Hocus Pocus: A Musical Cocktail Experience Forgoes Narrative for Boozy Fun

by Lacey Rae · Published October 17, 2020 · Updated November 11, 2020

It’s another Friday night stuck inside. No going out to drinks with friends, and no live entertainment. But if I add a little Eye of Newt to my Love Potion Blend, and tune in to After Hours Theatre Company’s Hocus Pocus: A Musical Cocktail Experience, the night will turn into something a little more… magical!

After Hours Theatre Company, Spirit Guides, and Fever invite audiences to celebrate the spooky season with a live, streaming, musical – and boozy – homage to ‘90s Halloween film classic Hocus Pocus. With every ticket purchase, guests will receive a cocktail kit for two (a non-alcoholic option is also available) to use throughout the 90-minute performance. During the livestream, a trio of witches and a talking cat guide audiences through a witch’s training course in mixology – specifically creating “potions” called Draught of the Damned, Transformation Tonic and Potion of Passion. In between spell-casting, the talented performers joke, sing, dance, and do Tarot readings for guests. Audience members are able to interact with one another, as well as Jinx the talking cat (voiced by Harrison Meloney) via a live-chat that is open for the duration of the experience.

Fans of the film should first know that Hocus Pocus: A Musical Cocktail Experience does not follow the movie. Instead, it takes the essence of the film, and follows the Sanderson cousins – Wanda, Stella, and Matilda – as they teach guests how to mix potions. In truth, there doesn’t appear to be much of a central narrative at all, but the show still makes for a fun time. Directed by Sarah Lowe, Hocus Pocus: A Musical Cocktail Experience, rather, is more about boozy fun with campy witches and entertaining musical numbers. There are definitely nods to the film, and fans will enjoy spotting the Easter eggs and references dotted throughout, including some more obvious references, but audiences don’t need to have seen the film in order to enjoy this show.

The livestream takes place on the show’s own website and has a live in-site chat that guests can use throughout. Hocus Pocus: A Musical Cocktail Experience has slick edits and several different camera angles, keeping audiences attentive and engaged in the on-screen action. The audio is well-mixed and loud enough, however I will suggest more enunciation from the actors – especially when speaking quickly and going over the drink instructions. The live-chat functions as both interactivity between guests and characters, as well as a way for After Hours to help guests who might be confused with the mixing instructions. Jinx reads several comments aloud, ask guests questions, and chooses from volunteers for Tarot readings and other interactive moments.

The show itself is simple enough and works well remotely: Three quirky witches teach the audience how to make “potions.” Hocus Pocus: A Musical Cocktail Experience is campy fun, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. The set is a luscious witches’ den, aligned with a glowing cauldron and shelves of skulls. Choreographed by Jen Oundjian, the musical numbers – excellently performed by Fatima El-Bashir, Janya Mahealani Jones and Caitlin Ary, and accompanied by Jennifer Lin – are energetic and a great interlude between drinks, all culminating in a ridiculous whirlwind of a climax. I’m not sure if it was the drinks or the script, but I’m not entirely sure what happened after I ingested that Liquid Death I received in the mail…

Speaking of Liquid Death… The absolute highlight of Hocus Pocus: A Musical Cocktail Experience was the pre-show box of items from After Hours and Spirit Guides. Delicately arranged were several small bottles of liquor and specially crafted potions and teas that made me giddy with excitement. I couldn’t wait to see what Eye of Newt did, or what Damnation Dram tasted like. I also found a black candle, the recipe guide, and a Certificate of Witchcraft for the participant signed by the Sanderson cousins. It was an absolutely beautiful presentation and succeeded in getting me completely jazzed about the event. The drinks themselves are all delicious, good for two-three people (generously), and deceptively strong. I especially loved watching some of the more “magical” effects of combinations.

NOTE: There have been some issues with boxes not arriving in time for the show, or not having all the items inside (it’s 2020, after all, and even the postal service has been having issues). But After Hours has several options available to remedy those situations, including getting a recording of the performance so guests can follow along and make the potions once their box does arrive.

While Hocus Pocus: A Musical Cocktail Experience may not have a strong narrative, the set-up of witchcraft courses is a novel and exciting approach to happy hour, especially during a mostly-indoors Halloween season. The performers are entertaining and do what they can with the script, impressively balancing the drink tutorials, singing, and acting. The drinks and pre-show elements are simply gorgeous (and tasty), and the musical numbers delightfully entertaining. Grab tickets and your cauldron, and get brewing!

Find more information on the Hocus Pocus website, Instagram, or Facebook page. Purchase tickets HERE.