By Kevin Ferrisi –

Nearly 30 years after its theatrical release, Hocus Pocus has transformed from a box office flop into an iconic piece of queer cinema, with drag culture playing a crucial role in keeping its legacy alive. One notable figure in this evolution is Connecticut native Summer Orlando, who was cast in the second installment of the film. For the past seven years, Summer has brought the magic of Hocus Pocus to life on stage, thrilling audiences with her live productions. This year, she’s taking her show on the road across Connecticut, offering fans a chance to experience the enchantment of Disney firsthand, right before their eyes.

The Sanderson Sisters have returned to Connecticut, and this time they’ve brought their magic to a new level! Kicking off their Hocus Pocus Live tour on September 20th, Summer Orlando and her cast ran amuck at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. This enchanting performance offered an intimate, immersive experience as the iconic witches brought all the beloved magic of Hocus Pocus to life aboard a rail car, setting the stage for an exciting journey through the heart of Connecticut.

Summer Orlando has been on a whirlwind media tour, promoting her captivating rendition of Hocus Pocus with appearances across various platforms. From podcasts to news interviews and daytime talk shows, Summer has brought the magic of the Sanderson Sisters to audiences everywhere, often appearing in full ensemble as the iconic Winifred Sanderson. She’s been featured on Fox 61 News, WFSB Channel 3, NBC CT Live, Nutmeg TV, and WATR Radio to name a few, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and building excitement for her live performances. Her media presence, complete with Winifred’s signature flair, has helped elevate the buzz surrounding her unique take on the Halloween classic, drawing in fans new and old.

This past Friday and Saturday, Summer Orlando’s Hocus Pocus Live tour made a magical stop at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, delivering a performance that exceeded all expectations. The show closely followed and recreated the beloved story of the Sanderson Sisters from the Disney classic, captivating the audience with its perfect blend of laughter and wonder. Summer Orlando shined as the fiery Winifred Sanderson, alongside Barbra Joan Streetsand as the hilarious Mary Sanderson and Miranda Miranda as the whimsical Sarah Sanderson. The entire audience was engaged from start to finish, fully immersed in the spellbinding world of these iconic witches.

The Hocus Pocus Live show delivered everything fans needed to get their fix of the beloved Halloween classic. From iconic songs like “One Way or Another,” “I Put a Spell on You,” “The Witches Are Back,” and “Come, Little Children,” the performance captured the magic of the movie. The set design offered an immersive view inside the witches’ chamber, resembling scenes straight from the film, while the choreography brought back memories of the iconic dance moves fans know and love. Every detail transported the audience back to the enchanting world of the Sanderson Sisters.

What made the Hocus Pocus Live show at Warner Theatre truly stand out was the way the cast broke the fourth wall, bringing the magic directly into the audience. By stepping off the stage and acting out scenes within the crowd, they transformed the performance into a fully immersive experience. The Sanderson Sisters’ playful interactions and campy acknowledgment of the audience added an extra layer of comedy and excitement, with moments like throwing candy into the crowd creating even more fun. Coupled with stellar singing and choreography, the production delivered an unforgettable night of entertainment, leaving the audience mesmerized.

Summer Orlando’s biggest year for her Hocus Pocus Live show came in 2022, following the immense success of her performances. That year, she received an unexpected call from Disney, inviting her to be a look-alike for Bette Midler’s character Winifred. While finishing a theater residency in Fort Lauderdale, she had to leave early from her final performance to fly to Rhode Island for a special Sanderson Sisters look-alike contest. There, she shot scenes alongside Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker, and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Ginger Minj, Kahmora Hall, and Kornbread. Disney was so impressed by Summer’s uncanny resemblance to Midler’s character that they opted not to film her in close-up shots with the star to avoid confusion. Despite this, Summer was incredibly honored, appearing in three scenes, including the look-alike contest, and as part of a bewitched dancing crowd. The experience was surreal, making it a truly magical and unforgettable moment in her career.

Drag culture has played a crucial role in keeping the Disney classic Hocus Pocus alive and relevant in popular culture. The film’s campy humor, over-the-top characters, and vibrant aesthetics resonate deeply with the drag community, inspiring countless performances, tributes, and themed events. Drag queens and kings have embraced the Sanderson Sisters, channeling their iconic looks and larger-than-life personalities into shows that celebrate the film’s campiness. Through live performances, social media, and community events, drag artists have introduced Hocus Pocus to new generations, fostering a sense of nostalgia while also creating a space for self-expression and celebration of queer identity.

Back at the Warner Theater, fans got to live out their Hocus Pocus fantasy in ways they never expected. After the show, the cast reunited on stage to offer a special photo op experience, giving attendees the chance to capture a magical moment with the Sanderson Sisters and their friends. It was the perfect opportunity for fans to not only enjoy the performance but also take home a piece of the enchantment by posing with their favorite witches in full costume, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already unforgettable evening.

Summer Orlando and her cast are set to bring their Hocus Pocus Live show to theaters across Connecticut over the next few weeks. Fans can catch the 360° immersive experience at the Cabaret on Main Theater in East Haven this Friday, October 4th, and Saturday, October 5th. The tour will also make a stop at Priam Vineyards on October 26th. Followed by the Waterbury Palace Theater on October 30th, and the Garde Arts Center in New London on November 1st and 2nd. These two shows promise an extra dose of magic, with witches flying overhead, produced by the same team responsible for the aerial effects in Wicked on Broadway. With most shows already sold out, finding a ticket means you’re in for a lucky and unforgettable experience.