We are just a few weeks away from the opening of our 2024-2025 Great Southern Bank Broadway Season! PETER PAN comes to Juanita K. Hammons Hall September 9-11. Raye Zaragoza plays Tiger Lily in the new Broadway National Tour of the classic tale of the boy who won’t grow up. We asked Zaragoza about life on the road and how this new interpretation of the show has reshaped her portrayal of the character of Tiger Lily. 

RAYE ZARAGOZA (Tiger Lily) has been called “one of the freshest and most compelling voices in folk music today” by NPR. The LA-based singer-songwriter, who recently released her third studio album Hold That Spirit, makes political folk music that is informed by her identity as a woman of mixed Indigenous, Asian and Latina heritage. In addition to inspiring change with her music and performing at iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater and Lincoln Center, Zaragoza also writes the music for Netflix’s ‘Spirit Rangers.’ She is thrilled to return to the theatrical stage as Tiger Lily. Follow the journey @rayezaragoza.

What was your path to becoming a professional actor? 

I grew up in a show business family in New York City, and my Dad played Chief Sitting Bull in Annie Get Your Gun on Broadway when I was in kindergarten. Pretty much since then, I always knew I wanted to be a performer. As a kid, I did musical theater and that eventually led me to pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter throughout my twenties. It was amazing to come full circle this year getting to play Tiger Lily in Peter Pan – since I haven’t done much acting since I was a kid! 

If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?

Well, I guess I wouldn’t consider myself an actor. I am more of a singer-songwriter revisiting acting for this project! But if I wasn’t a performer, I would probably just be behind the scenes as a writer. 

What is new about this production of PETER PAN?

Larissa Fasthorse brought Peter Pan to 2024. My favorite update is how the tribe is now indigenous people from all over the world who have come to Neverland to preserve their culture – making the tribe incredibly diverse! Tiger Lily is also now the empowered leader of the tribe, instead of the silent daughter of the chief. 

How have audiences reacted to this updated version of the classic story?

Audiences have loved it! It’s really amazing to see how much people of all ages have connected with the updates. 

Can you share a particularly memorable or touching moment you’ve experienced while performing in this show that stands out to you?

One day when I was leaving the Pantages [Theatre in Los Angeles], a gymnastics team of girls were screaming “Tiger Lily!” And telling me how much they loved my performance. It was so touching, and reminded me that what we are doing is empowering the youth! 

What was the audition process like for this show?

When I first got the audition for this role, I was uncertain if I was right for the role since I haven’t done any acting in over a decade. And I had hardly done any dancing in about a decade! I really have just been a singer and writer for a long time. But then I decided to audition anyway because it sounded like it could be a lot of fun and an amazing opportunity. I taped my first audition in a hotel room while I was on tour with my music, and then had two callbacks in person in New York City. I remember I was out with my friend for lunch when I got the offer and it was super exciting. 

Dream role?

My dream role would be to be behind the table as a composer for my own musical! 

What item can’t you live without while on tour?

I can’t live without my yoga mat on tour! 

Favorite city you’ve played on tour?

Definitely The Pantages in LA! It was always my dream to play there. 

Favorite part about touring the country with PETER PAN?

My favorite part is definitely the community aspect and getting to travel the country with great friends. We’ve made so many memories together! 

 

PETER PAN plays three performances in Springfield, September 9-11, as part of the Great Southern Bank Broadway Season at Juanita K. Hammons Hall. Visit HammonsHall.com/PeterPan to learn more and to purchase tickets.