Broadway actor directs local plays

Eastern Idaho has many talented people who have gone on to make it big, whether it’s in music, theater, sports or business. Occasionally those people come back home to share what they’ve learned.

Broadway actor David Walker came back. After growing up in a musical family in Labelle, outside Rigby, Walker headed to New York where he landed roles in several Broadway touring musicals, from “Music Man” to” Aida.”

“I ran off to New York City, and auditioned and had a blast,” Walker said.

But after a while Walker decided to bring his talents back to Idaho directing plays locally, like for The Mystique Theater in Chubbuck and The Playmill in West Yellowstone.

“I try to show the people that I work with, teach, help, inspire and just let them know what the music theater world really is like and tell them about what it means to have integrity as a human being, as an artist, that’s what I focus on now,” Walker said.

Lead actress Sarah Jackson is thrilled to be directed by someone with Walker’s experience. She plays the role of Millie at The Mystique production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

“Anyone that works with him can attest to his inspirational way,” Jackson said. “He just has a way of lifting you up and teaching you along the process, so I think he has something unique and vital to add, for sure.”

Jackson and Walker agree nothing beats going to a theater like The Mystique to enjoy a live show.

“Oh, you cannot get the same experience watching a movie as you can watching live theater — there is something so magical when you can as an actor communicate with your audience,” Jackson said.

“We’re right up there with them,” Walker said. “We’re on stage with them. We’re going through what they’re going through because we’re watching them live.”

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” runs Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays through May 10. For tickets and show times go to mystiquetheater.com or call 238-8001.