Tag: Celebrity Sightings

Categories
Philadelphia

Mark Wahlberg in Philly: Rumors: Wahlburgers Found a Home; Marky Mark Walks the Red Carpet at World Meeting of Families Film Festival. Confirmed: He Still Works Out

I’ve been told that Wahlburgers, the burger chain owned by Chef Paul Wahlberg in partnership with celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie has found a home in Philly, but not in the Rittenhouse Square area like it had been written last year, but in the simmering Northern Liberties The Piazza. (location of my advertiser Sculpt Fitness Studio – Free Parking)

The new location, was the now closed, but very popular Darlings, which shuttered it’s doors earlier this year in March. 
This is the interior of Darlings
and the interior of  a typical Wahlburgers. 
Mark Wahlberg is in town this week to prepare for Saturday’s  Festival of Families, held on Saturday, September 26, 2015, 
which is in conjunction of the World Meeting of Families which kicked off in Philadelphia yesterday. Check out my photos in Philly Mag’s A&E section. 
The Art Museum last night.

Last night I got a tip that actor Mark Wahlberg was seen driving up Walnut Street in a White Jeep near 18th; was he trying out the Pope Mobile, as it’s rumored the Pope’s mode of vehicle for the parade is a white jeep. I was wondering why he was in town so early for a Saturday event. I hear today he went to check out the property for Wahlburgers. The move from Rittenhouse Square to Northern Liberties was prompted by the over saturation of burger places near the square, like Good Burgers, Five Burgers, 500F burgers and Shake Shack.
Dave Magrogan, Mark Wahlberg, DJ Chris Booker at ‘Toys for Tots’ party at Kildare’s pub in Old City. (Yeah that long ago, 2007)
Whalberg is very familiar with Philadelphia, having filmed 3 movies in the area, Invincible , The Happening, and 10th and Wolf 

and he screened his movie Broken City at the Prince Theater

Yes that was working out this morning.
 This morning I tweeted there was a Mark Wahlberg sighting at the Sporting Club over at the Bellevue.  Gov Rendell was working out nearby, no word on if either gave fitness tips to each other.
 
Will Marky Mark Walk The Red Carpet Friday night: Vince Papale is hosting a screening of Invincible (2006) PG, 105 minutes as part of the World Meeting of Families Film Festival. Confirmed for the screening Vince Papale, and Tony Luke Jr. Not confirmed but rumored to be there Mark Wahlberg, and now that we know he’s in town, why not.
Based on the story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia, who overcame long odds to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear & Elizabeth Banks. 
   Sharon Pinkenson,     Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office,   Gerard P. Cuddy,  President & CEO, Beneficial Bank,  Donna Crilley Farrell,   Executive Director, World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015  and Mayor Michael A. Nutter   at the ribbon cutting of the film festival yesterday afternoon.
One of the first movies to open at the World Meeting of Families Film Festival – Mighty Macs. Tim Chambers, writer director of Mighty Macs (3rd from right) and John Chambers, producer with
Cathy Rush (r) and other basketball players from the The Mighty Macs movie about the 1971 Immaculata College women’s basketball team that went on to win a championship.
There’s an impressive list of films at the festival, and celebrities walking the red carpet including M. Night Shyamalan on Thursday Night. 
  • Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
    • “Urban Trinity” Red Carpet and Premiere (78 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Perelman Theater 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Opening remarks from:
  • Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office
  • Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director, World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015
Remarks following the premiere:
  • Sam Katz,
Executive Producer, “Urban Trinity”
This
historical documentary traces the narrative of the many immigrant
groups who came to Philadelphia and whose common bond was their
Catholicism. The story arcs from the earliest times through the more
modern stresses of a changing Philadelphia.
  • Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
    • “Wide Awake” Red Carpet and Screening (88 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Perelman Theater, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Opening remarks from:
  • Sharon Pinkenson,
Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office
  • M. Night Shyamalan,
Writer and Director, “Wide Awake”
Written
and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and starring Joseph Cross, Rosie
O’Donnell and Dana Delany, this film tells the story of a 10-year-old boy who goes on a search for God after his grandfather dies.
  • Friday, September 25, 2015 at 5:30 p.m.
    • “The Sound of Music” Sing-A-Long-A (230 minutes)
Pennsylvania Convention Center Terrace Ballroom, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107)
Hosted by:
  • Diane Heery,
Casting Director, Heery Casting
  • Patrick McDade,
Actor, Producing Partner, Sunshine Productions
This special screening is a family-friendly addition to the Film Festival, hosted by two of Philadelphia’s veteran actors and producers.
  • Friday, September 25, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
    • “Invincible” Red Carpet and Screening (105 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Perelman Theater, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Opening remarks from:
  • Sharon Pinkenson,
Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office
  • Gerard P. Cuddy,
President & CEO, Beneficial Bank
  • Vince Papale
Former Philadelphia Eagle

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear and Elizabeth Banks, this film is based on the story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcame long odds to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. Vince Papale, Tony Luke, Jr. and Walter Thurmond will be attending the Red Carpet, Screening and are available for interviews.

    

All photos containing people in them were taken by me except the one autographed.

Categories
Philadelphia

#CreedMovie Films Final Scenes #Spoiler Alert #SlyStallone and Michael B Jordan

 This much we know: Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed,
who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is
in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed‘s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa (Stallone). Jordan heads to Philly to find Rocky so he can train for the fight of his life.

 Monday Rocky (Sly Stallone) returned to the steps he made famous, the Art Museum Steps, but most people call them the Rocky Steps, especially the tourist, much to the chagrin of art lovers and traditionalist. Anywho… here is Sly sitting at the base of the statue that has caused to much controversy in the City because it’s not “art work” but it is a tourist attraction. I guess the visiting school teacher (who took this photo, lucky guy) thought why include Sly’s statue head since he’s in the photo.

 (Photo Source)
I was tipped off the night before that filming would be at the art museum steps the next day cause there were signs everywhere about crew parking, and directions to the set. The filming began early Monday morning, and by early about 7AM.  It was interesting that this scene brought down 5 paparazzi from NYC too (They must have insiders).  I wasn’t there for most of the filming as you know Monday’s are deadline days and I need to get my columns out. I was happy to get one in Philly.com and PhillyMag on two different subjects. Plus I send ones to Jenny at PhillyDailyNews and AD at the Metro, all before headed out, where I only got one shot on the steps but it didn’t include the principles, I heard most of the scenes they filmed were blocked by assistants with umbrellas, which was very strange at the time. 

This is the 3rd scene of the day and it took place at the Rocky Statue.
Michael Jordan posing with a fan near the Rocky Statue. Most of the photographers were across the street to my left, I was on the side so I was able to get a few of these cute shots of Jordan with fans, Stallone is to the left of this photo.

When I checked everyone’s photos later in the day, I realized what was happening in these scenes, and they are crucial to the plot, so I’m not going to tell you or publish crucial shots of them. Except for these innocuous ones.

 This is director  Ryan Coogler setting up a shot. It’s one the reasons I wasn’t on Fox 29 Good Day, we all decided that I couldn’t do a report without revealing too much of the movie.

 

From the series I took that afternoon, I did get this shot of Michael B. Jordan checking out the Rocky statue, and it appeared in the Philly Metro on Tuesday. The umbrellas were all to my left, I was standing between two cars and in a flock of trees. I like this angle better. After shooting this I left as I had an event to photographed. It’s the social season after all.

 
I hear that around 4PM the Creed crew, Stallone and Jordon headed to the walkway over the River. They shot with Stallone and Jordan in the same clothes that they wore on the Steps, I figured this must be a sequence in their walk to the Art Museum. 
Celebrity Youtuber Jesse Welle caught up with Stallone. You know him, he does all those great Zombie in Philly videos, where dead people pop up and scare the crap out of you. He tells me he’s working on some new video’s and it just might include our buddy Sly.
BTW Sly went to the Franklin Institute last week. 

Next week they will continue this iconic run (now with Adonis), in the Italian Market area.
Categories
Philadelphia

The Buzz: SHANE VICTORINO SNUB, MAYOR NUTTER, TIPPI HENDREN, PINK POPS, Dave Akers, Doughnut Day, Roberto Capucci

Last night when I walked into Rouge a guy came over to me and said Shane Victorino is at the table by the window and wants you to come over and say hi. Shane had asked him to tell the bald guy to come over. Well at the same time I walked in Mayor Nutter walked in too and I pointed out he probably meant that bald guy. After I took this shot of Uri and gang outside, I heard Shane, who was sitting in the window, call my name out. I went over and he said “HughE why did you ignore me earlier when I sent my friend over to get you.” I said oh, it’s been a long time since anyone called me the bald guy, I’m so used to getting called the big guy I forget that I don’t have hair too.” Above Kelly Ganczarz, Kent Jevremovic, Uri Jacobson and Lianna Shablin.Speaking of Shane Victorino, The Shane Victorino Foundation All-Star Celebrity Fashion Show is August 25 at the Union League. Last year at the event Sabrina Tamburino bin on and won a walk on role on HBO’s Entourage. Here she is above on set 2 weeks ago in hair and make-up getting ready for her close-up. Is that Adrian Grenier in the background?

Look for Arrow Swim Club to make a surprising announcement soon, so if you were planning to join now is the time. This was a shot from Memorial Day. Nice crowd, and there were still lounges available.
Today Is DONUT DAY and Krispy Kreme will give one free doughnut to anyone who walks into the store and says, “Happy National Doughnut Day.” The limit is one per customer.
Wharton’s Mike LaMonaca went to San Francisco on a biz trip and took a side trip up to see where Alfred Hitchcock’s famed horror movie “The Birds” was filmed at Gaffney Ranch on Bodega Head. Tippi Hedren, star of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” and mother of Melanie Griffiths was there at an event and Mike met her, got a graph & this picture.
Bree Olsen, who is appearing at Cheerleaders tonight, stopped by the Preston & Steve show yesterday. Preston is making sure everything is intact after being one of Charlie Sheen’s Goddesses for a month.

Philadelphia born singer Pink had her baby girl, Willow Sage Hart last night.
My sister Crista came to town with her adorable kids, Michael & Bo and we went to The Please Touch Museum. My sister loved it so much that she almost bought a membership, but then remembered she lived in Charlotte, NC and would be busy with a toddler next year. Crista’s due in August and is having a girl. Congratulations to Philadelphia Daily News gossiper Dan Gross & wife Holly Mahar on the birth of their new baby girl last week. Also congrats to my “co-worker at NBC10” Deanna Durante and husband Tim Swan who are going to be first time parents in 9 weeks.
Jill Rizen stops by the Philadelphia Eagles kicker Dave Akers event at the Cescaphé Ballroom last night to lend her support to his charity that helps children and their families being treated at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia through his David’s Locker program.
Last night Italian fashion designer Roberto Capucci was honored at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is exhibiting 90 of his couture designs thru Sunday, some of which were worn by Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Swanson and Esther Williams all of which were exquisitely marvelous in design and color. Roberto Capucci, greets Susan Corbett, First Lady of Commonwealth and Chair Pennsylvania Council for the Arts as Gail Harrity, President and COO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. First Lady Corbett is wearing a Capucci inspired design but no one I asked knew the label and she was too tall for me to peal back the collar and check.
Whisper was closed Thursday night because of an issue with the city ownedpiping . Everything is dandy now and the club will be open for the weekend.

I stopped by G Lounge’s RAW Thursday (The once monthly art/fashion show/music night) to check out my former co-worker Grey Papa and the band he plays in “Tara Girl.” It was the first time hearing Tara Girl and I say sign her up – She’s got a great, powerful, soulful voice. You can check her out on Youtube HERE, and next week I’ll chat a little more about the whole RAW Thursday outing.

Categories
Philadelphia

MAMA MIA THE MOVIE IS A HIT, BLAST, SUPA STAR re: go see it

MAMMA MIA! employs the hit songs of famed pop group ABBA to tell the story of Sophie Sheridan, a young girl who hopes to discover the identity of her father. On the eve of her wedding, she brings three men from her mother Donna’s past back to the Greek island they visited over two decades ago. It was here that the story began, well not began, but was played out for the first time. The story began with British Judy Craymer who in 1995 was working with Tim Rice on Chess in collaboration with Björn Ulvaeus (at the 5th Anniversary of Mama Mia on Broadway 10/18/06) and Benny Andersson (orginal members of ABBA); she had an idea to produce a play using ABBA songs, as she was a huge fan and knew there was a story that could be weaved around these songs. Björn and Benny were nervous, they were very protective of their work, soon their fears were put to rest.She commission Catherine Johnson to write a screenplay about love, loss and triumph. When the script was finished tapped Phyllida Lloyd to direct the piece. Three strong women were behind the success of this musical about three strong women. Mama Mia opened on April 6th 1999 at prestigious Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End. October 2001 heralded the Broadway premiere at The Winter Garden Theatre. And it was at that time that I saw the musical, it was just the life that NYC needed after the tragedy that befell the City the month before. – A few months back I photographed the Lincoln Center Salutes Meryl Streep event. At the time I had no idea who this bloke was, but now that I have seen the movie I know why he was at the event. Actor Stellan Skarsgard [Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) has sent wedding invitations to the three men who might be her dad: Bill (Stellan Skarsgard), Sam (Pierce Brosnan) and Harry (Colin Firth)] Meryl Streep seems to channel her inner silliness; hitting every note effortlessly, with an appealingly light pop voice, she prances through the movie as if ever-so-slightly tipsy. She twists her lines into appealing little knots, and does a bit of comic business involving a cordless drill that’s almost a movie in itself, and this is why the film is so great, it’s not to be taken seriously, it’s trivial, fun, lighthearted and totally Streep. And when was the last time you heard an audience clap at the end of a song in a movie, ok that’s right Dreamgirls, well they did it tonight too, but I’m not going to tell you which song, you will just have to see it for yourself.
The downside of the movie: OK, let’s get this out of the way: Streep is 20 years too old for this role. Any attempt to put the characters’ histories into a coherent time frame will result in a splitting headache and I did spend a good part of the movie trying to figure out what age Meryl is supposed to be, finally the daughter states her age and I thought, THAT’S RIGHT!! This is a movie and we are supposed to suspend our sense of reality. My advice: Just roll with it.
But then again Meryl’s real daughter Mamie Gummer born 8/3/1983, so it could happen? Sassy little thing isn’t she. Here she is at the Film Society event I mentioned, it was in April 2008


Christine Baranski [56 years old, so at least her age is in context with Meryl Streep, because had they cast say Uma Thurman or that bitch Jennifer Aniston, well it would be way off [see 5/17 for reference why the biotch comment] plays one of Donna’s best friends. She was amazing, and in the words of the Swedish super group, she can dance, she can jive, she’s having the time of her life and it shows in this movie. Her scenes are delicious, and girl Ms Baranski can kick as high as a Rockette. Currently she can be seen on Broadway in Boeing-Boeing. I took this shot at the Tony Awards last month in NYC.

One more downside, Pierce Bronson was miscast, but who cares, he’s so handsome. Ironically one of the songs he sings is SOS, and I just wanted to laugh when he sang that line.

The Trailer

I doubt this movie in the long run effects the Broadway run of Mama Mia, but I do think the timing of the touring show coming to Philly the same week as the movie opens might have some effect on the ticket sales. But I hope not. 7/18 – 7/27 at the Academy

AND don’t forget to go see the PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL as it winds down next Tuesday, http://www.phillyfests.com/piglff/2008/home.cfm I will be posting right through the weekend as I have a lot to say. Also subscribe to my blog and everytime I update it you will be notified in your mailbox between 9AM & 11:59AM so you won’t miss a thing. Then if it sounds like something you want to read, you just click on the link. (I’m lying, I want you to click on the link whether you care or not – LOL) Thanks HughE

Categories
Philadelphia

HATFIELD’S BBQ TO KICK OFF SUMMER with special guest Greg “The Bull” Luzinski

Earlier this month, Hatfield Quality Meats and their popular mascot Smiley fired up the Grill at the Constitution Center and offered a free lunch to the general public Greg Luzinski was there promoting his new “The Bull BBQ Sauce”, which he has been shilling at the Citizen Bank Stadium during the last two seasons of the Phillies. Now you can get The Bull at area supermarkets Acme and Shop Rite. It’s only $3.99 a bottle, and its delicious.
And unlike celebrities that have gone before, he’s brave enough to pose with a mascots unlike Paris Hilton who kicked the Pennsylvania Groundhog mascot out of line last November as she signed bottles of her new perfume at Macy’s or more recently when Ashlee Simpson, in town to promote her DOA Cd “Bittersweet”, refused to pose with the “Red Robin” mascot of the same named restaurant chain. I guess the guy who was once describe as big as a door and a half, doesn’t feel threatened by a guy in a character suit. Smiley and Greg were all smiles at the Hatfield’s Summer Kickoff BBQ
fans were happy when The Bull posed with them too
Happy Summer and have a great holiday weekend, drive safely.
I shot this yesterday at the Loew’s hotel looking north up 95. I was there coverning an event and a celebrity who was staying at the hotel, stopped by the party. I’ll be writing about this dancer who’s pictorial in Playboy didn’t hurt her career even somewhere in time for this often married celebrity who could be the poster child for heterochromi.

Categories
Philadelphia

WHAT BECOMES OF A LEGEND MOST?

As I walked away after giving hugs to Margarita, Vincent and Carmen, and saying I don’t think I am going to come back [to NYC] on Thursday to do the Madonna premire, I’m tired, I have a wedding to shoot on Friday, I know it’s Madonna and I never saw her before, in person, except at a concert, but I might have to pass it up. Lots of groans and disbelief, but Margarita understood as I had been out with her til 2AM shooting Mariah Carey.
Then as I walked away Carmen came up to me, gave me a big hug and kiss, and said “Hughie you kill me, it’s Madonna, you love Madonna, she’s your legend, she’s an ICON, you have to come back.” Well thats is all true, but Madonna’s only fifty, and I saw the only legend I need to see this week. Do you know who this legend is?
Maybe I will try and find Demi and be the first one in the City to get that shot? Maybe it will be the “Money Shot” this week, instead of the drunken Mariah Carey I shot in NYC Tuesday night at 2AM?