On the evening of July 24, Southampton saw more than just a sunset—it welcomed a red-carpet-worthy celebration of comedy, cinema, and cultural clout. Hosted by legendary comedy impresario Caroline Hirsch, the newly restored Southampton Playhouse opened its doors for an exclusive screening of The Pickup, Prime Video’s highly anticipated comedy starring Eddie Murphy, Keke Palmer, and Pete Davidson.
The event, an intimate yet high-profile gathering, drew in an impressive cross-section of entertainment heavyweights, film industry leaders, and cultural tastemakers. Guests were greeted with a special welcome by Hirsch, founder of Carolines and the New York Comedy Festival, whose curatorial eye and cultural influence helped shape the tone of the evening.
The Pickup, produced by John Davis of Davis Entertainment (Jungle Cruise, Dolemite Is My Name, I, Robot), offers a sharp blend of humor and star power. While the film is set for global release on Prime Video, this advance screening allowed select attendees a first look inside the anticipated summer comedy—and the laughter inside the theater suggested it’s primed to deliver.
Following the screening, Hirsch joined Davis for a post-film Q&A, offering the audience a glimpse into the film’s behind-the-scenes journey. The discussion was moderated by Eric Kohn, Artistic Director of the Southampton Playhouse and a respected voice in the independent film world, adding a thoughtful lens to the lively exchange.
The screening marked yet another milestone for the Southampton Playhouse, recently revived as a premier venue for arts and culture on the East End. Once a community mainstay, the historic venue is regaining its stature under the stewardship of Assemble Media’s Jack Heller and a dedicated board that includes figures such as Maria Ruiz Batsacos (Executive Director) and Eric Kohn (Artistic Director).
Heller, who also serves as Chairman of the Board, was in attendance alongside other notable guests including Liz Winstead (co-creator of The Daily Show), Raj Roy (Chief Curator of Film at MoMA), and Jessica Reif Ehrlich of Bank of America. It was, in every sense, a room where creative visionaries and media executives mingled over a shared love of great storytelling.
Also spotted: Keith Barish, co-creator of Planet Hollywood; Jordan Davis of Davis Entertainment; Andrew Fox, EVP of the New York Comedy Festival; and a slate of additional power players from both the entertainment and finance worlds.
Photo Credit: Audrey AmelieWith its blend of legacy talent, cultural relevance, and comedic promise, The Pickup screening proved that even in the laid-back luxury of the Hamptons, great comedy still draws a full house.
As Caroline Hirsch continues to shape the comedic and cinematic landscape through her platforms, and the Southampton Playhouse reclaims its spot as a center for curated entertainment, one thing is clear—laughter, when elevated, finds its perfect audience.