Nik Walker
This week On the Couch is Nik Walker, currently Masquerading as the Phantom of the Opera in the immersive Masquerade. The Phantom is certainly not his only iconic theater role, as he returns to the stage fresh off playing Sir Galahad in Spamalot, and Aaron Burr in Hamilton on Broadway. When off the stage, you might find him at a theme park, or perhaps rooting for Sinners at the upcoming Academy Awards. Read below for our full interview, and maybe even pick up a restaurant recommendation or two.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
I’d say that ONE OF my best assets is my neurospicyness- in my case, ADHD and anxiety. Takes a lot of energy to regulate and discipline, but it also provides me with a seemingly endless supply of hyper focus, for goals that I want to achieve; whenever I meet a wall or obstacle, it’s very easy for me to think out of the box and imagine a way forward.
What was your proudest moment?
Watching my wife graduate grad school, through the Old Globe USD MFA program. She worked soooo hard, and we both sacrificed a lot to make that work- it was thrilling to get to celebrate all she’d accomplished.
What is your favorite drink?
My favorite boozy drink is a gold rush- bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, muddled ginger, with an optional egg white for foam. My favorite non-boozy drink- probably a good ginger beer.
What is your favorite food?
Pancakes- specifically the honey butter pancakes from Golden Diner.
What is your favorite condiment?
Ketchup.
What is your current obsession?
Anything having to do with Sinners.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Candy. I’d miss it. But candy.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Starring in a project on a major platform or stage that I created myself.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Theme park vacations.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Procrastinating.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Racism.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My tenacity.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My inability to slow down.
What in the world most thrills you?
When I can see a glimpse into a writer’s personal life or heart, by experiencing their work.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Gotcha-debates. People debating other people in order to produce sound bytes, instead of to create community and inclusively challenge minds.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Walking onstage without a microphone while playing Aaron Burr in Hamilton.
What is your favorite place in the world?
I have three- Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. Copley Square in Boston. Tokyo DisneySea.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
I look for a sense of wit and humor, and someone who isn’t afraid to nerd out!
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Ughhhhhhh… both? I love both dogs and cats! This is a Sophie’s Choice question.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
We’d be in a theme park, cuz obviously- staying club level in one of the deluxe hotels at Walt Disney World. I would have unlimited fast passes for all my favorite rides, and reservations for the California Grill, right at the time of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. My wife and all my boys would be there.
What is your personal motto?
My personal motto is a line my grandfather wrote on his high school year book page- “The storms may rage. The storms may blow. But I contend forever.”