David M. Lutken

David M. Lutken, born in 1957, is an American actor, musician, playwright, and director whose work spans Broadway, regional theater, and international touring productions. He grew up in Dallas, Texas, attending St. Mark's School of Texas before earning a degree in Classical Studies from Duke University in 1979. He subsequently pursued advanced training in London at the Royal School of Church Music, the Royal College of Music, and the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

Lutken's Broadway career extended from 1991 to 2007 and included roles in The Will Rogers Follies, The Civil War, Ring of Fire, and Inherit the Wind. Outside of Broadway, he has developed folk music and American history educational programs for school-age audiences and young adults.

Among his most prominent projects is Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, a touring show he created centered on the life of the folk musician. The production had its premiere at the Edinburgh Festival in 2007 and has since toured across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and China. For his portrayals of Woody Guthrie, Lutken received the Helen Hayes Award and the Jeff Award for Best Actor.