By Eva Trieger
LA JOLLA, California–When Becky Baird, the former Artistic Director of J Company, announced she would be going on maternity leave, Joey Landwehr lept to the fore and said, “I want your job.” And thus a star was, well not born, but launched, in our own Lawrence Family’s JCC galaxy.
Landwehr realized that he was a Disney Freak early on. Growing up in New York City exposed this young actor to lots of theater, further, the J Company Director told me it also fueled his “rural mission: To have a palm tree in my backyard.” The alignment of these stars could only mean one of two things. He would have to seek his fortune and future near Disneyworld or Disneyland.
Before leaving the Big Apple, Landwehr made some excellent San Diego connections. In 1993 he was cast in former La Jolla Playhouse Director’s youth version of The Who’s Tommy on Broadway! The collaboration with Des McAnuff would prove most rewarding and would serve to actualize Landwehr’s vision of living nearer his Mecca, Disneyland. In 2003, Joey Landwehr arrived in San Diego and began to put down roots.
In 2006, Landwehr took the Artistic Directorship of the J Company and told me that he could not choose; every production is his favorite. Along with support and valued input of Des McAnuff and Jamie Gilchrist, Landwehr put the season together, directed, cast, and budgeted an exciting program. “We are proud of the work we’ve done,” effused Landwehr.
The J Company offers classes for children as young as four years old, and casts children from seven to nineteen years of age. Landwehr feels it is his duty and passion to “infuse energy” into the innocence of the students. He has seen the students “grow fast and so beautifully in so many ways.” This director told me that he prides himself on not pre-casting, but instead encourages new actors to try out for roles that intrigue and excite them.
The Little Mermaid is Landwehr’s all time favorite Disney production. He reported that he connects to the underlying themes: be who you are, and when you fall in love with someone it is an all consuming and respectful love. Over 140 actors tried out for the seventy roles. Selections were difficult to make, but Landwehr is pleased with his cast and although Ariel has only had one previous show, the director is confident in his choice.
The season promises to delight and entertain with Shrek the Musical, Wizard of Oz, and Disney’s Tarzan, a California premiere. Each of these productions will contain the “Joey Spin” which will set them apart from any show you may have seen before.
The J Company is so fortunate to have Joey Landwehr’s expertise and commitment. While this fellow has been on Broadway, appeared at Carnegie Hall, graced film and television, as well as international venues, he told me that he was “happy as a clam. Small wonder he is right at home with The Little Mermaid.
December 6-15. Tickets available at lfjcc.org or call the Box Office at 858-362-1348
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com