Wiley and the Hairy Man

Date: February- March 1989
Role: Wyley
Theater: Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre, Moulton Theatre, Laguna Beach, CA
Director: Joe Lauderdale

Plot: Based on Suzan Zeder’s children’s play rooted in Southern folklore, Wiley and the Hairy Man follows a young boy living on the edge of the Tombigbee Swamp who must outsmart the mysterious Hairy Man three times. Guided by his conjure-woman mother and his loyal dog, Wyley confronts fear, superstition, and imagination as the swamp — brought to life through rhyme, rhythm, and an active chorus — becomes both antagonist and teacher.

Production notes: This was Pedro Pascal’s (credited as Peter Balmaceda) first audition, first stage performance, and first lead role. The Laguna production was immersive, using dry ice fog, environmental sound, and a movement-based chorus painted to blend into the set. Reviews from the Los Angeles Times and Orange County Register highlighted the atmospheric staging and confirmed Pedro’s casting as Wyley, noting the play’s blend of humor, suspense, and childhood fears.

Personal note: Pedro later recalled the experience as the moment his family realized he wanted to pursue acting, saying it marked the shift from swimming to theatre.

Sources:
Los Angeles Times coverage (1987); Orange County Register archives; Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre production notes