BWW Interviews: Tim Hackney of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at State Theatre, New Brunswick

On Thursday, March 19th the Tony Award-winning play Peter and the Starcatcher comes to New Jersey's State Theatre in New Brunswick. The swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan is a bit of a homecoming for 'Jersey boy' Tim Hackney, who plays the role of Mrs. Bumbrake in the hit comedy. We caught up with the actor on the road to talk about his upcoming pit stop in the Garden State.

Hi Tim! Tell me a bit about where in New Jersey you were brought up and when you first realized you wanted to be a performer.

I was raised in Annandale. It was a good place to grow up, lots of farmland and nature to be around. Also, I was lucky that it was so close to New York. My parents would take me into the city pretty often to see shows. My mom was a dancer and got everyone in my family into the arts. My sister especially loved musicals and did all the shows at our high school - North Hunterdon. One of the productions needed boys, so she brought me in. I pretty much owe her my entire life! I feel very lucky that I went to school at North. They have an amazing music program there, and I had a few teachers who were very supportive. What I learned about music and language I still apply in my career today.

During high school you attended Paper Mill Playhouse's Musical Theatre Conservatory. What was that like?

Paper Mill was one of the most exciting experiences I've ever had. It was just amazing to find people with the same interests as me. It was also intimidating! Some of the most talented kids in New Jersey were there, most of them were already working actors, and I was just this kid who had fun in musicals. But Paper Mill taught me how to be a professional. They gave me the confidence to pursue acting professionally. There isn't a better program. I love them!

Are any of your Paper Mill classmates are also working in the industry? We want names!

Oh wow, there are so many! Rob McClure (Honeymoon in Vegas) was my improv teacher and just the most amazing mentor. He is really the guy that helped me come out of my shell and be okay with pursuing this as a living. Also, Sam Futerman, Paul Iacono, Monette McKay, Matt Ban, Jelani Remy, the list goes on and on. I do my best to keep up with everyone. I'm so proud to be part of such a talented group!

Did you go to college or acting school?

I studied at Montclair State University to pursue my BFA in Acting, and then completed the two year program at the William Esper Studio in New York.

Catch us up on your career. What were some of the highlights? Favorite role? Favorite production? Favorite theatre company?

My first job was at the Bucks County Playhouse. I did a few seasons of stock there. Then I went on tour and worked regionally pretty much exclusively in musicals for a few years. I decided I wanted to train more and focus on plays, so I studied at the William Esper Studio. Since I graduated, I've had some exciting opportunities! I got to originate a role in The Whaleship Essex by Joe Forbrich. Originating a role has always been a dream of mine, and Joe is just a guy I really respect and look up to. It was an amazing experience! I also got to play Joe Pitt in Angels in America at Playhouse on Park in Connecticut. That was the hardest thing I've ever done.

Do you have any performers that you really admire? What's your dream role?

I would drop anything to see Mark Rylance. I also love Sam Rockwell, Laurie Metcalf, Nina Arianda, Brian d'Arcy James, Christian Borle, just to name a few. Dream roles...I would love a crack at Hamlet, or Tom in The Glass Menagerie.

Do you have any film or television aspirations? Have you done anything we might Netflix or DVR?

Stage is my passion but I love acting on camera. I haven't done anything of note on screen yet, but I look forward to the opportunity.

Did you see Peter and the Starcatcher on (or off) Broadway before being cast in the tour?

I saw the original cast on Broadway. I remember being absolutely blown away by how perfect the staging is. A lot of geniuses are behind this show.

How's the tour going? Besides New Brunswick, are there any cities you really looking forward to playing?

Touring is great. I love the opportunity to share this play in a lot of places that probably have never heard of it. It's an amazing feeling to watch audiences fall in love with it every night. I toured for a few years with The Drowsy Chaperone right out of college which was an amazing experience. I learned a lot about professionalism from the touring vets. I am really excited for most of the cities actually. The old theaters you get to play are really exciting, you can feel the history in all of them. I am especially looking forward to Kansas City though. I am a huge BBQ fan!

I see you play Mrs. Bumbrake. What's it like to play a female character?

I love playing all the female roles in the play. One of the things I love is that it isn't really a drag role. I wear pants, a vest a tie, and an apron. It's up to me as an actor to create these women every night. It's just very challenging. I love it!

When you're not on tour, where do you call home? Is there someone special in your life?

I live in Brooklyn with my wife Lindsay and my two cats. We actually met on tour in The Drowsy Chaperone. Usually to relax I'll just enjoy a dinner with her. We both work ridiculously hard so during those rare moments when we are both home it's nice to just talk to each other. Usually it also involves watching a sci-fi or horror movie that she recommends. She's just the best!

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Peter and the Starcatcher plays the State Theatre, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey, on Thursday, March 19 at 7:00pm. Tickets are available at www.statetheatrenj.org or by calling 732-246-7469. For more information about the play visit peterandthestarcatcher.com. For more information about Tim Hackney visit www.timhackney.com.