Get ready for an adventure to Neverland! As the highly anticipated national tour of PETER PAN prepares to take the stage at Juanita K. Hammons Hall from September 9-11, we chatted with Cody Garcia, the talented actor bringing the iconic character of Captain Hook to life. You might remember Cody from his unforgettable performance as Willy Wonka in the CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY tour that dazzled Springfield audiences in 2022. In this blog interview, Cody shares insights into their portrayal of Captain Hook, their journey as a performer, and what makes this production of PETER PAN truly special.
CODY GARCIA (Captain Hook) is a tall and stereotypically indecisive Libra that never acted before but is excited to figure out how it works today. In their spare time, Cody enjoys being a wall flower at social gatherings, dancing like people are watching, and honking at chickens who are taking their sweet time crossing the road. Like most people, Cody lies awake at night wondering what life was like before they sliced bread. One would have to assume it was a pretty crazy time prior to that. Cody would like to dedicate their performance to all the pirates and none of the crocodiles—you know what you did. National tours: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Wonka), Elf (Buddy). Other credits: Urinetown (Officer Lockstock), the Star Wars Ballet (Darth Vader), and Oklahoma (Roustabout #3). Alma mater: Boston Conservatory.
What was your path to becoming a professional actor?
I had been acting since I was about 8. I started taking camps and classes at local theatres around San Antonio, TX. Even though I had other interests, I was constantly giving most of my time to one extra curricular activity, theatre. Growing up, I was doing mostly plays; acting in them, or running all kinds of things backstage. I did my first musical when I was a junior in high school. This led to me going to the Boston Conservatory for college. I now can’t seem to get away from musicals! I have been very blessed and excited about my career, and I look forward to continuing my theatrical journey. I am now looking for more directing opportunities! I’ve directed two full length musicals, several cabarets and drag shows. I’m excited to continue going in that direction as well.
If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?
I always thought I wanted to be a marine biologist, because I loved sea life. Now, if I weren’t an actor, I know I would probably be pursuing an engineering career. I’m considering looking into it still! I do several other things besides acting; I love expanding my horizons. Although I already am a massage therapist, and have studied software engineering extensively, I would have done mechanical engineering, and am hoping to still learn!
What is new about this production of PETER PAN?
How much time do you have? There is so much new about this production. This specific production has never been done before, and it is a pleasure to help give it life. When you first start watching the show, you’ll notice that it doesn’t take place in England in the early 1900s. The script has been updated to a modern unspecified location in the United States. The biggest change though, would be the representation of Indigenous characters and people throughout the story. Originally, these characters are in the story as harmful and inconsiderate stereotypes; On Neverland for some reason, singing songs of cringey gibberish. Gone are those songs. Now, the tribe adds to the magic of Neverland. Our playwright Larissa FastHorse, has made it so each Indigenous character is based on the actual cultural identity of the person playing them. With costumes and names based on a tribe that actually existed in our world, but no longer does because they have gone extinct. These cultures are represented by the last of their people making up TigerLily’s tribe in Neverland. Several members of the cast are enrolled indigenous tribal members from all over the States. Additionally, in our production, Wendy is played by a Black woman. In all the years of the existence of Peter Pan and its major productions, there has never been any Black people represented in any of the leads. Until this most recent film, Peter Pan and Wendy, which featured Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell, a non-speaking role. Hawa Kamara brings a new life to Wendy and audiences are lucky to be seeing her performance. Wendy is also in more of the show. She does more for herself than previous iterations, and even has a new scene where she speaks with Tiger Lily without Peter present.
How have audiences reacted to this updated version of the classic story?
From what I can tell, people seem to be enjoying it! This production, directed by Lonny Price, offers a fresh take to a timeless tale. Many children in the audiences are seeing this show for the first time; this is many of their first musical ever! I think they respond positively to not having to sit through the Edwardian English of it all. Immediately, this new generation can see themselves onstage and hope to see Peter flying by their window. But ultimately, this is the same musical that has been enchanting audiences onstage for the last 70+ years. More seasoned audience members will hear tunes they are familiar with already like “Never Never Land” and “I Won’t Grow Up.” As well as some new songs, and songs that got cut from the original. I love doing Q&A talkbacks with audiences whenever the opportunity arises; many younger kids are so intrigued by how everything works, and many of the older kids comment on how much Peter Pan has affected their whole life, and share their feelings of feeling young again when watching our production.
The flying sequence is fast-paced and nothing short of spectacular. It explodes us into Neverland and sets the tone for the rest of the show. People are dazzled by the magic of the flying, the sets and of course, Tinker Bell.
Can you share a particularly memorable or touching moment you’ve experienced while performing in this show that stands out to you?
I must say, I don’t experience too many touching things during the show. I do like how into it many of the kids get while it’s happening, but for me, people are usually booing (which I love. Boo and hiss your villains). My touching moments happen after during talkbacks or at the stage door where I see all kinds of people dressed as Hook and Peter and Tinker Bell and Wendy. When they share how much it means to them, it means a lot to me.
What was the audition process like for this show?
I had to send in tapes and come in for in person callbacks like everyone else. But my journey with the show started months before all that, as I had the opportunity to read the script a few times as several different characters while it was being developed.
Dream role?
Again, how much time do you have. I must admit, The Phantom of the Opera is a dream show of mine. I would love to play Raoul, or the Phantom, but this is another show I really want to direct (and I want it to be in an intimate space, like a blackbox, or an immersive space). I would love to be Fiyero in Wicked, before I play Dr. Dillamond and then the Wizard. I really want to be Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! And then in 40 years, be Dolly. Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard is a huuuuge dream role of mine. (and then in 20 years, so is Norma. This is thanks to Lonny’s production of Sunset.). And then everyone in every Sondheim show ever. I know I am going to play Sweeney Todd and Judge Turpin one day, but I’d love to play Anthony before I age out. (I probably never will because many casting directors won’t see tall people to represent young people onstage. Because of this, I’ve been playing “old” roles my entire life, even if I was the actual age of whatever character.) I want to be Jamie, PJ, Bobby and Joanne in Company. The Baker and the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. Oh! Leo Bloom in The Producers has been a big one for me for a long time, followed by Roger DeBris. Phil in Groundhog Day. There really are so many here. I wanna continue my villains journey a la Scar in Disney’s The Lion King, Gaston and Frollo. Hades and the Trunchbull. But out of all of them, I really want to originate the role of Jack Skellington when The Nightmare Before Christmas inevitably goes to Broadway.
What item can’t you live without while on tour?
I have the best pillow in the world and I wouldn’t be able to sleep without it. So, that.
Favorite city you’ve played on tour?
This sounds cliche, but I loved going to my home town of San Antonio, Texas. The city is great, the audiences are great and the Majestic Theatre is BEAUTIFUL. I used to usher there for all the tours that came through, so playing there feels surreal and correct. But there have been many amazing experiences in many amazing cities all over the States. I’m very lucky to be able to visit so many of them. Unfortunately, we don’t always have time to explore because we are there to work, so I hope to return to them all!
Favorite part about touring the country with PETER PAN?
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. Specifically with the Pan Play, we have an honorary National Parks Ambassador touring with us, Kenny Ramos, and because of Kenny, I have gone to a few National Parks I’d not heard of or experienced before. This has been my favorite activity that I have done BY FAR while doing the Pan Play. Biscayne National Park and Channel Islands National Park were my two favorites so far.
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.