Interviewee:
Jennica McCleary (she/her/they)
In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative.
Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret was created by Bette Midler Tribute Artist, Jennica McCleary. A professional actress, singer, and choreographer, McCleary has been tributing the work of The Divine Miss M for over a decade. In 2015 she was the first woman hired by the Disney company to fill the Diva’s shoes as Winifred Sanderson when the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular opened on Cinderella’s Castle at The Magic Kingdom in WDW By the next morning the show had become a viral sensation. Jennica is also featured in ‘The Oral History of Hocus Pocus’ by Disney Publishing, Freeform’s Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Bash and has been seen on Halloween Road. She has also worked with Legends in Concert, Pattycake Productions, and has been featured on MTV, VH1, Entertainment Tonight. She is thrilled to have conjured this fan-fiction style concert, while battling breast cancer, to celebrate everyone’s inner magical badass witch.
Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret is available in several formats to suit your needs. A sharp 15-minute set, a half-hour concert, and a full-length evening of entertainment that can be performed with or without an intermission, or we can work with you to create an evening that suits the needs of you and your patrons. Our repertoire contains material for a mature audience, as well family-friendly fare, and we are happy to cater to the demographics of your patrons. Our casts are also available for Meet and Greets and private events.
We look forward to finding ways to support the needs of Salem and the North Shore through The Creative Collective. With our growing presence online, The Rock Cauldron Sisters would love to help spread visitor information, do’s and don’ts, and any supportive messaging that is better delivered by those expected to have a wicked way.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do. Share your passions for your business, organization, or initiative.
I’ve been working professionally in Musical Theatre since I was a teen, and quickly discovered I wanted to be more than a triple threat. I picked up as many skills as possible which has led to a lengthy resume and an unbeatable “two truths and a lie” game. All of those skills, combined with my joy as an artist to create, have made ‘Rock Cauldron Cabaret’ a great outlet for myself and an asset to others.
Over the years I’ve worked to make ‘Rock Cauldron Cabaret’ inclusive, diverse, and accessible whenever possible. This is seen not just on our casts and creative teams, but also in our offerings like ‘Sensory Friendly’ and ASL shows. This year I would love to create more opportunities for interactive, immersive, and inclusive options to enjoy The Sanderson Sisters- for children, those on the spectrum, the deaf community and marginalized communities that might not have access to live entertainment. Rock Cauldron Cabaret continues to encourage tourists to take in the rich and true history of Salem’s 400 years plus.
I hope to team up with other artists, businesses, museums, charities, you name it! Let’s make some magic together!
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that had an impact on you?
The Voice of Hind Rajab. Incredible film.
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?
In 2018, eight weeks before the first performance of Rock Cauldron Cabaret, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I worked rehearsals, fittings and other gigs (including one for Freeform Network) around my treatment schedule. I used a lot of wig glue that season and learned exactly how metal I am. I’m oddly grateful for these two events lining up because it quickly lead to seeing what I wanted The Sanderson Sisters of Rock Cauldron to represent; the magical mayhem in all of us! It’s not just about having fun with these three silly witches, it’s about taking the opportunity to use their draw for empowerment, celebration and encouraging a little Malicious Compliance along the way.
What is Creative Collective?
Creative Collective delivers comprehensive business services – marketing promotion, technical assistance, business consulting, and advocacy at all levels – for Essex County entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators. We support the whole person, not just the business, through a collaborative community where members learn from each other, not just from us, because we know thriving businesses are built by thriving humans supporting each other. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join
