In Search of the Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover is a 2020 American comedy television special that reunites the original cast of the 1993 film Hocus Pocus. The special was produced by Bette Midler's nonprofit organization, the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), as part of its annual Hulaween fundraising event. The special was hosted by Cassandra Peterson as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and featured appearances by many celebrities and musical performances. The special was streamed online on October 30, 2020, and was available for viewing until November 1, 2020.
Background[]
The special is presented as a mockumentary that follows Elvira as she searches for the Sanderson Sisters, the three witches from Hocus Pocus who were resurrected on Halloween night in 1993 and then turned to dust by the dawn. Elvira interviews various people who claim to have encountered or been influenced by the sisters, such as their former classmates, fans, rivals, and descendants. She also visits some of the locations from the film, such as the Sanderson Sisters' Cottage, the Old Burial Hill, and Jacob Bailey High School. Along the way, she encounters some of the other characters from the film, such as Thackery Binx, Billy Butcherson, Dani Dennison, and Max Dennison.
The special also features musical numbers by Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson, Todrick Hall, and others. The highlight of the special is the reunion of the Sanderson Sisters themselves, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. The sisters perform a new version of their signature song "I Put a Spell on You", as well as a medley of other songs related to witches and magic.
Reception[]
The special received mostly positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised the nostalgia factor, the humor, and the performances of the cast. The special also raised over $4 million for NYRP, which works to create and maintain green spaces in New York City. The special was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) and Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for "I Put a Spell on You".
