Alexander Landau

BY

Photos provided by Sharlene Landau

Photos provided by Sharlene Landau

Graduating from Lakeside High School, Alexander Landau has been accepted into the world-famous Young Americans. Alex is the son of Steve and Sharlene Landau and brother of Alyssa Landau, pet columnist for The Friday Flyer. He has lived in Canyon Lake since the age of 5 and got involved in Canyon Lake Community Theatre the first summer after his arrival.

His first role was as the Chicken that Laid the Golden Egg in “Jack and the Giant,” where he is fondly remembered by many in the theater family as the child who was so busy playing Legos that he forgot his cue to go on stage.

Sharlene says, “As a very hyperactive young man, Alex found a home in our wonderful community theater, where he was accepted, nurtured and allowed to grow in mind, spirit and talent in all the children’s plays under the tutelage of his director, Ms. Ilene Moore. His favorite roles included Riptide in ‘Wipe Out,’ Oz in the ‘Wizard of Oz’ and Scott in ‘Dear Edwina.’”

As a teenager, Alex participated in CLCT’s adult productions, held both in the Lodge and at Indian Beach’s Moonlight Theatre. In addition, he enjoyed being in the cast of many high school plays, with his most recent and favorite performance being Phantom in “Phantom of the Opera” at Elsinore High School. He also was thrilled to be a part of Theatre Royal’s student edition of “Les Miserables.”

Alex has been a volunteer in CLCT’s children’s plays for the past four years and recently received a scholarship from CLCT. He also participated in Canyon Lake Cotillion from 4th to 8th grade and then became a student instructor for three more years after that. He fondly remembers facilitator Ed Strong who taught him how to shake hands like a man, be respectful of women and waltz to “Moon River.”

As a child, Alex was in Canyon Lake Little League, as well as soccer and basketball. He has sung the National Anthem at Storm games, was in Boy Scouts and participated in the annual fishing derbies, Easter egg hunts, Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies and Halloween parades. He enjoys Taco Tuesdays and invites his friends to every Fiesta Day. “He is very proud of his city,” says Mom.

Alex is also very active in his church, St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church. He is a member of the youth choir, as well as being an altar server. He also is a core leader for high school youth, where he can share his faith and love for the Lord. Last year he was chosen to be the cantor for Bishop Barnes and is steadfast and strong in his Christian beliefs.

All of these involvements were contributing factors on his college aspirations. Winning this year’s Lake Elsinore Rotary Club Vocal Performance solidified those aspirations. Alex auditioned for The Young Americans and was ecstatic to learn he had been accepted.

The Young Americans was founded over 50 years ago by a Canyon Lake resident Milton Anderson. The prestigious organization is dedicated to the promotion of understanding and goodwill among people throughout the world through music, dance, performance, academic education and cultural interaction among student members and their audiences.

Only 120 students get accepted each year both nationally and internationally. Alex will participate in shows and tours, in addition to receiving an AA degree in Music Performance.

Sharlene say, “He is grateful for this opportunity and will bring his love of music and theater to the nation and world – he very happy to represent our fine city.”

After The Young Americans, Alex will pursue his college aspirations in obtaining a graduate degree in Music and Biology, his two loves. Although Alex will be heading to college in the Fall, Canyon Lakers can see him this summer in the upcoming professional tour of Theatre Royale’s “Les Miserables.”

He was excited to recently be asked to join this talented cast as Bamatabois and ensemble. In the production, he will join Canyon Laker Leslie Vecchione. (Leaving the “Les Mis” cast this season to pursue other interests is another Canyon Lake actor, Kayla Parker.)

Residents are invited to four upcoming performances: Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6, at 8 p.m. at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside; and Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, at 8 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. In addition, Alex will serve as assistant director in Canyon Lake Community Theatre’s all-kids production of “Flower Power” the last weekend of July. He urges everyone to come and support these youthful actors.