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A Veteran Villain

Alumnus Peter Hargrave plays Scar in the National Touring Production of The Lion King

Photo: Matthew MurphyPeter Hargrave

Peter Hargrave (GRS ’18, theater) will never forget the first time he saw a theatrical production of the Disney musical The Lion King. On a family trip to London, his father surprised him with front-row tickets. Hargrave, who was 11 at the time, fell in love with both the spectacle and intimacy of live theater. That experience sparked a lifelong love of performing. Today, Hargrave is living his theatrical dreams, playing the villainous Scar in the North American touring production of The Lion King. He has also appeared in many regional theater productions and in television shows such as Law and Order: SVU. He spoke to Think about why he is often cast as a villain, and what he misses about Cleveland.

Where are you now?

We’re in Portland, Oregon. I’ve been on the road with the show since August of 2022. For someone who grew up in a remote part of West Texas, everywhere seems remarkable in its own way. As principal actors, we work on year-to-year contracts. Currently, my contract runs through September, so I’m soaking up the adventure until at least then.

What is your performance schedule like?

We do eight shows a week, 52 weeks a year. Every week is the same, and every day is different. I get to the theater an hour before to get into makeup, which takes about 35 minutes. It can be a grueling schedule, and you have to take care of yourself. Being an actor is not dissimilar to being an athlete. Getting enough sleep, eating well and maintaining an exercise routine is really important. Obviously, there’s an enormous payoff. Getting to play to 2,500 people every night is absolutely amazing. You’ve played many villains on stage and TV.

Are you naturally drawn to these roles?

I don’t have an affinity for villains in my life, but a lot of times, the villains have chosen me. When I’m under fabulous theatrical lighting, it turns out my big nose and asymmetrical eyes make me look pretty villainous. I’ve been cast in a lot of roles as the guy who appears to be nice and then turns out to be evil. But I don’t mind, because every story needs a hero, and to have a great hero you need a great villain.

You’ve been singled out in reviews for injecting humor into Scar. Was that a conscious choice?

Comedy is what I did growing up. It’s where I have a lot of fun. In The Lion King, some really dark things happen because of Scar, so I try to bring some levity to other moments where I can.

Do you see a connection between this role and your experience at Case Western Reserve?

I wouldn’t have this job if it weren’t for [the CWRU/ Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program]. It’s consistently ranked in the top 15 grad schools, but I think it’s number one. It allows actors to pursue a higher-level acting program for free [with a three-year tuition waiver] and also gives them a stipend. And the university’s partnership with the Cleveland Play House gives you the opportunity to do shows with professionals. I left with confidence and connections. So many things in my career I trace back to my time there.

Do you ever get to go back to Cleveland?

My wife and I will manufacture reasons to go back there so we can go to Angelo’s Pizza. We live in New York City now, which is supposed to have the best pizza in the country, but in our opinion, it doesn’t hold a candle to Angelo’s.

— JENNIE YABROFF