Jay Armstrong Johnson recently had a homecoming when “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” came to Bass Hall in June. Now, he’s bringing another of his passions back home with the 10th anniversary of his annual Halloween spectacular titled “I Put a Spell on You.”
The event, which has been popular in New York since Johnson started it in 2016, is a Halloween concert-meets-dance extravaganza. It benefits the Ali Forney Center in New York, the nation’s largest provider of shelter and life-saving services for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.
The main event will still be held in New York with a viewing party in Fort Worth at Southside Preservation Hall, 1519 Lipscomb St. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, screening at 8:30 and dancing until 11.
“This show grew up with me,” Johnson said. “Bringing the 10th anniversary home to Fort Worth — where I learned to dream, perform, and create — feels exactly right.
“It’s a party, yes, but the impact for LGBTQ+ youth, like I once was, is very real.”
Johnson grew up in Fort Worth and began his acting career locally at 13 when the touring company of “Peter Pan” starring Cathy Rigby came to Bass Hall. When he performed the lead role of Christian in “Moulin Rouge!” a few months ago, it was his first time back in the city to perform in a decade.
IPSOY, as the event is also referred to, will have a theme that pays homage to the movie “Hocus Pocus,” the story of three sisters who are also witches. Of course, it will include high-octane arrangements and a starry Broadway lineup.
As for Johnson, he will be in both places — sort of. While he’s live in Fort Worth as a host, he will be in a video broadcast from New York playing the role of Winifred Sanderson.
The two other Sanderson sisters are also played by Fort Worth natives. Allison Godleski is Sarah and Amanda Williams Ware is Mary, and both have been with the show all 10 years.
Both are also known for their work in the indie-folk and rock world.
They’re joined by more than 20 additional cast, crew, and creatives with Fort Worth roots — part of a decade-long, intentional spotlight on the artists the city produces.
“We’ve done this for 10 Halloweens, even through COVID, and the most magical part is the community it builds,” said Williams Ware, who is also producing the Fort Worth event.
“Fort Worth always shows up with heart and talent, and that translates into a sensational show that provides safe beds and free meals for young people who have been turned out of their homes.”
And yes, costumes are encouraged for those attending, Williams Ware said. In fact, the evening will include a costume contest.
Founded in 2002, the Ali Forney Center is the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ young people from the harms of homelessness. AFC provides 24/7 drop-in services, free meals, emergency and transitional housing, health and mental-health care, education and career support, and life-saving advocacy that affirms identity and restores stability. For more information, visit aliforneycenter.org.
“Fort Worth has always been the heartbeat of my artistic journey. It’s where I first fell in love with theater, where mentors and friends helped shape who I am today, and where community and creativity go hand-in-hand,” Johnson said. “’I Put a Spell on You’ was born with the help of Fort Worth artists — many of whom have stuck by my side for all 10 years — and bringing our 10th-anniversary celebration home feels like a true full-circle moment.
“This city’s theatrical spirit and generosity make it the perfect place to celebrate how far we’ve come.”