DAVID WALTON

David Walton stars in the South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s production of Candide on January 16

By Mike Jeknavorian

Mike Jeknavorian: Where did you grow up?

David Walton: In Nashville, Tennessee. 

MJ: Where do you live now?

DW: In St. Paul, Minnesota. 

MJ: What’s special about where you live?

DW: Minnesota is a beautiful and inviting state that embraces all four seasons to the extreme. 

MJ: If you had to live somewhere else other, where would you live?

DW: In Madison, Wisconsin. 

MJ: Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now?

DW: A restaurant server. 

MJ: Who’s your favorite composer?

DW: Bach.

MJ: What’s your favorite opera?

DW: Nixon in China.

MJ: What’s your favorite musical?

DW: Next to Normal.

MJ: Who’s the best male opera singer?

DW: Francisco Araiza. He’s the most consistent tenor and sang a very broad selection of tenor roles.

MJ: Who’s your favorite pop or rock star?

DW: Brandon Boyd. 

MJ: What’s the best city or country that you’ve performed in?

DW: Muscat, Oman, because of the kind and warm people, the gorgeous landscape, and the amazing venue at the Royal Opera House of Muscat.   

MJ: What’s the best venue that you’ve ever performed in?

DW: The Royal Opera House of Muscat; it has wood-paneled walls and balconies.  There’s also a chance that you perform for no audience if the Sultan wants to attend.

MJ: What’s the hardest role you ever sung?

DW: Almaviva.  It’s a long role; you’re on stage about 80 percent of the time. You basically play four different roles and have to sing effortlessly the entire time. 

MJ: What’s the strangest role that you’ve ever done?

DW: Tom in Companionship by Rachel Peters.  He’s the exterminator and boyfriend of the crazy baker’s sister who tries to kill the loaf of bread that came to life. 

MJ: What’s the most unusual thing that’s ever happened to you on stage?

DW: Snacking on gummy bears underneath a set piece. 

MJ: What’s your dream role?

DW: Tom Rakewell in The Rakes Progress.

MJ: Where can we see you next after Candide is over?

DW: As Don Ottavio Don Giovanni in Livermore, California, and as Almaviva in The Barber of Seville in St. Paul, Minnesota.