In a landscape saturated with regional and community-theater revivals, truly original stage stories can feel increasingly rare—and parodies rarer still, often relegated to small comedy clubs or niche performance spaces. This is precisely why Summer Orlando Production’s commercial success with Hocus Pocus Live! is so remarkable. Presented on the main stages of some of Connecticut’s largest theaters, the production has “grown legs,” expanding its reach into Massachusetts and New York. A cabaret version offers a more intimate alternative, but the full-scale show is a vibrant crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages. I had the opportunity to catch the performance at the Garde Arts Center in New London, Connecticut, on November 1st, where the much-promised spectacle of “flying witches” absolutely delivered—eliciting genuine awe from the audience, thanks to ZFX Flying Effects.
The original motion picture success, Disney’s Hocus Pocus (1993) follows the Sanderson sisters—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary—three comedic witches resurrected in modern-day Salem on Halloween night. After teenager Max Dennison accidentally brings them back from the dead while exploring an old cottage with his sister Dani and new friend Allison, the witches set out to steal the life force of children to regain their youth. With the help of a cursed talking cat named Binx, the kids must outsmart the witches, survive their magical mischief, and stop them before sunrise—when the spell that revived them will break for good.
Summer Orlando’s parody, Hocus Pocus Live! is a campy, high-energy romp through the memes, moments, and pop-cultural phenomenon that is Disney’s Hocus Pocus. Summer Orlando, a dead ringer for Bette Midler’s Winifred Sanderson—and a professional performer himself, who actually appeared in Hocus Pocus 2—anchors the show with charisma and comedic precision. His retelling of the story, infused with clever twists and self-aware parody, keeps the experience fresh and irresistibly entertaining. Sisters Mary (Bonnie Petite) and Sarah (Miranda Miranda) both complement and play-off of Orlando’s energy with comedic precision and uncanny timing. Each performer is a star individually, but together, as a trio, they conjure an on-stage chemistry even a witch’s cauldron couldn’t brew.
Interactivity plays a major role: characters weave through the aisles, engaging directly with theatergoers, while parody songs and multimedia sequences layer additional humor and surprise. The story is narrated by Miss Olin, the teacher, played by Theresa Moscato. Cameron Krauth plays Max and Dani Orlando plays his sister, Dani. Allison, Max’s love interest, is played by Alexis Dascher and Stephen Michelsson plays Billy, the Zombie raised from the dead to help Salem escape the fury of Sanderson Sisters. The performers are entertaining on stage and wonderfully interactive with the audience.
Easy to follow parody songs are paired with equally easy to follow choreography by Shelby Griffin, who also performed in the ensemble with Ken Normandin, that had patrons dancing in their seats. The special effects, audio, and multi-media sections were handled skillfully by Technical Director, John Rush and cues were perfectly timed and paced by Stage Manager, Heather Auden. A standout moment arrives during “I Want Candy,” when enthusiastic cast members shower the audience with actual sweets. Another crowd favorite is a video segment depicting the Sanderson sisters visiting a local CVS; projected above the set, the short skit had the audience laughing and giggling throughout.
With its blend of camp, theatrical spectacle, and affectionate satire, Summer Orlando Production’s Hocus Pocus Live! proves that parody can thrive on the big stage—and delightfully so. The show is currently accepting reservations and bookings for theaters next season. However, individuals and organizations can also book for weddings and special events. For more information, visit: www.hocuspocusliveofficial.com