By Kevin Ferrisi –

Summer Orlando has returned to the stage with her theatrical parody Hocus Pocus Live, a full-length musical production inspired by the cult classic film. Nearly thirty years after the movie’s debut, it has grown into an iconic piece of queer cinema, with drag artistry playing a key role in its lasting legacy. Summer reimagines the story through live singing, comedy, special effects, and moments of theatrical magic while keeping the performance accessible for all ages. Her version emphasizes inclusivity by creating an experience that families and children can enjoy alongside devoted fans of drag and Hocus Pocus.

Now in its eighth year, Summer Orlando’s Hocus Pocus Live is returning with a refreshed cast and a production that promises to be larger in scale than previous seasons. Most of the performers are reprising their roles for a second or third year, bringing continuity to the beloved parody. This year introduces Bonnie Petite as Mary Sanderson, a Connecticut drag artist whose portrayal is expected to bring new energy to the show. Another key addition is Jane Kos, who previously stepped into the role of Allison at the Warner Theatre last year and now takes on the character in a full capacity for the majority of the production. Alexis Dascher steps into the role of Allison for the tour’s final weekend.

This year’s production of Hocus Pocus Live also introduces new creative talent that is shaping the show in fresh ways. Choreographer Shelby Griffin has brought a new perspective to the staging, breathing life into the existing routines and building fully realized production numbers for the cast. The technical side of the show has also expanded with the addition of John Rush as technical director. His lighting and design work are set to heighten the atmosphere with enhanced special effects and visual elements that will carry the spirit of Hocus Pocus through every moment of the performance.

Summer Orlando credits much of this year’s expanded production of Hocus Pocus Live to her collaboration with her sister Danielle Orlando, who returns for a third season in the role of Dani. Together they rewrote the entire book following last year’s run, transforming the show into a fully realized stage parody musical that runs over ninety minutes. The updated version features a stronger second act, new songs, and additional scenes that recreate iconic moments from the film while also introducing original content with their own creative twists. Audiences can also expect new video elements and other surprises woven into the performance, adding further depth to the storytelling.  

Summer and her team dedicated extensive preparation to this year’s Hocus Pocus Live, holding full cast rehearsals and run-throughs in a rented studio space for the first time. The rehearsals took place at Woodbury Ballet, providing a professional environment to refine the performances before moving into the theater. This early and focused preparation has resulted in a tighter, more polished production, setting the stage for a performance that reflects months of hard work and careful planning.

This year’s production will feature aerial performances at the Garde Arts Center in New London, continuing the flying sequences introduced last season. The stunts are produced in collaboration with ZFX Flying Effects, the same team behind the aerial work in Wicked on Broadway, and are custom-designed specifically for Orlando’s show. The choreography of the flying scenes remains largely unchanged, allowing returning cast members to reprise their roles while giving new performers, including Bonnie Petite, the opportunity to experience the aerial elements for the first time. The effect adds a unique dimension to the production, creating moments that cannot be seen anywhere else.  

Hocus Pocus Live will return to three venues from last year, beginning with two sold-out performances at the Warner Theatre on September 20th and 21st. The production will then move to the Palace Theater in Waterbury on October 30th before concluding with shows at the Garde Arts Center in New London on November 1st and 2nd. Audiences at each location can expect the full-scale musical parody with the updated cast and choreography.

In addition to the full-scale musical, Summer Orlando is presenting special Sanderson sister-themed events throughout the season. She will bring a 90-minute cabaret called An Evening of Hocus Pocus to the famous Cinema Salem in Salem, MA from September 26th through 28th, performing alongside her sisters. The cabaret features live singing, audience interaction, and a mix of classic songs from the Hocus Pocus films as well as other Halloween favorites, offering a more intimate experience than the full cast production. Later, she will perform Off-Broadway at the Laurie Beechman Theater in New York City on October 17th for one night only.

In 2022, Summer Orlando’s Hocus Pocus Live show reached a career milestone, marking the most significant year of her performances. Following the success of her stage work, she received an unexpected invitation from Disney to portray a look-alike for Bette Midler’s Winifred Sanderson in Hocus Pocus 2. Orlando filmed scenes alongside Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker, and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Ginger Minj, Kahmora Hall, and Kornbread. Her resemblance to Midler’s character was so striking that Disney avoided filming her in close-up shots with the original actress to prevent audience confusion. The experience became one of the most memorable moments of her career.  

Drag culture has played a central role in keeping the Disney classic Hocus Pocus alive in popular culture. The film’s campy humor, bold characters, and vibrant visuals have inspired drag artists to create performances, tributes, and themed events that celebrate its over-the-top style. Queens and kings have embraced the Sanderson Sisters, bringing their iconic looks and personalities to stages and social media, introducing the story to new audiences. Through these performances, Summer Orlando and other drag artists have helped preserve the film’s legacy while creating spaces for self-expression and queer celebration.

Summer Orlando is touring the state this month, making interviews on local news stations and media platforms to promote Hocus Pocus Live. Fans can follow her appearances and learn more about this seasonal tradition. Tickets and additional information are available at hocuspocusliveofficial.com, giving audiences the chance to secure their seats before shows sell out.