Captain Hook tells his tale with Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative

LACONIA — Following its recent production of "Peter and the Starcatcher," an origin story of Peter Pan, Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative brings a staged reading of John Pielmier’s play, "Hook’s Tale," to the Lakes Region for two performances only. The play will be performed Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Laconia Public Library at 1 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Taylor Community at 3 p.m. Both performances are free to the public and part of Powerhouse’s 2026 Spark Series sponsored by The Taylor Community and The Laconia Daily Sun.

Written as an ironic response to JM Barrie’s original version of Peter Pan, we finally learn Captain Hook’s back story and all the things Barrie got wrong — he’s not a bad guy at all — as Hook himself, abetted by his right hand man, Smee, takes you back to Hook’s childhood and his first interactions with Pan — the real bad guy of the story.

Hook will be played by Joel Iwaskiewicz fresh off playing a different comedic version of Hook as Black Stache in "Peter and the Starcatcher." Joel will be joined by Laura Iwaskiewicz as Smee. Joel and Laura are long time Powerhouse performers, members of the 10 Show Club, and last played a two-hander together in Powerhouse’s well-received production of "Daddy Long Legs."

“This play feels like a theatrical playground. Watching two actors bring an entire ensemble of characters to life is a rare thrill for both the audience and the performers,” said Joel. 

While not inappropriate for children, this is a play written for adults and it is recommended for adults and kids 10 and up. Reservations are not required but there is an RSVP and more information on the production at powerhousenh.org/hook.