The Musical Number Almost Didn't Happen
It’s hard to imagine the film without Winifred Sanderson belting out a bewitching rendition of 'I Put a Spell on You,' but this iconic scene was not in the original script. Writer and producer David Kirschner revealed that he was initially against the idea
when studio executives suggested adding a musical number for Bette Midler. He worried it would feel out of place and disrupt the adventure's pacing. However, director Kenny Ortega and the team cleverly devised a way to make the song a plot device, using its magic to enchant the partygoers into dancing until they die. It's now widely considered one of the most beloved moments in the entire film.
Winifred's Introduction Is a Deep-Cut Theater Reference
When Winifred takes the stage, she greets the crowd by saying, “Hello, Salem! My name’s Winifred. What’s yours?” This isn't just a quirky ad-lib; it’s a direct reference to a line from the classic musical 'Gypsy.' The nod is even more fitting because Bette Midler herself starred in a highly acclaimed 1993 television movie version of 'Gypsy.' It's a clever wink to Midler’s own celebrated career and theatrical roots, slipped into a moment of pure Sanderson sister chaos.
Yes, That's Really Bette Midler Singing
While Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy may have been fabulous backup singers on screen, the powerful lead vocal on the 'I Put a Spell on You' track belongs to none other than Bette Midler herself. An accomplished and Tony Award-winning singer, Midler brought her full vocal power to the role. For Kathy Najimy, who had been a massive fan of Midler's long before they worked together, getting to perform as her backup was a surreal, dream-come-true moment. It added a layer of genuine excitement to the on-screen chemistry.
A Famous Brother-Sister Duo Makes a Cameo
Just before the party scene, the sisters stumble into a house they believe belongs to their 'Master,' Satan. The bickering couple they meet are actually legendary director Garry Marshall and his sister, actress and director Penny Marshall. The two play a married couple, with Garry dressed as the devil, which leads to the witches' hilarious misunderstanding. Their brief appearance is one of the film’s funniest and most memorable cameos. The scene was so beloved that it was honored in the 2022 sequel, 'Hocus Pocus 2,' where a clip of the Marshalls from the original film is shown playing on a television.
The Party Was Full of Recycled Costumes
According to costume designer Mary Vogt, a significant portion of the film's budget was allocated to the Sanderson sisters' elaborate outfits and flying effects. This left less money for other parts of the production. To compensate, many of the costumes worn by the background guests at the town hall party were recycled from other Disney projects. If you look closely at the crowd dancing under Winifred's spell, you might spot outfits that previously appeared in films like 'Tron' and 'Treasure Island.' It’s a classic bit of movie-making magic that proves recycling can be spellbinding.
The Director Shaped the Unforgettable Moves
The scene’s unforgettable energy is largely thanks to director Kenny Ortega, who is also a renowned choreographer. Ortega, known for his work on 'Dirty Dancing' and later the 'High School Musical' franchise, brought his signature flair to the musical number. His background in crafting dynamic dance scenes helped elevate 'I Put a Spell on You' from a simple song to a full-blown cinematic event. Ortega even has a director's cameo earlier in the film, solidifying his hands-on involvement in shaping the movie's most iconic moments.
