New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
‘RuPaul’s’ stars hold ‘Hocus Pocus’ parody
Alexis Michelle, Tina Burner and Scarlet Envy each found fame and took home Emmy Awards on separate seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Now, together, the three drag stars have come together to perform in a comedy show for the Halloween season.
The trio is collaborating on “Witch Perfect,” a parody of the 1993 Halloween cult classic “Hocus Pocus,” which starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.
The show will be at Norwalk’s Troupe429 on Sept. 28. Last year, the 30-year-old film got a sequel with “Hocus Pocus 2,” starring many of the original actors. The movie was filmed in New England and sought extras who lived within two hours of Providence, R.I.
“This is a show that is beautifully crafted and includes all the great ‘Hocus Pocus’ notes you want to hit,” Michelle, who was on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 9 and All-Stars Season 8, said. “But it’s its own piece, full of great tunes and it’s a little bit of everything.”
“Witch Perfect” is arranged and orchestrated by award-winning composer Blake Allen. The show includes hits from pop icons Madonna, Britney Spears and Cher, as well as Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King.”
There are also a few Broadway standards thrown in from “Gypsy” and “Wicked” and, of course, the showstopper “I Put a Spell on You.”
“This is truly great entertainment and great theater,” Michelle said.
“Tina and Blake wrote such a funny script, and I think what’s special about our cast is we play so wonderfully off of one another and create this great contrast from one another.
“Truthfully, it’s been one of the most joyful experiences of my career working with Tina, Scarlett and Blake.”
Michelle plays Mary (Najimy’s role in the movie), while Burner (Season 13) plays Midler’s Winifred, and Envy (Season 11 and All-Stars Season 6) plays Parker’s Sara.
“Even though we share the ‘Drag Race’ experience, we’re also New York sisters,” Michelle said. “Scarlet is now in L.A., but she started her career in Brooklyn, and Tina and I started our drag careers in Manhattan. So, we’ve
all been a part of the same drag scene and nightlife circles for many, many years.”
Michelle knew since they were 5 years old that performing was in their future.
“I wanted to be on stage, be an actor and tell stories,” they said. “Seeing shows in New York City, particularly the original production of ‘Into the Woods,’ ever since then I knew I wanted to be on stage.”
Being part of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” changed their life, and they are so grateful they had that opportunity.
“It was such a gift,” Michelle said. “For the first time in my life, I am making a living as a performer and not having to hustle with three or four jobs at a time just to keep up.”