• Hotel, Casino & Club News

Hang Ten with the Cast of Surf the Musical

Surf the Musical, the feel-good production inspired by the songs of the Beach Boys, is fast approaching its summer opening at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. With preview performances starting June 22, it’s time to introduce the talented cast that will take audiences back to the sunny 1960’s California beach life.

Under the direction of an all-star creative team, which includes Tony Award-nominated director Kristin Hanggi and choreographer-to-the-stars RJ Durell, this multi-talented cast is another key ingredient to Surf the Musical’s superb mixture. Beginning with the classic beach party concept, Surf the Musical adds a current and relatable feel that encourages audiences to fall in love with everything the production has to offer, from the characters to the costumes.

Lauren Zakrin stars in the female lead role of Brooke, the rebellious blonde beauty at the center of Surf the Musical. Zakrin’s most recent credits include the national tours of Wicked, Grease and Legally Blonde. Marshal Kennedy Carolan plays the role of Tanner, one of Brooke’s love interests, and is no stranger to Las Vegas, where he played Sky in Mamma Mia! Other credits include Hair on Broadway and the show’s national tour. Alex Ringler plays Rip, Brooke’s other love interest. His Broadway credits include West Side Story and Cats. Riley Costello plays Brooke’s little brother Nelson. His Broadway credits include 13, A New Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, and Everyday Rapture.

Topping off the hot, young cast are veteran actors Robert Torti and Adrian Zmed, who bring with them a plethora of credits on both the screen and stage. Torti plays Brooke’s overprotective father Paul. Torti received a Tony Award nomination for his role in Starlight Express, has starred in the stage and film versions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and has had more than 30 film and television roles. Legendary actor Zmed plays Nick, the wise surf shop owner who offers the teens supreme insight and a cool hangout. Zmed is best known for starring alongside William Shatner in T.J. Hooker, hosting Dance Fever, and playing Johnny, the leader of The T-Birds in Grease 2. Zmed has also gained stage notoriety with starring roles on Broadway and in national tours of Grease, Chicago, Falsettos, Blood Brothers, and premieres of The Ark, and Steven Schwartz’ Children of Eden.

Adding to the fun is Surf the Musical’s ensemble, which features: Todd Buonopane as Doogie, Nick Dalton as Wedge, Tiffany Daniels as Liz, Julie Kotarides as Evelyn, Colt Prattes as Mitch, Joseph Simeone as Wes, Cassie Simone as Caroline, Nikki Tuazon as Rhonda, and Jonathan Walker White as Frankie. The ensemble includes Joseph Corella, Chi Lopes, Trevor Loritz, Rob Peters, Christie Portera, Rhapsody, Amy Ryerson, and Warren Vanover. Bryan Anthony, Brooke Engen, Tiffany Engen, and Ryan Koss will swing the show.

Surf the Musical promises to be Las Vegas’ hottest new musical extravaganza, as audiences are transported into the magic of the early 1960’s and the sweet sounds of summer.

Surf the Musical performs nightly (dark Thursdays) starting June 22 in the Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Showtimes are 7p.m. except Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., with additional performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $144, $104, $84 and $64, excluding taxes and fees and can be purchased in person at the Planet Hollywood Showroom Box Office, online at www.surfthemusical.com and www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. To purchase tickets for groups of 10 or more, call (866) 633-0195.