seemed to love the weekend.
And as for the remake with Johnny Depp as Barnabas? Fans love the casting, and can't wait for the film! There were already fan-made shirts and posters with Depp as Barnabas. Jim Pierson, who has been involved in Dark Shadows fandom for over two decades as the director of the official Festival fan convention, was one of the MCs, and he told the audience that the film was pushed back to 2010 due to the upcoming release of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" film with Depp. But the timing of the Johnny Depp Dark Shadows remake couldn't be better. When released, fans will have celebrated the 45th anniversary of the debut of the original gothic TV soap opera, as well as the 20th anniversary of the first remake (with Ben Cross).
Another one of the convention's MCs, Jeff Thompson, a professor at Tennessee State University, debuted his new book "The Television Horrors of Dan Curtis: Dark Shadows, The Night Stalker and Other Productions 1966-2006."
Next year's convention, "Dark Shadows in the Sun!," returns to California (it alternates every year with the East Coast and the West Coast) to honor the production of the new DS movie. It will be held at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel & Convention Center July 16-18, 2010.
Past Dark Shadows Article: Dark Shadows Resurrected
Comments
Yes, I have a comment, there are other places in the country besides the east and west coast! How about holding the festival somewhere else for a change, so that people who can't go to either coast can go to the festival.
How is it a picture of Johnny from a photoshoot done years ago is hyped as him "as" Barnabas Collins?? What is with that?
He will make a great Barnabas I am sure of it. But that.. is not a pic of him portraying Barnabas. Sorry...
www.getbesthere.com
very good news, i like this very much,every morning i wait for news here
Finally! A decent vampire movie and not the teeny-bopper "Twilight" crap! I'm a huge fan of Johnny and totally think he would play a great vampire. Hey, he can bite my neck any day. That is, if Vanessa doesn't mind. LOL! I never grew up watching the show but my mother watched it when she was little.
Love the photoshot's of origional Barnabas/Jonathin Frid and new Barnabas/Johnny Depp although his not geared-up in his Barnabas fangs & cape but he soon will be won't he. Big smile! I'm thrilled to hear that all went extremely well at this year annual DARK SHADOWS Fest it's 26th in fact..'how wonderful & exciting that origional legendary Cast members were present like Angelique/Lara Parker, Maggie/Kathie Lee Scott, Eve/Marie Wallace, Willie/John Karlen, Rev Trask/Jerry Lacy-his role always frighten me him & Yaeger/Jeb Hawks played by Chris Pennock (sorry if spelled wrong) Quentin/David Selby-the haunting ghost and of course Barnabas/Jonathin Frid, etc. the whole Cast are amazing!
I just want to say a big "thank you" to the Director of the Official DARK SHADOWS Festivals for over 20yrs, Wow! Thanks for keeping us fans "origional & new comers" well informed & contact with the Iconic DARK SHADOWS that emraptured our hearts & minds so many yrs ago. I certainly look forward to the 45th Anniversary of the Classic origional Dark Shadows for they will always be a "special" to me the whole Cast & a happy 20th Anniversary to the early 90's DS that starred Ben Cross as Barnabas. Dark Shadows legendary Creator Mr. Dan CURTIS is a master genuis and that's a really cool/breezy-chill photo cover of Barnabas Collins/Jonathin Frid and Dr. Julia Hoffman/Grayson Hall of the origional Classic DS...'I'm gonna search out for this book! Peace.
As a child I rushed home from school every day to watch Barnabus. I even had a ring like his that I wore. I can't wait to see Johnny Depp as Barnabus. That's PERFECT casting!!!!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!