Broadway World
Fans Start Grassroots Movement for HOCUS POCUS Broadway Musical
March 28, 2013
Fans of the Disney film “Hocus Pocus” starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson sisters, wicked witches brought back to life on Halloween to steal the souls of children, are gathering online as a grassroots movement to bring it to Broadway. Following the success of musicals such as NEWSIES, MARY POPPINS, SISTER ACT and MATILDA; Winnie, Mary and Sarah are ready to enchant Broadway audiences.
Says the page creator Philip Odango, “It’s a way to connect fans of the film who’d love to see it resurrected as a stage musical.” Odango, a producer of regional theater, says that in this age of crowd-funding, there would be many people who’d jump on board to micro-invest in the endeavor. “I think fans just want to be part of manifesting something that has been a magical part of their lives growing up.” He hopes the momentum attracts producers to the idea, including Bette Midler herself, having successfully produced PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT. With her starring play I’LL EAT YOU LAST: A CHAT WITH SUE MENGERS opening in a few weeks, excitement is rising among Hocus Pocus fans on the possibility of a musical adaptation happening. As for the music, Odango expresses, “I’d also love for Marc Shaiman or Alan Menken to be involved.”
As for the potential for the musical adaptation actually happening, Odango is optimistic. ” You never know what will happen with the power of the internet and platforms like Kickstarter. Like Milton Berle once said, ‘If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.’ It’s a great, fun story that will attract families and fans young and old. It’s time, Broadway.”
Those who have expressed interest in a musical stage adaptation include Broadway actresses Marissa Perry (HAIRSPRAY), Marla Mindelle (CINDERALLA) and Sarah Bolt (SISTER ACT).
Follow the conversation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HocusPocusMusical.
With Newsies, High School Musical, and the new Dirty Dancing ahead of him, it makes sense to involve Kenny Ortega in some fashion (the original Hocus Pocus director). Agreed that Marc Shaiman and Alan Menken would be a great pairing. It will be interesting to see how this develops, and if it goes past Regional Repertory. I believe “Winnie” was one of Bette’s favorite roles, so her involvement would certainly carry this idea pretty far. She has her share of Broadway connections, including Nederlander. This is an engaging topic of discussion. Thanks, as always, for sharing, Mister D!
You’re right…it is one of Bette’s most favorite roles….it will be interesting to see what happens! xx