HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival 2017
by Jenni Walkowiak
Two years ago, my friends and I were camping out on a giant blanket in Bryant Park, reserving a spot for a few other people. We had wine, cheese, fruits, and cured meats. My mom calls it a “peasant dinner”, even though it cost me an arm and a leg from Whole Foods. That night, we were all settled in to watch the classic dance musical, Footloose, when I got a text from my friend KT that I’ll never forget.
Maybe the flower crown compromised my decision making skills that summer? This selfie was taken moments before I received that fateful text.
She had just won the ticket lottery for the smash Broadway musical, Hamilton, and she asked me to go with her. If you don’t know this already, I should tell you that a regular priced ticket to Hamilton can put you out $400 (at a minimum) and the likelihood of you winning the ticket lottery is slim to none. And remember, this was two years ago, when Hamilton was fresh and new, and the cast was original. It was also so new, that I didn’t realize the scope of what was being offered to me. … and I was very comfortable laying on the lawn, with my friends, laughing, eating grapes. So, I told her “thanks but no thanks, I already made plans and I’m going to honor that commitment.”
“Okay, you’re seriously so dumb but I understand, love you anyway!”
I stayed in Bryant Park and watched Footloose with my friends. We laughed, sang along, danced around and I didn’t regret it one bit. Okay that’s a lie, I should have definitely gone to see Hamilton, but what isn’t a lie is that I DID have a great time, and going to movies in the park is one of my all time favorite summer traditions in New York.
I mean it was good. Not Hamilton good, but fun.
Here’s what’s on the schedule for the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival this year ( I already know which movie I’m seeing this year– unless of course another one of my friends winds the Hamilton lottery, then I’ll go see Hamilton…)
June 19 – August 21
Lawn opens at 5pm, films begin at sunset (typically between 8pm-9pm)
June 19 – King Kong
June 26 – On the Town
July 3 – The Muppets Take Manhattan
July 10 – Sabrina
July 17 – Wall Street
July 24 – Pillow Talk
July 31 – The Hustler
August 7 – All That Jazz
August 14 – North by Northwest
August 21 – Dirty Dancing
