He didn't have a traditional start in theater, but that hasn't slowed him down. Jacques C. Smith, coming to Buffalo in the touring musical THE BOOK OF MORMON at Shea's Performing Arts Center April 30 to May 12, talks about the acting life.
Actor Jacques C. Smith plays the role of Mafala Hatimbi in THE BOOK OF MORMON at Shea's Performing Arts Center
Credit bookofmormonbroadway.com/gallery
Smith plays Ugandan villager Mafala Hatimbi who helps the Mormon missionaries adjust to life in Africa, all the while trying to protect his daughter Nabulungi from the local warlord.
In this conversation he talks about life on the road, how he got his start, and compares his television career (for example in the prison series OZ) with Broadway. He also talks about how many people come to the theater after hearing that the show is irreverant, but walk away realizing that it has a great message. In fact, he's looking forward to the upcoming performance in Salt Lake City, home of the Mormon Church, because past tours report that the audience there loves all the jokes.
A little older than many of the actors on the tour, Smith says that his early athletic career has helped him keep up with the younger performers. That, and carefully choosing his roles!
