Earlier this year, when James Clow appeared in New York City as Captain Hook opposite Cathy Rigby, the New York Times gave him the sort of rave review every actor dreams of but few actually ever receive. The show “comes alive” when James Clow appears, said the Times. “So striking an impression does Mr. Clow make that he has only to show himself onstage before the audience begins to boo. With a disdainful glance, he replies, ‘I haven’t done anything yet.’ But he has. He has invested this Peter Pan with…energy and spontaneity….”

“Yes,” confirms Clow. “I try not to read reviews, but friends said I had to, and this one was so generous to me, I was, frankly, a little embarrassed.” Clow will reprise his performance as Captain Hook when Cathy Rigby flies into Shea’s Buffalo next week (Feb. 28-March 5).

Glenn Casale, who directed the production, enthuses over Clow’s performance as well. “I love James. To begin, though he is a wonderful singer, he is an actor first, and that is what you need for a good Captain Hook! Inside that evil man, there is a spoiled little boy, and James understands that.”

Clow feels especially happy to be performing the role opposite Cathy Rigby, who is one of the greatest Peter Pans of all time. “This is her farewell tour and I would really like to be playing Captain Hook for her very last performance, but frankly, there is no end in sight—they keep adding cities [to the tour]! And the praise she has received for this role is so well deserved. She is amazing!”

Of course the special magic of Peter Pan has always been its special appeal to children. Even the great Katharine Cornell recalled that her desire to be an actress began when, as a child, she saw Maude Adams play the role at Buffalo’s Star Theatre.

“The kids are an amazing audience, and you have to be very truthful when you perform for them. I have a lot of leeway and opportunities to ad lib, which is fun. One of my favorite ad libs happened when an audience booed my entrance. I held up my hook and said, ‘Booing the disabled? What bad form!’ They laughed and then they were embarrassed. I got them! You see, I think Captain Hook is a great guy, and my favorite children of all are those deranged little kids who come dressed as Captain Hook! We have a special connection!”

Peter Pan plays at Shea’s Performing Arts Center for one week only.