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Spooky Season is upon us. The weather is turning, the leaves are changing, and the Halloween spirit is in full effect. Last night was the night many people have been waiting for in terms of the Halloween movie scene, especially Rhode Islanders.
It was the premiere of Hocus Pocus 2. Reprising their roles as the Sanderson Sisters, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy were brought back to modern day Salem to wreak havoc in a new storyline.
What makes the film even more special is that it was filmed in our own backyard. Last fall, Rhode Island was transformed into Salem, and the locals go to see the set come to life in various towns.
While watching last night, I was so hyped to see Federal Hill transformed. It was a cool feeling to know and recognize all the places that the movie was filmed. I felt like Leonardo DiCaprio in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
I was lowkey bummed that I never got the callback to be an extra, but alas, I stilled enjoyed the movie. For those following along on your own, here are some familiar locations you might recognize.
Lincoln
One of the biggest attractions, and biggest productions in the state last fall, was the creation of the 1600's Salem Village at Chase Farm. The farm allowed visitors to snap some pictures of the set, before they burned it down in the scene with the Reverend
Newport
The 27th Annual Salem Scare Fest” was split between Providence and Newport. Eisenhower Park, Washington Square, and The Newport Colony House were all spotted in the movie.
Touro Street was used for some of shots, mainly The Olde Salem Magic Shoppe, which was built in a parking lot.
Providence
In the capital city, Salem High School was shot at La Salle Academy and Brown University.
The cemetery where they dug up Billy Butcherson was the Newman Congregational Church and Cemetery in east Providence.
Some of the neighborhood scenes were filmed throughout Benefit Street, showcasing the colonial homes that emulate what's present in Salem.
They also used the Cranston Street Armory, but the inside of it for sound stage usage.
And finally, Atwells Avenue. Federal Hill was prominently portrayed in the film. That is where the Halloween Festival was set, and you can see many local businesses still in the shot (Saje Kitchen and Providence Oyster Bar mainly).
The most recognizable was Walgreens, where the Sanderson Sisters sampled various products, and then ended up flying away on their brooms, Swiffer's, and Roombas.