Excitement builds as 'Hocus Pocus 2' filming puts Newport back on the big screen

NEWPORT — Festival booths painted in bright technicolor oranges and purples adorned with names like “Sandy’s Candy Cauldron” and “Salem BOOtique” lined the sides of Eisenhower Park on Monday as crews put the final touches on the movie set for "Hocus Pocus 2," which is being filmed in the city this week.

“It’s fun to watch,” said Newport resident Sharon Alemany, who was passing by the set. “(The production) has brought such a great energy to the city.”

With both Washington Square and Touro Street open to foot traffic Monday morning, the sidewalks were full of passersby who stopped to watch the set construction and take photos of the crew as they got ready for a week of filming.

"We are very excited to be filming Hocus Pocus 2 in beautiful town of Newport," Lynn Harris, a film producer, said in a statement to The Newport Daily News. "We are grateful to the business owners and residents of Newport, who have been very welcoming. We couldn't have done it without their kindness and cooperation."

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Where is 'Hocus Pocus 2' filming in Newport?

Unlike the first film, which was shot largely in Salem, Massachusetts, the "Hocus Pocus 2" production has taken residence in several locations across Rhode Island, including Lincoln and Providence.

This is the first time it has set up shop on Aquidneck Island, constructing a Halloween-themed fairground around Eisenhower Park and a massive stage in front of the Old Colony House. Banners for “The 27th Annual Salem Scare Fest” hung on Newport light poles, advertising a “Weekend of Fun” with “Free Entry.”

“Witches Welcome,” the sign read.

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“It’s just exciting,” Newport resident Karen Jenkins said. “I mean, how often do you get to see a movie set?”

Jenkins came to see the set with her daughter, Anne Loftus, and grandson Luke Loftus. The three took photos in front of the Tudor-style house facade that stands as the Sanderson Sister's house, which the crew built in the vacant lot next to the Newport Restoration Foundation administration building on Touro Street.

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Jenkins recalled the last time the area was used as a movie set was for the 1997 film “Amistad,” starring Matthew McConaughey and Morgan Freeman. Like Jenkins, North Kingstown resident Lisa Berman also returned to Eisenhower Park, feeling nostalgic for the days when she brought her daughters to meet McConaughey 24 years ago.

“Now, years later, I’m thinking of bringing my grandchildren here after school,” Berman said. “I’m seeing if there’s anything here for them to see that they can share in the future.”

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Are area businesses open?

While the set's festival booths were advertising fake wares, a sign on the edge of the set notified visitors the real businesses lining the area were going to remain open during filming. Nearby restaurant Bar 'Cino declined to comment on anything about the production, but Gabriella Coppola, the assistant manager for the boutique Bobbles and Lace, said the production has not interrupted business.

“If anything, it’s a little busier than normal,” Coppola said.

Several security guards and members of the Newport Police Department were stationed in front of the caution tape to keep the public off set. Some went beyond their original call to action, though, as Patrol Officer John Sullivan found himself briefly babysitting a puppy.

“This is one of the producers,” Sullivan said, scratching the head of the small bulldog. “He’s the main star. I’m just keeping an eye on him for a bit.”

What streets are closed for movie production?

The Newport Police Department released a notice Saturday, letting the public know Washington Square and Touro Street would be closed from Monday at 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Thursday this week, as well as through the weekend and into next week.

However, while plastic jersey barricades blocked off traffic from Broadway to Washington Square, motorists traveling south on Thames Street could still drive up through Touro Street to take photos from their driver's side windows.

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Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano said in a message to The Newport Daily News the film crews have been competent and sensitive to local regulations while being in town.

“I think it’s exciting to have a first-class production such as Hocus Pocus in Newport,” Napolitano wrote. “Kids loved watching it years ago, and now it will be re-introduced to an entirely new audience … We love having them here.”

The production brought curious movie fans from beyond Aquidneck Island to gawk at the set. Providence resident Leslie Long took the opportunity to check out the set during one of her regular trips to Newport.

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“I’m glad I don’t live in Hollywood, because I wouldn’t want this to get old for me,” Long said.

North Kingstown-based contractor Mark Brazeau took a break from his work at Fastnet Pub to check out the scene. He was previously unaware "Hocus Pocus 2" would be filming in the area.

"It's too cool," Brazeau said. "Probably all this work for a 10-minute scene."

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Hocus Pocus 2 to begin filming in Newport RI Washington Square