Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up, is a timeless tale beloved by audiences for generations. Central to this magical story is the iconic villain, Captain Hook. But Who Played Captain Hook In Peter Pan in the latest national tour captivating audiences across the United States? The answer is the incredibly talented Cody Garcia. Currently starring in the national tour of PETER PAN, which graced the stage at Juanita K. Hammons Hall from September 9-11, Cody Garcia brings a fresh and exciting take to the notorious pirate captain. For those who remember Garcia’s dazzling portrayal of Willy Wonka in the CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY tour, their performance as Captain Hook is eagerly anticipated. This in-depth interview delves into Garcia’s experiences embodying this legendary character, their journey as a performer, and what makes this particular production of PETER PAN so unique.
Meet Cody Garcia: Bringing Captain Hook to Life
Cody Garcia is not your stereotypical pirate. Describing themselves as a “tall and stereotypically indecisive Libra,” Garcia’s path to professional acting is as intriguing as Captain Hook himself. Despite not acting before a certain point, Garcia has wholeheartedly embraced the world of theatre, quickly making a name for themselves in national tours and diverse stage productions. Their bio humorously mentions enjoying “being a wall flower at social gatherings, dancing like people are watching, and honking at chickens,” revealing a playful personality that contrasts with the menacing Captain Hook. Garcia’s dedication to the role is evident, dedicating their performance “to all the pirates and none of the crocodiles,” a witty nod to Hook’s nemesis.
Alt text: Cody Garcia, the actor currently playing Captain Hook in the national tour of Peter Pan, headshot. Garcia is smiling slightly and looking directly at the camera.
Garcia’s theatrical journey began in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of eight, participating in local theatre camps and classes. “Even though I had other interests, I was constantly giving most of my time to one extra curricular activity, theatre,” Garcia explains. Starting with plays and backstage roles, Garcia transitioned to musicals in high school, eventually leading them to the prestigious Boston Conservatory. “I now can’t seem to get away from musicals!” Garcia laughs. Their career has been filled with blessings and excitement, including notable roles in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Wonka), Elf (Buddy), Urinetown (Officer Lockstock), and even the Star Wars Ballet (Darth Vader). Beyond acting, Garcia is expanding their horizons into directing, having already directed full-length musicals, cabarets, and drag shows.
From Marine Biology to the Stage: Alternate Paths
Interestingly, acting wasn’t Garcia’s first envisioned career path. “I always thought I wanted to be a marine biologist, because I loved sea life,” Garcia shares. This fascination with the ocean adds a layer of irony to their current role as the seafaring Captain Hook. However, if not an actor, Garcia believes they would have pursued engineering. “Now, if I weren’t an actor, I know I would probably be pursuing an engineering career. I’m considering looking into it still!” This demonstrates Garcia’s diverse interests and intellectual curiosity. Already a massage therapist with extensive software engineering studies, Garcia expresses a desire to learn mechanical engineering, showcasing a mind that thrives on challenges and diverse skill sets.
A Fresh Take on a Classic: The Modern PETER PAN
This production of PETER PAN is far from traditional. Garcia emphasizes the numerous updates that make this show unique. “How much time do you have? There is so much new about this production,” Garcia jokes, highlighting the extensive revisions. One of the most significant changes is the setting. Moving away from Edwardian England, the story is now set in a modern, unspecified location within the United States, making it more relatable to contemporary audiences.
The most impactful update, however, lies in the representation of Indigenous characters. Historically, PETER PAN has been criticized for its stereotypical and offensive portrayal of Indigenous people. This production directly addresses these issues. “Originally, these characters are in the story as harmful and inconsiderate stereotypes,” Garcia points out. Playwright Larissa FastHorse has reimagined these characters with respect and authenticity. Instead of “cringey gibberish,” the Indigenous tribe now enriches the magic of Neverland. Each Indigenous character is based on the actual cultural identity of the actor playing them, with costumes and names derived from real, albeit extinct, tribes. This powerful representation includes enrolled indigenous tribal members from across the United States in the cast, lending profound authenticity to the narrative.
Furthering its commitment to inclusivity, this production also features a Black actress, Hawa Kamara, as Wendy. Garcia notes the historical lack of Black representation in lead roles in PETER PAN, except for Yara Shahidi’s non-speaking role as Tinker Bell in a recent film. “Hawa Kamara brings a new life to Wendy and audiences are lucky to be seeing her performance,” Garcia states. This Wendy is also more empowered and active in the story, even sharing a new scene with Tiger Lily without Peter present, giving her a stronger and more independent voice.
Audience Reactions and the Magic of Neverland
The response to this updated PETER PAN has been overwhelmingly positive. “From what I can tell, people seem to be enjoying it!” Garcia exclaims. Director Lonny Price’s vision has breathed new life into the timeless tale, captivating both new and seasoned PETER PAN fans. For many children in the audience, this is their first theatrical experience, and the modern adaptation resonates deeply. “Immediately, this new generation can see themselves onstage and hope to see Peter flying by their window,” Garcia observes.
Alt text: Cody Garcia in costume as Captain Hook on stage during the Peter Pan national tour, striking a villainous pose with his hook prominently displayed.
Despite the changes, the production retains the beloved musical elements that have enchanted audiences for over 70 years. Familiar tunes like “Never Never Land” and “I Won’t Grow Up” are still present, alongside new and previously cut songs, offering a balanced experience for long-time fans. Garcia enjoys engaging with audiences during Q&A talkbacks, noting the younger children’s fascination with the theatrical mechanics and the older audience members’ emotional connection to PETER PAN and the feeling of youthful nostalgia it evokes. The flying sequences are a particular highlight, described as “fast-paced and nothing short of spectacular,” transporting audiences to Neverland with breathtaking magic. The combination of flying, sets, and Tinker Bell creates a truly dazzling theatrical experience.
Villainous Boos and Heartwarming Connections
While touching moments during the performance are rare for Captain Hook – “for me, people are usually booing (which I love. Boo and hiss your villains)” – Garcia finds heartwarming interactions after the show. These moments occur during talkbacks and at the stage door, where Garcia meets people of all ages dressed as characters from PETER PAN, expressing how much the show means to them. “When they share how much it means to them, it means a lot to me,” Garcia conveys, highlighting the powerful connection between the performers and the audience.
The Audition Journey and Dream Roles Beyond Neverland
Garcia’s audition process was traditional, involving tapes and in-person callbacks. However, their history with the production began earlier, having had the opportunity to read the script for various characters during its development. Looking beyond Captain Hook, Garcia’s dream roles are vast and varied. “Again, how much time do you have,” Garcia playfully responds when asked about dream roles, revealing a deep passion for musical theatre. The Phantom of the Opera tops the list, with Garcia desiring to play both Raoul and the Phantom, and even direct a production in an intimate setting. Other dream roles include Fiyero in Wicked, Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!, and Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard, showcasing a range from comedic to dramatic characters. Garcia also expresses a strong affinity for Sondheim shows and villainous roles like Scar, Gaston, Frollo, Hades, and Miss Trunchbull. A particularly ambitious dream is to originate the role of Jack Skellington should The Nightmare Before Christmas come to Broadway.
Touring Essentials and Favorite Cities
Life on tour requires certain comforts, and for Garcia, a specific item is indispensable. “I have the best pillow in the world and I wouldn’t be able to sleep without it. So, that.” This simple necessity underscores the importance of personal well-being while traveling for extended periods. When asked about a favorite city on tour, Garcia mentions their hometown, San Antonio, Texas. “This sounds cliche, but I loved going to my home town of San Antonio, Texas,” Garcia admits, highlighting the personal significance of performing at the beautiful Majestic Theatre, where they once worked as an usher. While many cities have offered amazing experiences, the demanding tour schedule often limits exploration. However, Garcia expresses hope to return and further discover these locations.
Exploring the Outdoors: A Touring Highlight
Garcia’s favorite aspect of touring, particularly with PETER PAN, involves outdoor adventures. “My favorite thing I have done on all my tours always involves being outdoors. Hiking, swimming, seeing what land is around and has to offer.” This production has provided unique opportunities for exploration, thanks to Kenny Ramos, the tour’s honorary National Parks Ambassador. Garcia has visited National Parks they were previously unaware of, citing Biscayne National Park and Channel Islands National Park as personal favorites. These outdoor experiences provide a refreshing contrast to the demanding schedule of a national tour.
PETER PAN’s engagement at Juanita K. Hammons Hall in Springfield was part of the Great Southern Bank Broadway Season, offering audiences a chance to witness this innovative and inclusive production. To learn more about PETER PAN and future performances, visit HammonsHall.com/PeterPan. Cody Garcia’s portrayal of Captain Hook is a must-see, adding a unique chapter to the legacy of who played Captain Hook in Peter Pan.
