Summer Lovin' | Classic Romance Films

Summer is traditionally a time to let loose and have fun. In the film world, it is often also the ideal setting for falling in love. Some of these summer romances are brief flings that end when the leaves begin to fall. Others are built to last. Relive some classic summer romances by watching these films, one from each decade going back to the 1950s.

"Roman Holiday" (1953)

In 1953 the world fell in love with Audrey Hepburn. In her first starring film role, Hepburn plays Anne, an exhausted princess in need of a break from her royal duties. One evening in Rome (a stop on her royal tour of Europe) she escapes and spends the next day doing all the things she's always wanted to do. She meets a seemingly kind and handsome gentleman named Joe (Gregory Peck), gets a fashionable haircut, enjoys gelato on the Spanish Steps, drinks champagne at a sidewalk cafe, rides around on a Vespa, and attends a dance on a barge on the Tiber.

Unfortunately her romance with Joe could not last, as he was hiding a big secret; he knew her identity all along and was actually a reporter writing a story about her. Plus her country needed her.

"Two for the Road" (1967)

Another classic romance starring Audrey Hepburn is 1967's "Two for the Road." She and Albert Finney play Joanna and Mark, a couple who met on separate European road trips in 1954 and wed after a weeklong fling.

Though they are married and wealthy in the present day, they are unhappy. While driving through France, the couple reminisce about previous trips when they had less money but were more content — falling in love on the beach during that first trip, a disastrous vacation with another couple and their bratty child, and what turned out to be their happiest road trip despite everything going wrong (including their car going up in flames).

In the present, as the two travel together from France to Italy, they realize that after all they've been through, there is still love there.

"Grease" (1978)

In the summer of 1958, teenagers Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) fell in love after meeting at a California beach. The relationship seemed doomed from the start since the vacationing Sandy planned to return to Australia at the end of the summer.

However, the two are shocked when they see each other again on the first day of their senior year at Rydell High School. As it turns out, Sandy's family decided to stay in California.

But can the bad boy leader of a greaser gang date a goody two-shoes like Sandy? After a good deal of singing and dancing, a bit of drag racing, and a drastic makeover, the question is answered.

"Dirty Dancing" (1987)

In the early 1960s, many wealthy New York families summered in the Catskills. One evening while vacationing with her family at Kellerman's resort in the summer of 1963, teenager Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey) finds herself carrying a watermelon into a wild dance party thrown by the resort staff. There she meets Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), a hunky dance instructor and entertainer. Sparks fly immediately, and when Johnny's dance partner Penny (Cynthia Rhodes) is unable to perform at a paid gig at a nearby resort, Johnny gives Baby private lessons so she can fill in.

"Dirty Dancing" at its core is a critique of social class structures, as the upper-class guests enjoy a carefree summer while the working-class staff is treated poorly by management, and Johnny is accused of crimes he did not commit then fired over his relationship with Baby.

Do Baby and Johnny go the distance? That is unclear, but their final dance wins over Baby's father (Jerry Orbach), who comes to realize that Johnny is indeed good enough for his daughter.

"How Stella Got Her Groove Back" (1998)

While it may not technically take place in the summer, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" features enough fun in the sun to make up for that minor detail. Besides, it always feels like summer in Jamaica, where 40-year-old executive Stella Payne (Angela Bassett) and her best friend Delilah Abraham (Whoopi Goldberg) decide to fly on a whim to get away from the daily grind.

On the island, Stella meets 20-year-old Winston Shakespeare (Taye Diggs). She is immediately smitten by his good looks and charm but reluctant to flirt back due to the age gap. She quickly relents, and the two start a steamy romance. But when Winston gets a new job and must work throughout the rest of her trip, things seem to be over between the two. But are they? Or is their bond too strong to keep them apart for long?

"The Notebook" (2004)

In 1940, lumber mill worker Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) laid eyes on wealthy vacationer Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) at a carnival in Seabrook Island, South Carolina. For Noah, it was love at first sight. Allie, however, needed a little convincing to give Noah a chance. With her parents doing everything in their power to keep them apart, Allie returned home to Charleston before the end of the summer, leaving both heartbroken.

Noah and Allie suffered separately through World War II, often thinking about one another as the years wore on. When Allie became engaged to another man (James Marsden) who her parents approved of, it seemed that their summer fling would remain just that. But Noah never gave up on his dream of marrying Allie and growing old with her.

"Moonrise Kingdom" (2012)

Few films capture the feelings of young love like "Moonrise Kingdom," which tells the story of two shy 12-year-olds who run away together on an island off the New England coast in the summer of 1965. Both Suzy (Kara Hayward) and Sam (Jared Gilman) feel like outsiders within their homes, and only when they're together do they feel like part of something special.

As a violent storm looms offshore, Suzy leaves home, and Sam flees his summer camp. Soon they are hiking, camping, dancing on the beach, and sharing each other's first kiss, all while hiding from the adults trying to find them, including the local police chief (Bruce Willis), Sam's scout leader (Edward Norton), and Suzy's parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand).

The two literally weather the storm that devastates the small island, and they remain close as the orphaned Sam gets adopted by the local police chief. The two no longer need to run, as they can now see each other anytime they want.

"Fire Island" (2022)

"Fire Island," a modern retelling of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," centers on a group of gay friends who take a trip to New York's Fire Island, a popular vacation destination for members of the LGBTQ community. We were thrilled to provide our facilities for part of the film shoot.

On Fire Island, Noah (Joel Kim Booster), Howie (Bowen Yang), and their friends crash at the house of an older friend (Margaret Cho), unable to afford a vacation home of their own. Sparks fly when they meet the wealthy doctor Charlie (James Scully) and his equally affluent friends, among them Will (Conrad Ricamora), a lawyer.

Howie and Charlie have instant chemistry, and romance brews despite their different backgrounds. Noah and Will, on the other hand, initially dislike one another but soon bond over their shared love of literature.

As Noah and Will gradually grow closer, Charlie's ex suddenly shows up, devastating Howie. Can Noah convince Charlie to stay with Howie? Will Noah and Will stay together after their respective vacations end?

Watch "Fire Island" streaming on Hulu to find out. And be sure to check out our other recommendations before summer comes to a close.

Spotlight | Explore Governors Island This Summer

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. With summer in full swing, Broadway Stages will feature and celebrate exceptional people, businesses, and organizations that make New York City a great place to spend the warm weather and sunny sky season. This week, we talk about all there is to do on Governors Island!

Located in the heart of New York Harbor lies Governors Island. This oasis of arts, culture, play, and relaxation is just a short ferry ride from Manhattan and Brooklyn.

The National Park Service operates at the north end of the 172-acre island, including the Governors Island National Monument and two former military fortifications. The Trust of Governors Island oversees the rest of the Island.

Moreover, our friends at the NYC Bird Alliance call the Island their seasonal home because of its excellent habitat and diverse variety of birdlife. Over 220 species of birds have been seen on the Island. Keep an eye out here for upcoming bird outings on the Island. Birders who visit the Island this summer should also make time to view the work of the NYC Bird Alliance Artists in Residence at historic Colonels Row.

Each year, Gov­er­nors Island hosts hun­dreds of pro­grams, exhi­bi­tions, and activ­i­ties, pre­sent­ed by the Trust for Gov­er­nors Island, the Nation­al Park Ser­vice, and the Friends of Gov­er­nors Island, as well as dozens of diverse orga­ni­za­tions from across the five bor­oughs and beyond.

The Trust for Gov­er­nors Island presents pub­lic art projects that are unique and captivating. The projects seek to engage the viewer by complementing the historic architecture of the harbor and waterfront. 

Biking and hiking paths punctuated by playgrounds and sports fields crisscross the Island's 120 acres of open, car-free space. The Island has a space for everyone, and each space offers extraordinary views. Don't believe us? Check out all there is to do here!

The Island is also home to numerous exhibits and events. During typical public seasons, the houses around Nolan Park and Colonels Row host arts, culture, and educational exhibits. The Downtown Boathouse has offered free kayaking classes at Pier 101.

This summer, the Trust for Gov­er­nors Island began hosting several climate pilot projects. The pilots are all tem­po­rary projects intend­ed to sup­port prod­uct or ser­vice devel­op­ment through test­ing and solu­tions validation. These projects explore innovative climate solutions such as floating gardens, greywater treatment, and water and air quality monitoring.

What sunny summer day is complete without a picnic? Vis­i­tors to Gov­er­nors Island are wel­come to bring their own food. There are plen­ty of shad­ed green spaces on the Island that are per­fect for lay­ing a blan­ket on the grass, along with Adiron­dack chairs and pic­nic tables. You cannot bring alcohol to the Island, but it can be pur­chased and con­sumed from one of its many great vendors.

Governors Island is open daily year-round. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The South Island Park, which includes the Hills, Picnic Point, and Hammock Grove, closes at 6 p.m. daily.

So many think New York City is just an asphalt jungle. But Broadway Stages knows there are greenspaces and shorelines everywhere, and Governors Island is a great example. Just check out their Instagram and Facebook pages to see what we mean. So make your plans today to visit Governors Island to explore and recharge. You won't regret it! And when you get there, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Celebrate Giglio Feast 2024 | July 10-21

For 12 days each summer, the streets surrounding the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel are transformed during the annual Giglio Feast. This year, July 10 to July 21 will mark the 137th such occasion in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 

The Feast's origins go back to the 1880s, when immigrants from southern Italy, specifically from Nola, landed in Brooklyn. Inspired by the traditions of their native country, these immigrants began celebrating the Feast in 1887.

While the Feast hosts food vendors, rides, games, and daily entertainment, the occasion is marked by its centerpiece, a four-ton, seven-story, 72-foot tower. As part of the neighborhood's nearly two-week Feast, the tall, ornately decorated structure, known as the "Giglio," is carried through the streets, known as the Dancing of the Giglio. This involves a team of lifters known as paranzas carrying the Giglio, which is decorated with flowers and the image of St. Paulinus.

The lifts involve over 100 men, carrying the four-ton tower on poles and walking through the streets of Williamsburg. The multi-story structure also has a platform, with an entire 12-piece brass band playing “O' Giglio'e Paradiso.”

Currently, the complete team of paranzas comprises roughly 325 men, many of whom are following in the footsteps of their fathers and grandfathers. As the neighborhood continues to change, members of the Paranza return each year from Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, and other states — a true representation of the reach of the annual Feast.

During the celebration, there are three different lifts: Giglio Sunday (Sunday, July 14), the Night Lift of the Giglio (Wednesday, July 17), and Old Timers' Day (Sunday, July 21).

Also of note are the two Children's Giglio Lifts on Thursday, July 11, and Thursday, July 18. But at the heart of the Feast is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Tuesday, July 16), which features Catholic Mass in English, Italian, Polish, Spanish, and Haitian/Creole.

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast is the primary fundraiser for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-Annunciation Parish. The parish community depends on the proceeds each year to fund its programs and support the ministries of the Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They cannot survive without the financial support of the Feast. If you would like to lend your financial support, you can do so here.

Among the things that Broadway Stages loves about working in Brooklyn are the long-standing traditions and celebrations of multiple cultures. The Giglio Feast is just that. It marks generations of tradition and new generations of memories. Follow the Feast on Instagram and Facebook, and make your plans to attend to make some memories of your own!

"Blue Bloods" Cast Marks Final Day of Filming

This December the Reagan family will share their final family dinner. A few weeks ago, the cast of "Blue Bloods" filmed the last episode of the 14th and final season of the popular police procedural. Broadway Stages has been there since the very beginning, and we are so proud of the cast and crew for their success.

Many of the actors took to social media to share videos and photos on the final day of filming.

Donnie Wahlberg, who has played Detective Danny Reagan since the show premiered in 2010, posted a video on Instagram with the caption:

“Not sure I have the words to describe how I feel about today, or the last 14 years on this special Blue Bloods journey, but I do know how incredibly thankful I am for every moment of it. To the cast, the crew, the guest cast, every background actor, writer, producer and every member of every single dept — thank you. To the people of New York, in every neighborhood and borough, thank you for always showing your love. To the NYPD, thank you for your support and sacrifice, I hope we did you proud. Lastly, to my fans, and the fans of this show. We don’t make it 14 days (nevermind 14 years) without you! Your love and support for this show has been one of the great blessings of my life. Thank you.”

Wahlberg also posted a video of cast members participating in the "Get Down" dance challenge, alluding to his music career as a member of the New Kids on the Block.

Another Wahlberg post showing him hugging co-stars Marisa Ramirez and Vanessa Ray with the caption "Last day feels" was re-shared by Ray, with the added comment "I love them so much it hurts."

Ray has played Officer Eddie Janko since season four, and Ramirez has played Maria Baez since season three.

Ramirez also took to Instagram, posting a photo of a drawing her daughter made of her character's police badge, with the caption "Last day of Blue Bloods! I don't have the words yet to express my joy or my sadness but at least I have a homemade sticker shield from Violet to replace the one I had to give back to props today. The sweetest…."

While the show has officially wrapped, there is a chance that members of the Reagan family could return in a spinoff or offshoot. During a recent shareholder meeting, Paramount Global co-CEO Brian Robbins mentioned a possible franchise expansion for the series in the future. Broadway Stages would welcome their return!

The mid-season finale titled "The Heart of a Saturday Night" aired on May 17 and included a guest appearance from Aidan Quinn ("Elementary"). Eight additional episodes will air on Friday nights in the fall to bring the show's total episode count to 293. If you need to catch up before the show returns, you can watch all episodes on Paramount+.

2024 Kingsland Wildflowers Festival

On the rooftop of Broadway Stages’ studios located at 520 Kingsland Avenue, Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and Community Engagement Center overlooks the iconic New York City skyline in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This one-of-a-kind setting of wildflower meadows stretches across 25,000 square feet. On Saturday, July 27, from 2 pm to 8 pm, you can explore the green rooftop and area along Newtown Creek.

The 8th annual Kingsland Wildflowers Festival will give the public the opportunity to learn about native wildlife and ecology, engage with the arts, and partake in food and beverages from local vendors.

Those in attendance will learn more about the local environment, culture, and other community focused matters from Billion Oyster Project, NYCDEC Education, Eagle Street Rooftop Farm Project, Greenpoint YMCA, Queens Public Library, North Brooklyn Community Boathouse, NYC Bird Alliance, Clean Bushwick Initiative, Urban Soils Institute, New York Microscopical Society, the Polish & Slavic Center, and others.

The day will include several ways for everyone to indulge their artistic sensibilities. For the young ones, Asia Sztencel will offer a painting workshop. Noa Bornstein and Shana Fruchter will present "Peace Party with Peace Gorilla," and our friend Sol Kjøk will exhibit some of her paintings.

Several art installations will also be on display, including an interactive work by Cal Fish and video projections by Marita Isobel Solberg. A featured work will be "Resonant Nature," created explicitly for the Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof by the recipient of the 2024 Broadway Stages' Arts Residency Award @ Kingsland Wildflowers, Seema Lisa Pandya.

Performing at the Festival will be the dance troupe Hivewild; the all-female Colombian culture lab, LaManga; aerialist John Trunfio; and spoken word and live percussion by the Bongo Brothers.

Finally, the day will not be complete until you fill your tummy with food and drink from The Shack, Healthy as a Motha, Adi's Empanadas, Greenpoint Beer & Ale, and more.

The event is free, and tickets are not required, but registration to attend or volunteer is appreciated. You can also follow Kingsland Wildflowers on Instagram and Facebook for more information.

Broadway Stages is proud to sponsor the Kingsland Wildflowers Festival and its commitment to expanding natural habitat and green corridors for bird and wildlife populations. We are thrilled to collaborate with our amazings partners including Newtown Creek Alliance, NOoSPHERE Arts, and Alive Structures. Our collective efforts help to support initiatives that provide community value. We encourage you to come by on Saturday, July 27, to celebrate Greenpoint's environmental and arts renaissance and enjoy a day of fun and uninterrupted panorama of Manhattan across the East River, Queens, and North Brooklyn.

Spotlight | Luna Park

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. With summer in full swing, Broadway Stages will feature and celebrate exceptional people, businesses, and organizations that make New York City such a great place to spend the warm weather and sunny sky season. This week, we visit the legendary Luna Park at Coney Island!

Since the mid-19th century, New Yorkers have spent their summer hours at Coney Island in Brooklyn. And for more than 120 years of that time, Luna Park has been providing an unforgettable seaside experience – with family-friendly attractions and entertainment, shopping and dining on the scenic landmarked boardwalk, thrill rides, and special events.

Luna Park opened on May 16, 1903. The park is lined by nearly three miles of sandy beaches, two and a half miles of boardwalk, and other top attractions. In 1925, the Thunderbolt, a wooden roller coaster, was opened to the public and stayed in operation until 1982. Following the Thunderbolt's success, the park hired coaster designer Vernon Keenan to design the Coney Island Cyclone. It opened on June 26, 1927, at only twenty-five cents a ride. Another popular ride, the Parachute Jump, attracted as many as half a million riders annually. In operation until 1966, it was described as "flying in a free fall."

The park expanded and contracted over the years in proportion to the economy. In 2010, Central Amusement International Inc (CAI), owned by the Zamperla family, developed the new Luna Park. The Zamperlas have been involved in the amusement industry for five generations, with their roots in circus, carnival rides, and ride manufacturing. When the Park reopened on May 29, 2010, it immediately created 247 jobs for the local community, attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, and brought a world-class amusement destination back to Brooklyn.

The Park was populated with brand-new rides, roller coasters, games, an arcade, go-karts, restaurants, and food stands. Fan favorites were also reimagined and recreated. The historic Cyclone Roller Coaster (which turns 97 years old this year), B&B Carousell, Parachute Jump, and the first major custom steel roller coaster in NYC—Thunderbolt—are all available for new generations to make memories on.

"With Luna Park in Coney Island, we are thrilled to continue to enhance and bring timeless experiences to life through experiential and interactive innovation at America's Playground," said Alessandro Zamperla, President and CEO of Central Amusement International Inc.

A summer day at the Park is complete if you enjoy the food! Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than freshly made gelato at Coney's Cones. If you are grazing while taking in the rides and people-watching, the Half Moon Food Court is the place for boardwalk treats, including cotton candy, funnel cakes, and more. And you can top it all off with a slice at Al Cavallino. Their pizza chefs, straight from Italy, use the freshest authentic ingredients to create pizza magic. Where else in NYC can you sit by the beach and enjoy a custom pizza and a beer?

Keep an eye on the Park's Facebook and Instagram to learn about offers and special events. Also, since open hours will vary, consult the Park Calender before you go.

One customer summed it up best: "Luna Park on Coney Island is a timeless amusement park that captures the essence of classic carnival fun. From thrilling rides like the iconic Cyclone roller coaster to family-friendly attractions, there's something for everyone. The vibrant atmosphere, with colorful lights and lively music, adds to the excitement."

Broadway Stages knows that every season is a great time to be a New Yorker. But no New York life is complete until you have made a few summer memories on Coney Island. So, make plans today for a day (or more) at Luna Park. And when you get there, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Productions Filmed at Broadway Stages Nominated for Dorian TV Awards

Since 2009, GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has recognized the year's top productions and performances in film, television, and theater with its annual Dorian Awards. Members vote three times a year to honor productions in each medium, and we are ecstatic that several of our productions are in the running at the upcoming Dorian TV Awards.

GALECA, originally known as the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, includes hundreds of professional journalists who cover arts and entertainment at media outlets around the world. Categories range from the traditional (Best TV Drama) to the unconventional (Campiest TV Show) and include several honors to recognize career achievements. Unlike many award shows, the Dorians do not separate categories by gender.

Productions filmed at Broadway Stages are up for awards include HBO's "The Gilded Age," which will compete for Best TV Drama; star Christine Baranski will vie for Best Supporting TV Performance—Drama. Netflix's "Ripley," for which we provided facilities for reshoots, is nominated for Best TV Movie or Miniseries, Most Visually Striking TV Show,
and Best TV Performance—Drama for lead Andrew Scott. We are also represented in the comedy space, with Netflix's "Girls5Eva" star Renée Elise Goldsberry up for Best TV Performance—Comedy.

Additionally, two stars of Hulu's 2022 film "Fire Island" (for which we provided our facilities) earned special nominations. Joel Kim Booster is in the running for the Wilde Wit Award, which honors "a performer, writer or commentator whose observations both challenge and amuse." He is also nominated for Best Supporting TV Performance—Comedy for "Loot" on Apple TV+. Margaret Cho will compete for the GALECA LGBTQIA+ TV Trailblazer Award "for creating art that inspires empathy, truth and equity."

You can read the full list of nominees here. Winners will be announced on August 12. Congrats to all nominees!

Inside Broadway Stages | What's Filming

Things are heating up in New York, both literally and figuratively. As summer rolls along, we are welcoming new productions to our studios and new actors to the shows you know and love. Read on to find out more about what's happening at our facilities.

"The Gilded Age" Casts Major Stars in Season Three

HBO's hit period drama "The Gilded Age" includes a who's who of Broadway stars among its cast. In the upcoming third season, the legendary Phylicia Rashad ("The Cosby Show") will join the production in a recurring role. The two-time Tony Award winner will play Elizabeth Kirkland, the matriarch of a prominent Newport family that includes her husband Frederick (Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell of "Kiss Me, Kate") and her son, William (Tony Award nominee Jordan Donica of "Camelot"). Another Tony Award winner, Victoria Clark ("Kimberly Akimbo"), will guest star as Joan Carlton, a kind New Yorker who comes from old money.

The newest cast members will appear alongside a surfeit of Broadway stars, including two-time Tony Award winners Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Michael Cerveris, and Donna Murphy; three-time winner Nathan Lane; and six-time winner Audra McDonald. The ensemble cast also includes winners Celia Keenan-Bolger, Debra Monk, and Kelli O'Hara.

We haven't even mentioned yet the talented Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Taissa Farmiga, and Harry Richardson, who play the nouveau riche Russells; Louisa Jacobson, as the unmarried niece of Nixon's and Baranski's characters; and Denée Benton, as a young writer who is the daughter of McDonald's character.

We are amazed at the level of talent on this show and can't wait to see everyone together in season three.

"The Instigators" Coming Soon to Apple TV+

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck will soon star in "The Instigators," an Apple Original Film about two thieves who go on the run with one of their therapists following a botched robbery. Oscar nominee Hong Chau ("The Whale") plays the reluctant yet supportive therapist along for the ride. Though the film is set in Boston, scenes were proudly shot at our facilities in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. 

Director Doug Liman ("Swingers") has reunited with Damon more than two decades after the two paired up for the 2002 blockbuster "The Bourne Identity." The heist thriller co-stars Paul Walter Hauser ("Black Bird"), Michael Stuhlbarg ("Call Me By Your Name"), Ving Rhames ("Mission: Impossible" franchise), Alfred Molina ("Spider-Man" franchise), Toby Jones ("Harry Potter" franchise), rapper Jack Harlow, and Ron Perlman ("Hellboy" franchise).

The film will have a limited U.S. theatrical release on August 2 then begin streaming on Apple TV+ one week later.

"Godfather of Harlem" Introducing a Notorious Gangster in Season Four

Rome Flynn will portray the infamous drug lord Frank Lucas in the upcoming season of the MGM+ series "Godfather of Harlem." Denzel Washington memorably depicted Lucas in the 2007 film "American Gangster," with a focus on his rise through the criminal ranks of Harlem in the 1970s. "Godfather of Harlem" takes place in the 1960s, so the action will likely center more on Lucas's arrival in New York and relationship with crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker).

Flynn is no stranger to television viewers. In 2018 he won a Daytime Emmy Award for portraying Zende Forrester Dominguez on "The Bold and the Beautiful." He is also well known for playing Gabriel Maddox on ABC's "How to Get Away With Murder." He most recently appeared on NBC's "Chicago Fire" as firefighter Derrick Gibson.

"Godfather of Harlem" tells the story of the real-life Johnson, who spent 11 years at Alcatraz then returned to New York in the early 1960s to find the neighborhood he once ruled controlled by the Italian mob. Over the course of the show, Bumpy has butted heads with members of all five of New York's most notorious crime families, the Cuban Mafia, and even the CIA.

CBS's "Elsbeth" Goes International and Gets Expanded Second Season

"Elsbeth" is a bonafide hit with audiences and critics alike. "The Good Wife" spin-off, created by power couple Michelle and Robert King, follows attorney Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) as she leaves her legal practice behind for a new investigative role working with NYPD Captain C.W. Wagner (Wendell Pierce) and Officer Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson). The first season was jam packed with talented guest stars, including Jane Krakowski ("30 Rock"), Jesse Tyler Ferguson ("Modern Family"), Linda Lavin ("Alice"), Keegan-Michael Key ("Schmigadoon"), and Blair Underwood ("L.A. Law").

Soon, overseas fans of "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight" will get the latest addition to the franchise, as the show has been licensed to TF1, the most popular television network in France.

Additionally, Preston recently announced that season two will include twice as many episodes as season one, raising the total from 10 to 20. We are beyond thrilled at the success of this show! Broadway Stages has been the production studio partner-of-choice for the entire "Good Wife" franchise, a relationship going back more than 15 years. We also provided facilities for the Kings' supernatural horror series "Evil," which will air its final four episodes in August.

Additional Cast Members Announced for Season Two of "Goosebumps"

We previously announced that Disney+ is adopting an anthology format for its popular series "Goosebumps," meaning the eight-episode second season will feature an entirely new cast in a new setting. We are thrilled to provide facilities for this upcoming season.

Disney+ recently named six new recurring cast members to appear alongside lead actors David Schwimmer ("Friends") and Ana Ortiz ("Ugly Betty"). Sakina Jaffrey ("Billions"), Arjun Athalye ("Are You Afraid of the Dark?"), Christopher Paul Richards ("The Kids Are Alright"), Stony Blyden ("Hunter Street"), and newcomers Eloise Payet and Kyra Tantao will be part of the spooky new season.

Schwimmer will star as Anthony, a recently divorced father of twin teenagers Devin and Cece, played by Sam McCarthy ("Dead to Me") and Jayden Bartels ("Side Hustle"). Elijah Cooper ("That Girl Lay Lay"), Galilea La Salvia ("Talia in the Kitchen"), and Francesca Noel ("R#J") play friends of the twins, and Blyden is joining as the boyfriend of La Salvia's character. The group uncovers a dark secret related to the 1994 disappearance of a group of four teenagers, played by Athalye, Richards, Payet, and Tantao. Ortiz will co-star as Jen, a police detective with a tragic past. Little is known about Jaffrey's role at the moment, but we'll tell you more once we find out.

Peacock Limited Series "Long Bright River" Adds to Cast

Amanda Seyfried ("The Dropout") is executive producing and starring in a television adaptation of Liz Moore's New York Times bestseller "Long Bright River," which follows a police officer who patrols a Philadelphia neighborhood hard-hit by the opioid crisis. After a series of murders in the neighborhood, she realizes that her personal history might be tied to the case.

Peacock recently announced the addition of six more actors in recurring roles – Patch Darragh ("Succession"), Matthew Del Negro ("City on a Hill"), Harriet Sansom Harris ("Desperate Housewives"), Perry Mattfeld ("In the Dark"), Dash Mihok ("Ray Donovan"), and Britne Oldford ("The Umbrella Academy").

We previously reported that Nicholas Pinnock ("The Book of Clarence") will play her former partner, while Ashleigh Cummings ("Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries"), Callum Vinson ("Chucky"), and John Doman ("The Wire") are also part of the production.

Be sure to check out all of the productions above, and follow our blog and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of updates on all of our productions.

Spotlight | Out of the Closet Thrift Store

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Throughout the month, Broadway Stages is featuring and celebrating exceptional people, businesses, and organizations of the LGBTQ+ communities. We invite you to join us in recognizing their accomplishments and contributions! Today, we bring you the Out of the Closet Thrift Stores.

Known as the world's most fabulous thrift store, the Out of the Closet Thrift Stores (OTC) are much more than that. Owned and operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), OTC puts 96 cents of every dollar made toward the AIDS Healthcare Foundation's HIV prevention and treatment services. In fact, OTC is able to offer high-quality HIV testing services at all of their locations.

Founded in 1990 by AHF President and Co-Founder Michael Weinstein, OTC has grown to 20 locations. The NYC location is in the Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. Through their retail services, AHF has been able to bring cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 1,900,000 people in 45 countries. They are currently the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world.

You can contribute to the cause in two ways: as a donor of goods or as a consumer. There are two easy ways to donate to OTC. The first is through in-store donations, which are fast and easy. Simply stop by with your donations and drop off your items with their friendly staff. Don't forget to visit their kiosks and print a receipt for your records. Since OTC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations are tax-deductible!

Equally easy and convenient is scheduling a pick-up of your large item donations. Simply make an appointment by filling out a brief online form, and their friendly drivers will pick them up from your home. The process is fast and easy! You can access the large item pick-up form here.

While it is better to give than to receive, there is true joy in shopping at OTC. The shelves are filled with vintage finds and hidden gems. Moreover, the store is bright, clean, well-organized, and staffed with friendly faces. As one customer noted, "The staff is always so sweet. They can be busy but never too busy to answer your questions or help you to find what you need….The best part is that there's free HIV testing downstairs. Stay safe and look good! There are always discounted items, and the furniture pieces are ALWAYS ON POINT! It goes fast, so if you see something you love, be prepared to purchase it ASAP. Thank you for being such a Gem in the community. Love you guys, and be back soon!"

As an added bonus, when you shop at a thrift store, you help to reduce fast fashion waste. Did you know that the volume of clothing Americans throw away each year has doubled in the last 20 years, from 7 million to 14 million tons? Your fashion finds are good for your wallet and for the world!

OTC in Brooklyn is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. And their Instagram and Facebook pages often feature sales and promotions.

Broadway Stages is inspired to see others in our communities living their mission and making a difference in the world, one life at a time. Out of the Closet has done so much to help so many for many years. So do yourself a favor and go shopping there today. And when you do, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

The Long and Hilarious History of The Second City

Founded in Chicago in 1959, improv troupe The Second City is responsible for launching the careers of countless iconic comedians and actors. The troupe recently expanded into New York City – a bit ironic considering the origin of Chicago's "Second City" nickname, which was coined by a journalist from The New Yorker who meant it as an insult to Chicago in comparison to New York City.

The troupe's theater space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is owned by one of Broadway Stages' affiliates and was once a record shop and club. Today, it is a 12,000 square-foot facility that includes a 200-seat mainstage, 60-seat second stage, several classrooms, and a restaurant.

While the six current players are making new history in Brooklyn, the original troupe's origins go back nearly seven decades and include a brief stint in the Big Apple.

Howard Alk, Bernie Sahlins, and Paul Sills, the University of Chicago students who founded The Second City, began their improv careers with The Compass Players (named after the bar where they first performed in 1955). Members of The Compass Players included future EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winner Mike Nichols and his comedy partner Elaine May, the husband-and-wife comedy team of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and future six-time Emmy Award winner Alan Alda.

By 1959, the troupe was performing as The Second City in a new location near Lincoln Park. Two years later, members of the ensemble (including future Oscar winner Alan Arkin) performed the musical "From the Second City" at the Royale Theatre on Broadway (now the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre). The production ran for 87 performances and earned two Tony Award nominations. That same year, future comedy legend Joan Rivers joined the troupe and made her sole appearance in its seventh revue, "Alarums and Excursions."

In 1973, the theater company opened its first location outside of Chicago, at "The Old Fire Hall" in Toronto. Many future comedy stars would go on to perform there, including "Saturday Night Live" alums Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Mike Myers, and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" regulars Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie.

In 1976, members of the Toronto outpost established the sketch comedy show "Second City Television" (also known as "SCTV"), which launched the careers of John Candy, Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis, Catherine O'Hara, Harold Ramis, Martin Short, and Dave Thomas, among others.

Over the decades, the original Chicago location drew the likes of future "Saturday Night Live" stars John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, Tim Meadows, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, and Aidy Bryant, as well as beloved comedic performers Fred Willard, Harold Ramis, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Bob Odenkirk, Richard Kind, Amy Sedaris, Jane Lynch, and Keegan-Michael Key. Even "Cheers" alums George Wendt and Shelley Long performed with the troupe in the 1970s.

We are so excited to support the next generation of comedy legends by playing a role in bringing the group to Brooklyn. The troupe is currently performing "Ruthless Acts of Kindness" on the mainstage, and tickets can be purchased here. If you'd like to learn more about the history of The Second City and its legendary alums, click here.

San Soo Kap San Korean Restaurant

New York City has the second-largest population of ethnic Koreans outside Korea, and the Korean community in Queens is growing every day. So, to be a Korean restaurant of note in Queens, you must be good! And San Soo Kap San in Flushing is even better, with over 20 years of offering authentic Korean dishes alongside some of the best Korean BBQ in town. As one customer said, "Food and service are that awesome! Anyone visiting Flushing, New York, I highly recommend this restaurant!"

The name San Soo Kap San derives its meaning from an ancient phrase that describes an idyllic location in the mountainous lands of the Korean countryside. The dining experience matches the name, from a wide variety of Korean BBQ to delicious seafood pancakes, fresh sushi, and the complementary steamed egg in a clay pot. The menu contains traditional Korean dishes like Bibimbap (rice and sautéed vegetables) and Bulgogi (thin slices of marinated grilled beef). For the seafood lover, there are also options like octopus, squid, and raw crab. They even have organic goat, a specialty dish difficult to find elsewhere.

At San Soo Kap San, BBQ is prepared with the finest cut of prime beef and served on a special charcoal grill built right into your table. The meat is marinated with San Soo Kap San's secret mixture of soy sauce, sugar, chopped garlic, sesame oil, and pepper, among other ingredients. After hours of marination, it is ready to be served. As one diner said, "Tender, sweet, juicy, everything I adore in Korean BBQ…The piping hot Beef bibimbap was just the highlight of our night. So much meat and vegetables piled on neatly, and to top it off, perfectly cooked sunny side egg!"

Sushi is not a Korean dish, but it has become a food of choice throughout Asia and now the United States. To meet the tastes of the dining public, San Soo Kap San serves traditional sushi, sashimi, and nigari with a light swipe of wasabi and genuine soy sauce. They also serve "American" sushi: California rolls, spicy tuna rolls with sashimi-grade tuna tossed in sesame sauce, and spicy mayo for that extra oomph, all prepared by a master chef.

Moreover, their trilingual staff works hard to bring patrons the best-tasting Korean food around. One satisfied patron noted: "Service was well above par. We literally had an ajjuma standing over us the whole time, cooking and cutting everything for us. We kept asking for special items like garlic and oil and whatnot, and she didn't skip a beat…Six stars for service."

San Soo Kap San is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, call (718) 445-1165. For special offers and menu features, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

The diversity of New York City is one of the many things Broadway Stages loves about our home. It brings a plurality of ideas, cultures, and tastes. We are thrilled to work in Queens, where we can experience great products and food supported by excellent service. San Soo Kap San exemplifies every aspect of that. Stop in and try their food today. And when you get there, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Explore Local Greenspace at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Over 100,000 cars travel on the Brooklyn Bridge every day. But below, on the East River, lies the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park. This public park’s award-winning piers host top-notch recreation, from opera to outdoor films. It is also home to a patchwork of gardens and ecosystems. Take advantage of the warm summer weather and explore this local greenspace.

The Park has native woodlands, freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, and numerous meadows. These areas closely echo native ecosystems and are managed with an emphasis on wildlife habitat. The garden beds define views, block wind, and provide shade. Their flowers, berries, and beds provide habitat for native bees, butterflies, and migratory birds.

Many of the design choices that went into creating Brooklyn Bridge Park have considered climate change and climate resilience. These include plant selection, planting strategies, and infrastructure design.

The gardens at Brooklyn Bridge Park are managed organically to protect the environment in the Park and the water around it. They actively capture and recirculate rainwater for irrigation, practice organic pest management, and use compost for the soil. The design and stewardship of the staff ensure the absence of chemicals and the inclusion of native plants to provide a healthy environment for visitors, as well as birds, butterflies, ladybugs, turtles, and even the microscopic soil organisms that keep plants happy.

For those interested in learning about and exploring the Park more deeply than the average visitor, there is the Environmental Education Center. Located at 99 Plymouth Street in DUMBO, this year-round space is the home base to a thriving education program that serves over 10,000 school children each year and visitors of all ages.

The Center offers rotating monthly educational themes, a 250-gallon aquarium filled with critters from the East River, and a 10’ scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park. It also offers crafts, a reading corner, and a self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Center’s free open Hours are Thursdays 3 - 5 p.m., Fridays 3 - 5 p.m., and Saturdays 1 - 5 p.m.

For birders, the park is home to several species of interest, including wading birds, shore birds, and other waterfowl. The salt marsh on Pier 1, the meadow on Pier 6, and natural habitats on Pier 4 are particular areas of interest. While you are at it, take a moment to take in over 12,000 species of plants and wildlife. But wherever you look in the park, you cannot go wrong, as it is designed to minimize human impact on new habitats.

The Horticultural Program is extensive and never at rest. This is an excellent resource for New Yorkers to learn about and explore the world of greenspace in one of the world’s greatest urban centers. Broadway Stages encourages you to take advantage of the Brooklyn Bridge Park, gardens, and horticultural program this summer and all year long.