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If you can find any, lock up your virgins because the Black Flame Candle is lit, and the Sanderson Sisters are on the prowl again in “Witch Perfect” on Friday, October 4th, at the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side. This time, the iconic enchantresses are played by three drag superstars from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The show stars Season 13’s Tina Burner as Winifred, Season 11 and All-Stars Season 6’s Scarlet Envy as Sara, and Season 9’s Alexis Michelle as Mary.
“Witch Perfect” is a live-singing, comedy parody based on the cult-classic and audience-favorite Disney film, “Hocus Pocus,” featuring hits from such pop icons as Madonna, Britney Spears, and Cher, as well as Disney classics “Little Mermaid” and “Lion King,” as well as Broadway standards from “Gypsy,” “Wicked” and more.
Tina Burner conceived the show – with writing partner Blake Allen – in New York City seven years ago. Burner said, “I gave birth to it!”
It proved a popular event. James Marcotte (AKA DJ Jimmy Prada), owner of Out Loud Hudson Valley, the company producing the show, took the show to the Hudson Valley, a mini Mecca for the LGBTQ community in upstate New York. Marcotte said, “When we did ‘Witch Perfect’ in Albany, it sold out.”
From there, Marcotte got the idea to plan the “Witch Perfect” on tour. The show played all over America and had international stops in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Burner said, “We started in tiny clubs in the city that seat forty people. Now, we are packing theaters across the country and around the world.”
Burner called Alexis Michelle to cast the drag diva in the show and said, “I want you to be Mary.”
Michelle saw herself as more of a Sara than a Mary, but after playing the part, she grew to love the character. Michelle said, “It’s a gift to play Mary. She is fiercely loyal to her sisters.”
Side note: Scarlet Envy, who plays Sara, was unavailable for the interview. It is believed she was currently running amok, amok, amok!
The cast is excited to present the show in Pittsburgh. It will be Tina Burner’s first time in the Steel City. Alexis Michelle has been to the ‘Burgh before. Michelle said, “I rode the Thunderbolt.” The queen added, “I marvel at how you guys put French fries on salad. As a big fan of French fries, I’m impressed.”
Each performer has a favorite number in the show. Alexis Michelle sings “Memory” from the Broadway musical “Cats,” and Tina Burner enjoys singing “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from “The Little Mermaid.” Burner said, “I love it because Alexis and Scarlet are backing me up, acting silly. Acting goofy. It’s so fun!”
Marcotte said, “Scarlet Envy does a version of ‘Hung Up’ by Madonna that is my favorite number in the show.”
The drag artists don’t lip-synch; they sing in “Witch Perfect.”
Burner said, “We are big fans of live singing.” Burner was a member of a boy band back in the day.
Earlier this year, Michelle played Albin in the Barrington Stage Company production of “La Cage aux Folles.” The drag artist frequently performs at Feinstein/54 Below cabaret with a show about Broadway titled “Alexis, I Am!”
Michelle said, “Tina created something really special. The show is smart, funny, and very creative.”
“Witch Perfect” is a one-night-only event on Friday, October 4th, at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
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