In Search of The Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover was a one-time only event which was broadcast online on October 30th 2020 and could be viewed until November 1st 2020.
The event was produced by Bette Midler's non-profit organisation, The New York Restoration Project as their annual fundraiser. The money raised was used to help create green spaces around New York City. It was written by Eric Kornfeld and Bonnie McFarlane and directed by Seanne Farmer and Kyra Elise Gardner.
The mockumentary style special was hosted by Cassandra Peterson as Elvira who, as the title suggest, is in search of the Sanderson Sisters. Throughout the special various special guests are interviewed who tell tales of the Sanderson Sisters and share possible sightings and information as to where they now might be.
Elvira also visits famous locations from the film, including Old Burial Hill, Jacob Bailey High School and the Sanderson Sisters Cottage. We also see the return of Max, Allison, Dani, Billy and Binx and the actors who play them. Tony Gardner returned with Doug Jones to help create Billy. The most exciting aspect of the special was seeing the return of Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson Sisters. This special would mark the first time since the films original release that the three would reunite to play the Sanderson Sisters.
Special guests included Meryl Streep, Billy Eichner, Glenn Close (who returned as Cruella De Ville), Sarah Silverman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Todrick Hall, Mariah Carey and more. Musical numbers were also performed by Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson.
The event was produced by Bette Midler's non-profit organisation, The New York Restoration Project as their annual fundraiser. The money raised was used to help create green spaces around New York City. It was written by Eric Kornfeld and Bonnie McFarlane and directed by Seanne Farmer and Kyra Elise Gardner.
The mockumentary style special was hosted by Cassandra Peterson as Elvira who, as the title suggest, is in search of the Sanderson Sisters. Throughout the special various special guests are interviewed who tell tales of the Sanderson Sisters and share possible sightings and information as to where they now might be.
Elvira also visits famous locations from the film, including Old Burial Hill, Jacob Bailey High School and the Sanderson Sisters Cottage. We also see the return of Max, Allison, Dani, Billy and Binx and the actors who play them. Tony Gardner returned with Doug Jones to help create Billy. The most exciting aspect of the special was seeing the return of Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson Sisters. This special would mark the first time since the films original release that the three would reunite to play the Sanderson Sisters.
Special guests included Meryl Streep, Billy Eichner, Glenn Close (who returned as Cruella De Ville), Sarah Silverman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Todrick Hall, Mariah Carey and more. Musical numbers were also performed by Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson.
Leading up to the online release of the Hulaween Special, a promotional poster was created by Franz Szony which featured the silhouettes of the Sanderson Sisters. This poster design was also later used as the cover of Gilberts book in Hocus Pocus 2.
Along with the poster, behind the scenes images were also shared of Bette, Sarah and Kathy on set dressed as the Sanderson Sisters. Tickets were made available online and were priced at $10.
Along with the poster, behind the scenes images were also shared of Bette, Sarah and Kathy on set dressed as the Sanderson Sisters. Tickets were made available online and were priced at $10.
Merchandise was also made available to purchase via the NYRP online store which featured skeleton versions of the Sanderson Sisters. A limited edition Life Potion scroll print, Black Flame Candle, Skull Tattoos and a tote bag were just some of the products available.
The special helped to raise over $4 million and was even nominated for two primetime Emmy awards; Outstanding Music and Lyrics for I Put A Spell on you (which was re-worked for the special) and Outstanding Variety Special (pre-recorded).
The special helped to raise over $4 million and was even nominated for two primetime Emmy awards; Outstanding Music and Lyrics for I Put A Spell on you (which was re-worked for the special) and Outstanding Variety Special (pre-recorded).
Images credit: NYRP
Below is a video featuring Doug Jones' return as Billy Butcherson.
