The Joint is Jumping: Actor Erica Walker Talks Taproot Theatre’s ‘Ain't Misbehavin'’
Taproot Theatre’s production Ain’t Misbehavin’ took over Seattle’s Jewell Mainstage Theatre starting March 18th, 2026, and is now closing this Saturday, April 25th. This week on “The Day with Trae,” host Trae Holiday welcomed Taproot actor Erica Walker to discuss her theatrical debut in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and the collective power of the Black community in Seattle.
A Legacy of Service and Song
Although she may be a new face on the professional theater stage, Walker is not a stranger to singing. Her musical journey began at age 14 when she first directed a choir in church, a passion she has carried through her life.
"I'm a church girl. If I didn't know any better, I would think that I was born literally on the altar of the church because I've been in church all of my life,” she said.
Characterizing Nell Carter
In the Taproot production, Walker plays the role of Nell, a character originally made famous by the legendary actor Nell Carter. "Nell was a vocal beast," Walker said, recounting the challenge of transitioning from her own gospel roots to Carter’s complex jazz chords.
The breakthrough came when the production team encouraged her to stop trying to replicate Carter and instead bring herself to the character. "That calmed me down," Walker said, noting that the process helped her overcome personal struggles with self-esteem and realize that her own voice was enough.
Joy, Hope, and Humanity
While Ain't Misbehavin' is celebrated for its phenomenal dancing and music, Walker hoped the audience would walk away this weekend with a sense of pure joy. She viewed the production as an invitation for all to witness the resilience and magnificence of the Black experience.
"This is our story as African Americans. This is our joy. We are simply inviting others to come in and play along with us to enjoy the joy that we so magnificently display on a daily basis,” she said about the production.
Ain't Misbehavin' closes this Saturday, April 25th at the Jewell Mainstage Theatre, 204 N 85th St, Seattle. Get your tickets here.
Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
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