‘Hokus Pokus Live!’ – classic Bette Midler film takes to the stage with drag queens

“Hocus Pocus,” the 1993 comic fantasy film, didn’t do well upon its initial release. The movie starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as a comedic trio of witches who are inadvertently resurrected by a teenaged boy (Omri Katz) on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts. Over the years the film has developed quite a cult following thanks to annual airings on cable outlets The Disney Channel and Freeform. “Hocus Pocus” went on to spawn a franchise, with a recent sequel, another film in development, a theme park attraction and a novel. The film has also enjoyed robust sales on DVD and Blu Ray.
The film is a favorite of drag artist Ginger Minj. The “Drag Race” alumnus is touring for the third time with a show called “Hokus Pokus Live!” which is a love letter to the original film. But don’t expect to see the same show you saw before. This version will feature new songs and includes in its cast a who’s who of “Drag Race” alumni. Besides Minj, expect to see Sapphira Cristál from season 16, Jujubee from both “Drag Race” and “Drag: the Musical,” and drag king Landon Cider from “Dragula.”

“Hokus Pokus Live!” will be seen on October 5 at the Palace of Fine Arts. The 8pm show is sold out but there are still seats for the 2pm show.

Besides starring in the production, Minj is also serving as the writer and director. In an interview with the Bay Area Reporter, she recalled her “Drag Race” experience and spoke about this new show.

David-Elijah Nahmod: What moved you to do drag and try out for “Drag Race?”
Ginger Minj: Like a lot of queens, I stumbled into drag through theater. I grew up on the stage and I suddenly discovered that I could not only star in the show, but also write, direct, costume, choreograph and produce it too. “Drag Race” gave me the opportunity to do that on a much bigger level.

Please describe your “Drag Race” experience. What was your impression of RuPaul?
It was all amazing. Even in the bad moments, there were a lot of really great opportunities for growth. I wouldn’t be the person or performer I am today if it wasn’t for RuPaul and “Drag Race.”

You started out as a child actor, correct? Can you please tell me about this and how this may have informed your later work in drag?
Like I said before, I grew up on the stage. I feel more comfortable in the spotlight than I do anyplace else on earth. I feel like drag gives me the opportunity to fully realize productions from top to bottom. Theater gave me the know-how not only to create all the elements but pull them together for a singular experience.

What is it about the original “Hocus Pocus” that appeals to so many people in your opinion?
Nostalgia, baby. I remember loving Halloween when I was a child, but not being into the cartoons or the bloody slasher films at the other end. “Hocus Pocus” felt like the first time a big budget spooky movie was made for us. Not to mention those three iconic witches played by three even more iconic actresses was and is spectacular.

What does the original film mean to you?
Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson inspired my drag persona more than even I probably realized. She’s strong, she’s sassy, she knows what she wants, and she’s not afraid to burst into song at any given moment.

How will your production differ from the film?
I like to call it the unofficial three-quel. It’s got the moments you love from the original, some great nods to “Drag Race,” and more pop culture references than you can shake a stick at. And all of it wrapped around eighteen incredible songs. There’s literally something for everybody.

How elaborate will the show be? Special effects? Costumes?
All of that and more. It’s the biggest production we’ve ever put together, a massive undertaking, but every surprise gets a great reaction from the crowd every night.

Your press release said that you know Bette Midler and that she encouraged you to bring “Hocus Pocus” to the stage. Can you tell me about that experience and about your impressions about her?
She’s my new drag mom whether she realizes it or not. In the two weeks that we spent filming together on “Hocus Pocus 2,” she went out of her way to give me professional advice and life lessons. On our last day she suggested that I take the character and do something with it, and that’s where this show was born.

What do you hope the audience will take from “Hokus Pokus Live!”
Just come and have some fun. Life is hard, things are crazy, but we all deserve a few hours to laugh, sing along, and just enjoy each other’s company.

'Hokus Pokus Live!', October 5, 2pm, $62-$154, Palace of Fine Arts Theater, 3301 Lyon St.
https://www.palaceoffinearts.org/
  https://www.instagram.com/gingerminj/