There’s a bit of a chill in the air and the leaves are slowly starting to turn…which means the fall show in Let Me Be Frank Productions’ 27th season of entertainment is upon us.
I had the opportunity to attend a performance of “Hocus Pocus Focus Group” on Saturday, September 26th. I knew I was in for some tricks and maybe a few treats — and I think the cast delivered on both fronts.
So, what’s this show all about?
Amy, Sarah and Lisa Sanderson have opened the Sanderson Sisters’ Sanitarium, where being cursed is completely acceptable and a little Hocus Pocus might be just what the doctor ordered. Their unusual list of patients includes Herman and Eddie Munster, who have developed a troubling addiction to roadkill and rabies; a mummy who’s been accused of having no heart — quite literally; a vampire with an unfortunate fear of sunlight; and Billy Butcherson, who has lost his ability to scare the undead.
When one-on-one counseling isn’t enough, the sisters bring everyone together for a supernatural group therapy session filled with hypnosis, spells and questionable medical advice. But when they break out their book of spells, there’s no telling whether their patients will leave cured — or even more mixed up than when they arrived!
I was expecting the show to open with some spooky scene or song, so I was surprised to hear the opening notes of the upbeat, “She Sells Sanctuary,” performed by Frank Hermans in full Herman Munster getup. Can we take a moment to appreciate how Frank can move so well in those platform shoes? I would’ve broken an ankle — or three — attempting some of the moves he’s got going on!
We got our first good look at the detailed stage setup soon enough, and it’s clear the team put a lot of effort into creating the world of the show. From hanging skeletons and skulls on end tables to the intricate book of spells, talking black cat, and creative use of neon lighting — shoutout to Ross Loining! — the entire set helped bring the story to life. It felt like we had been transported into the Sanderson Sisters’ world with ease.
THEN came the glorious entrance of the Sanderson Sisters.
Are you kidding me?! They couldn’t be more perfect in these roles. The dresses, the wigs, the makeup, the accents…it all works so well.
Amy Riemer portrays Amy Sanderson, the sharp-witted, dramatic, and vicious leader of the trio, with ease. Lisa Borley is captivating as Lisa Sanderson, the eager-to-please, observant, scent-conscious, and wonderfully kooky middle sister. And Sarah Galati has no trouble bringing the flirty, boy-crazed blonde Sarah Sanderson to life.
Beyond their individual characters, their chemistry as a trio of sisters played out beautifully onstage. I particularly enjoyed the numbers where all three were able to showcase their personalities and choreography together. “W.I.T.C.H.,” sung by Amy, was visually and vocally energetic, and that trio-trifecta of talent was on display again during Sarah’s “Venus” in Act II.
The witches weren’t the only family represented onstage. Frank and Blake Hermans play father and son Herman and Eddie Munster, respectively. Knowing both of them in real life, I love seeing their antics come out to play onstage, too.
Let Me Be Frank shows usually center around a particular musical era — the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and so on. But every once in a while, the script or title lends itself to something a little different. In this case, the songs all carried some kind of creepy, monster, zombie, or magical undercurrent. From Alice Cooper to Stevie Wonder, Donovan, The Police, and more, the show featured a wide range of music, yet everything wove naturally into the storyline. I loved hearing the opening notes of a song and thinking, “Oh, I haven’t heard this one in forever! What a great choice for this show.”
Kudos to Amy and Frank for selecting the tunes, Pat for arranging the music, and then Amy again for establishing everyone’s vocal harmony parts.
A few highlights:
- Sarah Galati transforming from the ditzy sister we’d been watching into her hypnotizing performance of “Come Little Children” was hauntingly beautiful — and slightly creepy in the best possible way.
- One of the things I enjoy most about Tom Verbrick’s performances is his facial expressions and physical comedy. I wasn’t sure what to expect when nearly everything but his eyes was covered and he was wrapped up as a mummy, but somehow he still managed to make the character work. His performance of “Hurdy Gurdy Man” was fantastic, and John Singer’s guitar solo in the middle made it even better.
- I’ve seen Paul Evansen play many, many characters over the years, and I’m not sure I’ve ever heard him use the voice and limp he has perfected for this zombie character. His performance of “Ebony Eyes” had me bopping along with a big smile on my face. This is one I’ll play on repeat when I get a copy of the cast recording.
- Try listening to Lisa Borley sing “Zombie” without getting goosebumps. From the opening notes, I knew we were in for something spectacular. It’s a stellar rendition and one you’ll remember long after the curtain closes. Andrew Klaus’ work on the drums shone through here as well.
- Tony Pilz’s opening keys on “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” were delightful, and then Blake’s voice made the song one of my highlights of the first act. It’s no secret I’m a bit of a fangirl when it comes to Blake’s voice — and he certainly delivered in this show.
- The band elevated Lisa’s rendition of “Uninvited” into something simply stunning.
- Act II opened with the band getting a chance to showcase their talents, complete with Amy showing off her yodeling skills and vocal range — and then Tom with the whistling! I was not expecting those little musical vignettes, but they were such a fun touch.
- “Abracadabra” was a perfect choice for Pat Hibbard. Ten out of ten from me. And John Singer’s guitar solo was something to behold, too.
- Amy Riemer made “Lay Down” seem effortless. Those huge notes?! Whoa. She had the entire audience captivated. I always have a song in the show I want to rewind and watch again live. This was that song for me!
- Frank Hermans brought new life and energy to “She’s Not There”! Loved it.
- Regardless of the song, the sound was top-notch. The balance between the band, the harmonies, the solos, and the featured vocalist in each number was dialed in beautifully thanks to Kelly Klaus.
This is one of those shows where everyone will find something to love — whether you’ve seen the movie a hundred times or, like me, have never seen it at all! It’s a visual and musical treat, and one I think people will remember for a long time. “Remember that Hocus Pocus show in 2026?!” Yep. This feels like one of those. I wouldn’t be surprised if the crew found a way to revisit this world again someday…maybe a sequel?! In the meantime, thanks for officially getting me into the Halloween spirit.
The show features:
Amy Riemer as Amy Sanderson
Sarah Galati as Sarah Sanderson
Lisa Borley as Lisa Sanderson
Frank Hermans as Herman Munster
Blake Hermans as Eddie Munster
Tom Verbrick as the Mummy
Pat Hibbard as the Vampire
Paul Evansen as Billy Butcherson
Band:
John Singer — guitar
Pat Hibbard — bass
Tony Pilz — keyboards
Andrew Klaus — drums
Lights: Ross Loining
Sound: Kelly Klaus
Remaining Performance Schedule:
Friday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 3 at 1:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 at 1:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m.
Tickets are available at meyertheatre.org, ticketstaronline.com, or by calling Ticket Star at 920-494-3401. The Meyer Theatre box office opens one hour prior to each performance for day-of tickets.
Two out-of-town performances will also take place this fall. The first will be held at the Capitol Civic Centre in Manitowoc on Wednesday, October 7, at 7:00 p.m. Head to cccshows.org or call 920-683-2184 for tickets and more information.
The show will also take the stage at the Bayshore Arts Center in Marinette on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m. Call 920-465-5052 or visit the Bayshore Arts Center ticketing website for more information.
