By Eva Trieger
LA JOLLA, California –A midlevel thrum filled the rehearsal room at the JCC as nearly seventy actors sat in clusters, largely defined by age, or perhaps by character, here a munchkin, there an Auntie Em. On this particular Sunday, Joey Landwehr had installed two assistants to oversee the commotion and arrange for me to interview some of the actors in a private interview room across the hall.
The J Company’s masterful and ebullient director has again culled a cadre of young thespians and updated one of our childhood favorites, The Wizard of Oz. This production boasts a troop of alumni and newbies. I was most fortunate to get the inside scoop from some “swan song” actors who wistfully shared their joy filled nostalgic memories of performances past.
Becca Myers (Dorothy) told me that she believes this is her thirteenth show with J Company. You may remember her winning smile from Funny Girl, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Shrek. Myers is unsure if her future career will spotlight theater, but she is certain that New York is in her cards. When learning a role, Myers finds herself “bringing the character into the rest of my life.” During this show, Becca, normally a self-confident high school senior, found herself feeling homesick while on a school retreat. She could only attribute this unfamiliar sensation with Dorothy’s dilemma! When not on stage, Becca admitted to watching other actors to “steal their techniques so that I become a more convincing actress.” It is with a sense of bittersweet that Becca bids adieu to J Company.
Though I should have been quivering or at least cautious with my questions, the charming personality of the Wicked Witch of the West put me at ease. Keila Ashkenasi has appeared in Alice in Wonderland and Thoroughly Modern Millie for which she learned (and suspects, butchered) some Cantonese and Mandarin! While acting will always be a hobby, Keila is a scientist at heart and plans to pursue that field in university. When asked what this show taught her about herself, Keila delighted in “finding my cackle!” The actress did not know she possessed such a demonic, evil streak and she loved exploring it. Keila enjoys strange, weird musicals, such as Cabaret and leaves her little sister in the most capable hands of J Company.
How fitting that his first and last shows with J Company should be The Wizard of Oz, says Josh Shtein. His transformation from Munchkin to Lion occurred over the span of 23 shows on this very stage! The role of Cowardly Lion was a new one for Shtein who reported that he generally plays serious dramatic roles. He enjoyed the exercise and effort in loosening up and getting in touch with his comedic capabilities. He credited Landwehr with seeing this possibility in him and drawing it out. Studying Burt Larr’s lion, Shtein observed and personalized it to make the character his own. He reported that he loved the spontaneity and direction to “go crazy.” Josh would like to inspire younger kids in the audience, just as he recalls being inspired by the shows he attended as a child.
A brave newcomer to J Company, Collin Seaman, is cast as understudy for the Scarecrow. This University City High School student is elated to find that he can sing! He joined the cast feeling a little shaky about his ability but is growing into the role. Collin shared that as he has improved, and though the experience is humbling, he is also gaining loads of confidence and expecting even more from himself. From watching other actors, Collin told me that “you can’t hold back.” He explained that the more he reached into himself, the more pay dirt he hit! Collin comes from a family of actors and appreciates good theater. When asked if there was anyone in particular he’d like to have attend his show, he looked directly at me and said, “Yes. There’s a girl.” Hmmmm. I hope she won’t disappoint the Scarecrow, because we know it’s not a heart for which he’s off to see the Wizard!
Speaking of the Tin Man, I next interviewed Jonas McMullen, who is enjoying his sixth show with J Company. For Jonas, the most exciting part is seeing how the all the younger kids are intrigued by the acting, stage, choreography etc. He told me that while he will most definitely audition for future shows, at present he is unsure about a career. What acting teaches this Tin Man is that he “can expand as an actor and keep setting a new line of boundaries” beyond what he previously thought. Hopefully, relatives from New York will pass up another snow storm in favor of attending a performance at the J Company. Jonas told me that he came to acting by default. This dedicated athlete broke his collarbone and was unable to play his beloved sports, so he decided to check out the stage and, as they say….a star was born. His friends at Earl Warren Middle school support his theater endeavors and will likely be in the audience.
Even without her wand, I’d have recognized Glinda by her benevolent smile and grace. Hannah Houts will give her farewell performance after 23 shows with J Company. Though she has enjoyed the lead role in a number of shows, Hannah is now looking forward to following a business path as she gears up for college. Acting, Hannah told me, has taught her that you must push yourself to become great, on stage and off. In addition, J Company has helped this busy senior learn to internalize time management skills. Hannah’s favorite show is The Lion King so chosen for its costumes and music. Hannah hopes her grandma will be able to attend her final show with J Company, but she’ll be back to see her sister and cousin under Landwehr’s direction because, as we all know, there’s no place like home.
The Wizard of Oz will be performed by J*Company from Feb. 28 through March 9. Tickets may be obtained at the JCC box office.
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com
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