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.
