Kids & Family

'Royal Pains' Films at Lola's in Long Beach

Popular USA Network show was in town to shoot scenes at popular restaurant.


Lola’s, the Bahamian-themed airy restaurant and bar at the corner of West Park Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard in Long Beach, doubled as a Hamptons’ establishment last week.

That’s when cast and crew of the USA Network series “Royal Pains” stopped by to an episode for the show that centers on the life of Hank Lawson, played by actor Mark Feuerstein, a young “doctor for hire” on Long Island’s rich and celebrity-studded east end.

Curious about the big lights and cameras outside Lola’s on May 14, as well as the trailers that lined West Broadway at Laurelton Boulevard that morning, some curious passersby asked Patch what was going on. They learned that it was simply another visit from “Royal Pains,” whose actors and crewmembers are no strangers to Long Beach or other South Shore locations — at least not the areas that can be taken for the Hamptons. Last June, they set up at Pennsylvania Avenue to shoot an episode for the 2011 season, and they’ve also been spotted filming in the Five Towns. About last week's shoot, Long Beach resident Randy Nicholas wrote via Twitter: "They were great. Trucks and crew everywhere but super respectful of our city. They won me as a fan."

Lola’s owner, Mark McCarthy, answered a few questions about hosting the TV crew at his Long Beach establishment.

Patch: How did “Royal Pains” come to pick Lola’s as a location to film their show?

McCarthy: They said they always wanted to film at Lola's and we’re so happy to finally [have them] film here, and with the hope of filming here again. I've always felt that with the high ceilings and beach decor at Lola's, [which makes it] easy for equipment to get in and out, and the great Long Beach location, all made for my restaurant to be the perfect place for any kind of filming.

How long did it take the crew to shoot their scenes at your restaurant?

The set up and started at 7 a.m. The whole street, Magnolia Boulevard outside of the restaurant, was shut down. The actual shoot started at 5 p.m. and went until about 9 p.m.

What kind of experience was it to have them film there?

The crew and company were fantastic to work with. Everyone was polite and professional. They couldn't have been more accommodating to make sure I was always worry-free and happy with everything they did.

It was amazing all the equipment and people that it takes to film a scene. When they say about "the magic of movies" is true. What we see as just a room with actors changes remarkably when you look at the scene through the small screen on one of the recording cameras.

What else stood out during the shoot?

There was so much excitement outside of the restaurant from everyone looking to see what was going on.


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