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Box Office Booms After Record Dry Spell: “Prada,” “Michael” Humming, “Mortal” “Sheep,” Billie Are Birds of a Feather

Roger Friedman
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Box Office Booms After Record Dry Spell: “Prada,” “Michael” Humming, “Mortal” “Sheep,” Billie Are Birds of a Feather

Theaters are singing with customers.

Hallelujah!

Who’d-a thunk it? Maybe everyone finally got tired of being at home or watching big screen features on their phones!

“Devil Wears Prada 2” won the weekend with a shocking $43 million — and that’s the second weekend.

“Mortal Kombat II” snagged $40 million.

The “Michael” Jackson movie pulled up $36 million.

And that’s not all — “The Sheep Detectives” discovered $16 million. Billie Eilish’s concert film raked in $7.5 mil after a $4 mil opening night.

It’s like the old days!

Are they great movies? No. Does it matter? No. They’re okay! And they’re great for theater owners who were dusting empty seats off since “Barbenheimer.”

It’s certainly great news, especially for Spielberg’s coming alien invasion, the new “Star Wars,” and “Masters of the Universe.”

Pop that popcorn!

PS Maybe we can get the Cinerama Dome re-opened in Los Angeles in time for a hot summer!

Yes, It’s Cold and Clammy Outside, But the 2026 Hamptons Summer Is Coming: Here’s a Smattering of Cool Hot Events

Roger Friedman
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Yes, It’s Cold and Clammy Outside, But the 2026 Hamptons Summer Is Coming: Here’s a Smattering of Cool Hot Events

This Summer the atmosphere in the Hamptons is all about celebrations with America’s 250th Anniversary of independence and national events such as the US Open Golf Tournament this June. Whilst there are probably more than 250 ways to enjoy the Hamptons this summer season, here are among the most exclusive guest lists to be on, where you can go and where you can make the most difference helping to raise money for worthwhile causes, enjoy summer dinners and cocktails, see spectacular performances, and dance the night away…

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Marina St Barth at its new Southampton location this Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 between 3:00pm-6:00pm.  Catch up with this season’s fashion essentials for your wardrobe at 54 Jobs Lane, Southampton. www.marina-stbarth.com

Art lovers will want to keep an eye on painter Mark Seidenfeld this season. His new exhibition Uncharted Waters is scheduled for Thursday, June 4th through Sunday, June 21st, 2026 at the Bridgehampton Museum, with an opening reception on June 4th, adding another compelling cultural stop to the Hamptons summer calendar. Known for his visually striking work, Seidenfeld brings an artistic energy that fits naturally into the East End’s long tradition of gallery-going and collecting. www.markseidenfeld.com

Enjoy a summer of Cabaret produced by Donna Rubin and Josh Gladstone – Hamptons Summer Songbook by The Sea – live at LTV Studios.  The line-up this season includes Norm Lewis (June 28th), Ann Hampton Callaway (July 11th), Klea Blackhurst & Billy Stritch (July 18th), Eric Yves Garcia & Maria Abous (July 25th), Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano (August 1st), KT Sullivan, Mark Nadler, Christine Pedi & Stephanie Pope (August 22nd), Pamela Morgan (August 23rd) and Donna McKecknie (August 29th). For tickets and further details please visit https://bit.ly/3PYmNz2. 

For those looking to add a dose of heritage to the summer season, the Southampton History Museum offers an engaging window into the architecture, culture, and stories that shaped the village. Its annual Halsey House Gala returns on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. at the historic Halsey House & Garden, with Jean Shafiroff and Mary Slattery serving as gala co-chairs. The museum’s mission of preservation and education makes it an essential cultural stop for visitors who want to experience the Hamptons beyond the beach. https://www.southamptonhistory.org/hhg

NYC Second Chance Rescue will host its 5th Annual Hamptons Benefit the August 8th weekend, at a private estate in Bridgehampton. This year’s benefit supports NYC Second Chance Rescue’s mission to save the most vulnerable animals, particularly large breed dogs and those in urgent need of life-saving medical care. Last year’s event honored animal advocate Christine Evangelista. This is a favorite charity of matchbox twenty’s Rob Thomas and his wife, Marisol. www.nycsecondchancerescue.org

The Hamptons’ most anticipated literary traditions returns on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, when the East Hampton Library presents its 22nd Annual Authors Night fundraiser. Widely regarded as one of the most popular and celebrity-studded events of the summer calendar, Authors Night brings together 100 authors across genres for an evening of book signings, conversation, and private dinners held in their honor including Mom’s Book of Wisdom by Norah Lawlor. Beginning with the Authors cocktail party reception under a grand tent at Herrick Park, it remains a perennial highlight for book lovers and social season regulars alike. www.authorsnight.org

Listen: Sam Cooke’s Granddaughters Are the Womack Sisters, and They’re Making Classic R&B Music That Must Not Be Ignored

Roger Friedman
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Listen: Sam Cooke’s Granddaughters Are the Womack Sisters, and They’re Making Classic R&B Music That Must Not Be Ignored

The Womack Sisters are following the great legacies of their families with panache and talent. They’ve released a single called “Chauffeur,” which you will love if you appreciate classic soul. An album will follow in August. (All on Daptone Records, home of the late great Sharon Jones.)

The Womacks’ parents were Cecil Womack (brother of R&B great Bobby, both gone), and Linda Cooke Womack. She’s alive, and the legendary Sam Cooke was her father.

The elder Womacks have a lot of crazy relationships in their family tree. Bobby and Cecil, who were brothers, married a mother and daughter. Bobby married Sam’s widow, Barbara, after he was killed in 1964. Cecil married Linda, the daughter. Cecil also had a child with Motown great, Mary Wells.

This is all unimportant. The Sisters — Kucha, Zeimani, and BG Womack — have the genes! Their YouTube channel is filled with sensational soul. There’s even a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” that I’d rather hear over and over.

Come on, folks! No AI! T quote Ashford and Simpson, Ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby! PS Bobby Womack– Woman Got the Power, Across 110th St. Sam Cooke– Look him up, it’s not too late.



Box Office: Billie Eilish Beats Sheep Hard and Soft in Thurs-Friday Opening, “Prada” Still Fashionable, “Michael” Don’t Stop

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: Billie Eilish Beats Sheep Hard and Soft in Thurs-Friday Opening, “Prada” Still Fashionable, “Michael” Don’t Stop

What was the Billie Eilish concert movie made for?

Apparently, so I could write “Billie Beats Sheep” as a headline.

The concert film, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” blew away its direct competitor for a Friday opening.

Eilish sheared “The Sheep Detectives” by half a million dollars — $4.5 mil to $4.1 million for the two days of previews and screenings.

But keep in mind, the sheep may yet recover and pull the wool over Billie’s eyes. Wait and see how things go today and tomorrow.

“Michael” don’t stop. The fact-free musical biopic picked up $9 million more last night.

Meantime, “Prada” remains fashionable. On Friday, “Devil 2” took in almost $10 million, driving its total to $111.6 million in just 9 days. You know this means we will see a third chapter without a doubt and without even asking. And then a TV miniseries, no doubt. And more popcorn buckets shaped liked unlikely objects.

As for those Sheep: it’s a real sign of the times that the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” is used in the trailer. This, in the same week that a Sephora has come to occupy the former bar and rock club Continental Divide in the East Village.

What other horrors are in store for us?

keep refreshing…

Watch: Ronnie Wood Says He Played a Nine Minute Guitar Solo on New Rolling Stones Album in Memory of Brian Wilson, Sly Stone

Roger Friedman
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Watch: Ronnie Wood Says He Played a Nine Minute Guitar Solo on New Rolling Stones Album in Memory of Brian Wilson, Sly Stone

Keith Richards was not on the Tonight show last night.

But Ronnie Wood was, plugging the Rolling Stones’ “Foreign Tongues.”

(Keith will be on next week. There was a mistake at the NBC promo department.)

Ronnie told Jimmy Fallon that during the recording of “Foreign Tongues” he played a nice minute guitar solo because he was so sad that week about the deaths of both Brian Wilson and Sly Stone.

Ultimately, the solo was cut down to four or five minutes, he said.

Ronnie also talks about his early days, how he “borrowed” a guitar from a London shop and returned to pay for it five years later! Those were the days!

Great moment. Ronnie Wood is a classic. Also a terrific fine artist. Check out his website at www.ronniewood.com.

Beatles Reunite: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr Straight to Number 1 with Nostalgic, Bouncy Ode to Liverpool “Home to Us” (Listen)

Roger Friedman
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Beatles Reunite: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr Straight to Number 1 with Nostalgic, Bouncy Ode to Liverpool “Home to Us” (Listen)

Paul and Ringo, together again. They’re number 1 on iTunes just hours after release of their new single!

The two living Beatles have had some collaborations over the years. But the new song, “Home to Us,” is their best.

It’s a nostalgic ode to Liverpool, their home town, so meaningful now they’re each in their 80s and have lost their best mates.

The pair sing together. Paul playing his bass, and Ringo’s hitting those drums. It’s a perfect duet.

Where this will get played? Of course on Sirius XM 18, but I hope FM stations will pick it up. It’s already on repeat here!

“Home to Us” is included on Paul’s new album, “The Boys of Dungeon Lane,” coming on May 29th.

Harry Styles Drops 70s Themed Disco Single, “Dance No More” With Cheerleading Squad, Prep for Tour Dates in Europe

Roger Friedman
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Harry Styles Drops 70s Themed Disco Single, “Dance No More” With Cheerleading Squad, Prep for Tour Dates in Europe

Harry Styles has dropped a new video from his “Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally” album.

It’s for the 70s themed dance track, “Dance No More.” The song samples 15 year old beats from Splice, apparently.

Harry starts touring soon, beginning in Amsterdam, where seats are available. His New York Madison Square Garden shows aren’t until August, so he’ll need at least one more video to promote everything.

Keith Richards NOT on the Tonight Show This Evening Following Mick Jagger’s Sketch to Launch “Foreign Tongues”

Roger Friedman
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Keith Richards NOT on the Tonight Show This Evening Following Mick Jagger’s Sketch to Launch “Foreign Tongues”

Mick Jagger had a lot of fun last night on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

The Rolling Stone was quite good in a silly sketch about a jewelry salesman with fake arms.

The store was called Hackney Diamonds, the name of the Stones’ last album. The whole idea was to promote the new album, “Foreign Tongues.”

Originally the Tonight Show advertised Keith Richards for tonight’s episode. But that’s not happening, I am told by insiders. Maybe Keef will turn up later this month, or when the album is released in July (which makes more sense).

Keith can’t top his appearance from two years ago anyway. See below.

Ronnie Wood was set for May 13th. No word on that one, either.

Meantime, the Stones have hits with “In the Stars” and “Rough and Twisted.”

Good News! Olivia Rodrigo Pumps Up “Saturday Night Live” Ratings with 2nd Highest Numbers of Season So Far as Host and Musical Guest

Roger Friedman
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Good News! Olivia Rodrigo Pumps Up “Saturday Night Live” Ratings with 2nd Highest Numbers of Season So Far as Host and Musical Guest

Olivia Rodrigo was the answer to all of “SNL”‘s ratings wishes.

The pop starlet hosted and was musical guest this past weekend, and drove the show to its second highest numbers of the season.

Indeed, Rodrigo’s 4.99 was second only to Ariana Grande and Cher’s Christmas show, which had a 5.4 million standing.

Rodrigo blew away even Harry Styles’ episode a few weeks ago.

Why? Because she showed enormous talent, had a lot of musical numbers, and came in with a number 1 hit. Her “Drop Dead” is actually number 1 on Billboard and all over the place!

Cannes Film Festival Plays Celeb Desperation Cards Inviting Vin Diesel, Cast of “Fast and Furious” for Red Carpet 25th Anniversary

Roger Friedman
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Cannes Film Festival Plays Celeb Desperation Cards Inviting Vin Diesel, Cast of “Fast and Furious” for Red Carpet 25th Anniversary

I do feel bad for this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

With no big American releases, the Festival is scraping around to find celebrities for its red carpets.

Just announced: a 25th anniversary showing of the first “Fast and Furious” movie. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and the late Paul Walker’s daughter will walk the carpet. No word of director Rob Cohen attending the showing. But that would be problematic considering his massive stomach churning legal problems. (Look ’em up, I can’t get into it.)

“The Fast and the Furious” would never have been shown in Cannes, cry critics, under any other circumstances. It would be beneath them.

To make matters worse, the screening will be at the Palais du Festivals, albeit at 11:45pm. This might have worked if it were shown on the beach, at the Cinema du Plages.

Sacre bleu! But so far the festival, which starts next Tuesday, is relying on B movies like the new one directed by John Travolta, of all people. And they’ve got James Gray, the American director still looking for a hit after 25 years. There are no marquee names coming like Spielberg, Scorsese, Coen, or Anderson.

Timing is everything with film festivals. I’m sure Cannes will return next year with beaucoup of stars!

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