soth 11.22

The historic Southampton Cinema, a cornerstone of local culture since 1932, is set for a renaissance under new ownership as the Southampton Playhouse. Its transformation is the vision of Aby and Charlie Rosen, in partnership with Alex Black, who together acquired the theater with plans to revitalize it for the modern community. “The theater has played such a significant role in our lives,” Charlie Rosen shared in an interview with “South o’ the Highway.” “For some of us, it represents memories with family; for others, it’s a reminder of a first date. Everyone we’ve spoken to has such nostalgia for the theater and we couldn’t be happier that we get to make new memories with our families and friends, while also bringing it to new members of the community.” The Playhouse, billed for opening in early 2025, will feature three state-of-the-art cinemas and the Hamptons’ only IMAX theater. Rosen emphasized the theater’s dual mission: “Our focus will be bringing the local community the biggest and brightest in first-run films, but we also want to pair that with repertory programming.” The theater will host an array of live events, including comedy nights, readings, and children’s performances, making it a true “playhouse” for varied cultural experiences. The IMAX theater uses advanced technology to create an immersive viewing experience, offering a cinematic experience like no other in the Hamptons. “IMAX has been such a great partner, and the ability to bring the experience to Southampton is truly a gift,” Rosen said. Beyond film, the Playhouse intends to engage the community deeply. An advisory board composed of local creatives and visionaries will help curate events and bring in notable acts, promising to infuse fresh energy into Southampton’s arts scene. The Playhouse also prioritizes inclusivity and youth engagement. “There is such an incredible artist community in Long Island,” Rosen noted. The team plans to showcase local talent, partner with schools for student exhibitions, and host community-driven events.

Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay accepted the Hope Award for Depression Advocacy at the Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s annual seminar. The event, held at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on Nov. 12, brought together top scientists and mental health experts to discuss advances in trauma and depression research, issues Hargitay has long championed. “Thank God I got an honorary doctorate at John Jay University because otherwise I’d be really super insecure right now with all the doctors [in this room],” the East Hampton resident joked, according to PEOPLE. Her foundation, the Joyful Heart Foundation, was inspired by her work on SVU and the flood of letters from survivors she received after her role began. “Joyful Heart was my response to reading the letters I received from survivors when I started on SVU 852 years ago,” she added. Hargitay, whose foundation marks its 20th anniversary this year, also touched on her own journey with trauma, including the loss of her mother, Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield, in a car accident when Hargitay was just three years old. “I grew up in a house of people dealing with the tragedy in their own way,” she said, noting that, as a child, “there wasn’t room to prioritize anyone.” It was later in life, she said, that “extraordinary therapists” helped her address her past and move forward.

Alec Baldwin gave fans a glimpse into his upcoming family reality show, which will feature his life with wife Hilaria and their seven children. Speaking with the Associated Press at the Spellbound premiere on Nov. 11, Alec hinted that the series could premiere in “January, I think.” When asked about filming without a script, the 66-year-old actor quipped, “I wasn’t very fun. Tell me what to do!” The Baldwins were joined on the red carpet by six of their seven children. Alec, sporting a casual denim jacket and gray pants, carried his daughter María, while Hilaria, 40, in a chic black suit, held their son Edu for a charming family photo. Their youngest, Ilaria, was absent from the event. The film, Spellbound, is a Netflix animated musical following a princess on a quest to break a curse that has turned her parents into monsters. The voice cast includes Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, and Nathan Lane.

Sag Harbor resident Luann de Lesseps, Real Housewives of New York City alum, didn’t hold back on Watch What Happens Live with fellow Hamptonite Andy Cohen. She confessed to a hooking up with a charming British actor. “Remember Hugh Grant?” she asked, leaving Cohen to exclaim, “Well, but nothing happened?” De Lesseps admitted: “Well, making out!” She also revealed joining the Mile High Club and dating a younger man, leaving a blushing Cohen to agree they’d make good “wingmen.” Luann made the appearance to promote cabaret act, which will soon tour in London and Australia. “Thank God,” she said, “because TV gigs are far and few between.”

Sag Harbor Cinema welcomed legendary director Martin Scorsese for its annual Festival of Preservation on Nov. 10. Scorsese introduced and discussed Leave Her to Heaven, a 1945 drama restored by The Film Foundation, which he founded in 1990 to preserve classic films. The festival, inspired by the theater’s near-loss to fire in 2016, has celebrated film history and preservation since its inception four years ago. “Martin Scorsese generously allowed us to use his name when we started this festival,” said Artistic Director Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan.

Emmy-winning former WABC anchor Doug Johnson is listing his East Hampton property for $11.8 million. The home was initially priced at $13 million in September and was shared with his late wife, Liz Robbins, a pioneering Washington lobbyist. Robbins was known for her work with nonprofits, children’s health, and clients like the Whitney Museum. The couple, who bought the house in 2007, were known for entertaining guests such as the Clintons, Nancy Pelosi, and Beatles legend Paul McCartney, who spent much of the summer at his own Hamptons abode.

We Hear…

East Hampton resident Bobby Flay inked a new multiyear exclusive deal with Food Network. Through his Rock Shrimp Productions, Flay will actively develop and produce his own shows, with new episodes of Beat Bobby Flay, BBQ Brawl, and Bobby’s Triple Threat already in production.

Sightings…

Mary-Kate Olsen tried going incognito in a beanie hat, sunglasses and long coat when picking up two six-packs of beer while shopping in the Hamptons on Nov. 2. 

Jennifer Lopez returned to the stage for the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab fashion show in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 13, marking her first performance since filing for divorce from Ben Affleck earlier this year. The singer had spent the summer at her Hamptons hideaway amid the split.