Executive Overview
As the crisp autumn air settles over New York City, the theater district and its surrounding creative enclaves brace themselves for one of the most anticipated annual pageants of the spooky season. On October 12, Manhattan’s legendary historic venue, Webster Hall, will once again open its doors for the 11th iteration of I Put a Spell on You. Spearheaded by a dynamic collective of producers—including Jay Armstrong Johnson, Joe Hornberger, Shannon Molly Flynn, Cecelia Ticktin, and M23 Productions—this year’s spectacle promises to push the boundaries of immersive theatrical concert experiences.
Titled I Put A Spell On You: A Sanderson Sister Act, the 2024 production builds upon a decade-long tradition of blending pop culture, high-end choreography, and wicked theatricality, all inspired by the cult-classic cinematic universe of Disney’s Hocus Pocus. In anticipation of the mainstage event, the production team has executed a masterful promotional rollout, dropping a visually stunning, high-energy music video titled "Like Winnie."
Set against the pulsing rhythms of Jennie’s global hit "Like Jennie"—originally produced by Diplo, Leclair, and Jaxxtone, with co-production by Jennie and Jorge Antonio Alfonzo Sr.—the video serves as both a cinematic love letter to the source material and a monumental showcase of New York’s top-tier dance and musical theater talent. Filmed on location at the architectural landmark Christ Church NYC, "Like Winnie" unites a staggering ensemble of more than 50 dancers alongside the production’s core trio of witches.
Beyond the glittering spectacle, campy humor, and intricate footwork, the enterprise maintains a steadfast philanthropic core. Proceeds from the October 12 gala will directly benefit the Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest agency dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ homeless youth from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently.
This comprehensive report examines the genesis of the "Like Winnie" music video, the meticulous production machinery behind the 11th annual concert, the sweeping economic and cultural metrics of the endeavor, official statements from the creative masterminds, and a forward-looking analysis of how I Put a Spell on You has evolved into an unmissable cornerstone of New York’s autumn arts calendar.
Detailed Chronology: From Underground Passion Project to Mainstage Phenomenon
To fully appreciate the scope of the "Like Winnie" music video and the upcoming Webster Hall spectacular, one must understand the evolutionary timeline of I Put a Spell on You. What began over a decade ago as a modest, late-night downtown cabaret has systematically grown into a massive theatrical production, drawing thousands of fans and mobilizing more than 100 performers per iteration.
The Early Years and the Genesis of the Sanderson Homage
Conceived by actor and Broadway veteran Jay Armstrong Johnson (known for his work in On the Town, The Phantom of the Opera, and Parade), the initial concept was simple: assemble a group of close friends from the Broadway community, dress them up as Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson, and stage a fierce, parody-laden concert celebration of Hocus Pocus. The project resonated instantly with theater fans craving camp, community, and high-octane performance art.
Over the years, as the show outgrew its initial underground venues, Johnson formalized a production infrastructure alongside co-producers Joe Hornberger, Shannon Molly Flynn, Cecelia Ticktin, and M23 Productions. The scope expanded from simple song-and-dance numbers into fully realized narrative concerts complete with elaborate scriptwriting, custom video design, and extensive dance breaks that rival any commercial pop music video.
The 2024 Promotional Campaign and the Birth of "Like Winnie"
The timeline leading up to the October 12 showcase at Webster Hall reached a fever pitch with the conceptualization and execution of "Like Winnie." Recognizing the need for a viral pre-cursor that would capture the scale of this year’s production, Johnson and his team tapped director and choreographer Michael McCrary, alongside additional director Catriona Rubenis-Stevens, to helm the visual project.
Filming took place at Christ Church NYC, providing a dramatic, gothic backdrop that juxtaposed sacred architecture with contemporary pop choreography. The creative team selected Jennie’s track "Like Jennie" for its infectious cadence, repurposing its lyrical hook into an anthem celebrating the eternal, chaotic allure of Winifred Sanderson.
Following weeks of grueling rehearsals, costume fittings, and technical coordination, the video was officially released across digital platforms, serving as the ultimate calling card for the upcoming concert. It immediately captured the attention of theater critics, pop culture enthusiasts, and dance communities alike, setting a new benchmark for what independent theatrical concert marketing can achieve.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Anatomy of a Megashow
The numbers surrounding I Put a Spell on You: A Sanderson Sister Act and the "Like Winnie" music video illustrate an operation of staggering proportions. This is no longer merely a cabaret act; it is a full-scale industrial artistic enterprise involving scores of creatives working in tandem.
Cast and Ensemble Breakdown
At the heart of the "Like Winnie" video—and anchoring the stage production—are the actresses portraying the iconic Sanderson sisters:
- Jay Armstrong Johnson as the indomitable Winifred Sanderson
- Allison Godleski as the loyal and eccentric Mary Sanderson
- Sydnie Roy as the beguiling and melodic Sarah Sanderson
Supporting this triumvirate is an astonishing ensemble of over 50 professional dancers who populate the sacred halls of Christ Church NYC in the music video and will take over the stage at Webster Hall. The roster includes Abbey Sullivan, Aliya Rose, Anthony Dasilva, Ava Esposito, Bailey Poe, Bella Rusli, Briana Doran, Carly Smith Quenqua, Caroline Poulis, Celia Zaga, Claire Avakian, Connor Tapp, David Wright Jr, Dianne Cano, Drew Shoemaker, E Anastasia, Ernest Mingo, Ella Durr, Emilio Padilla, Emily Bruck, Emily Rose Phelan, Felipe Morales, Garren Garcia, Haoyi Wen, Ian Viciedo, Jack Dodson, Jaida Ocasio-Parvaiz, Jaime Brustein, Jarod H Smith, Joseph Aued, Jules Geiss, Kailin Brown, Kaitlyn Murphy, Kendal Daniel, Kevin Santos, Lane Franck, Lexie Sealy, Maddie Petrak, Maria Edmond, Matthew Rossetti, Mya Lynae, Natalie Flores, Olivia Schuh, Rachel Kay, Ravyn Rhiana, Rhys Carr, Sam Marszalek, Sashalie Rios, Sierra Rusnak, Stacey Badgett Jr, Talia Bellucci, Taylor N Daniels, Tori Carboni, Travis Shumake, Victoria Santiago, and Yoyo Zhou.
Behind the Scenes: Choreography, Wardrobe, and Glamour
The mechanical precision required to coordinate more than 50 dancers, distinct vocalists, and rapid-fire costume changes is staggering.
- Choreography: Led by Michael McCrary, with critical assistant choreography provided by Abbey Sullivan, Tori Carboni, and Ravyn Rhiana.
- Wardrobe & Costuming: Bringing the witchy aesthetic to life requires meticulous garment construction and styling. The wardrobe coordinator team features Nora Fisher, Amy Brown, Kelsey Buerger, Corinne Holland, Sydney Howell, Dom Letterii, and Nikki Paz.
- Makeup Artistry: The transformative looks seen in the video are the handiwork of a specialized beauty squad consisting of Alana Beninati, Axel Hurtado, Christina Kim, Derek Medina, Elisa Abend-Goldfarb, Joey Devirgilio, Joshua Coleman, Kelly Flores, Leah Herron, Matti Ivan, Melanie Dela Rosa, Mira Scirica, and Shannon Lee Carroll.
Philanthropic Impact and Ticketing Metrics
While the entertainment value is paramount, the underlying mission of the annual concert remains deeply charitable. Every ticket sold for the October 12 event at Webster Hall directly supports the Ali Forney Center. By leveraging the immense star power of more than 100 performers—including special guest stars such as Jasmine Amy Rogers and Anania—the production has historically raised tens of thousands of dollars for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, merging community celebration with vital social advocacy.
Official Statements & Creative Vision
The intersection of classic pop culture pastiche and modern dance artistry requires a delicate balancing act of tone and technique. The creative leads behind "Like Winnie" and the broader 11th annual production have shared insights into the philosophies guiding this year’s massive undertaking.
Directorial and Choreographic Insights
Director and choreographer Michael McCrary spoke on the unique challenge of fusing K-pop sensibilities with classic cinematic villainy inside a sacred space:
"When you look at a track like ‘Like Jennie,’ it demands absolute precision, swagger, and undeniable attitude. Pairing that with the mythological energy of the Sanderson sisters inside a stunning, historic location like Christ Church NYC allowed us to create something entirely unexpected. We weren’t just making a parody; we were building a high-fashion, high-energy dance manifesto that honors the spirit of the characters while pushing our dancers to their absolute physical limits."
Co-director Catriona Rubenis-Stevens echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the visual storytelling elements:
"Our goal from day one was to ensure that every frame of ‘Like Winnie’ felt cinematic, wealthy in texture, and pulsating with life. The sheer volume of talent on set—over 50 dancers moving in absolute synchronicity—required military-grade coordination. The result is a visual feast that sets the exact tone for what audiences can expect when we take over Webster Hall on October 12."
Production Leadership on the Milestone 11th Year
Producer Jay Armstrong Johnson, reflecting on the milestone 11th presentation of I Put a Spell on You, highlighted the growth of the community surrounding the project:
"To look back at where we started—a small group of friends singing in a downtown venue—and to see what it has become today is truly humbling. We have over 100 performers joining us this year, an army of incredible designers, choreographers, and crew members, and a community of fans who show up year after year to support not only the arts but the Ali Forney Center. ‘Like Winnie’ is our love letter to everyone who has believed in this madness for over a decade. We are ready to raise the roof off Webster Hall."
Future Outlook: The Evolution of Immersive Theatrical Concerts
As the theatrical landscape continues to evolve in a post-pandemic era, audience expectations have shifted dramatically. Patrons no longer merely want to sit passively in a darkened theater; they crave immersive, high-energy, community-driven experiences that bridge the gap between digital media and live performance.
I Put a Spell on You: A Sanderson Sister Act stands at the bleeding edge of this evolutionary curve. By utilizing a high-concept music video like "Like Winnie" as a foundational marketing and artistic tool, the production team has demonstrated how live theatrical events can extend their cultural footprint across digital platforms long before the curtain ever rises on opening night.
What Lies Ahead for M23 Productions and Beyond
Industry analysts are closely watching the trajectory of M23 Productions and the collaborative team behind the annual concert. The seamless integration of commercial pop choreography (such as the Jennie-inspired framework) with traditional Broadway storytelling techniques points toward a lucrative new sub-genre of immersive pop-theater.
Furthermore, the scale of the 11th annual event—incorporating over 100 performers, massive physical ensembles, and high-production-value media rollouts—cements Webster Hall as a viable, dynamic alternative to traditional Broadway houses for limited-engagement spectacles.
As ticketers flock to secure their admissions for the October 12 showcase, the legacy of I Put a Spell on You is already assured. It has transformed from a niche seasonal gag into a vital New York institution—one that champions inclusivity, artistic excellence, and unwavering philanthropic dedication. Whether audiences are streaming "Like Winnie" on repeat or screaming in delight as the Sanderson sisters materialize on the Webster Hall stage, one thing is certain: the spell has been cast, and New York theater will never be the same.
