Local Teen Returns to Stage in ‘The Sound of Music’

Fanwood’s rising star , 13, returns to the stage this summer, appearing in Surflight Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music.

The production is a limited engagement, playing through August 25 at the home of “Broadway at the Beach Since 1950,” one of the nation's oldest professional summer theaters located in Beach Haven, Long Beach Island, NJ.

Zitofsky said he is excited to be playing the role of Friedrich, Captain Von Trapp's eldest son. He said he heard about the role because his grandparents live in Long Beach Island during the summer, and he auditioned in March.

“I found out on my 13th birthday that I was chosen to be part of this amazing show,” Zitofsky said. “It's a lot of fun, we have a really great cast, and I get to perform and be at the beach this summer!”

The beloved story of the Von Trapps has become a family classic throughout the years, with such favorite songs as “Do-Re-Mi” and “So Long, Farewell.” This production is directed and choreographed by Charles Abbott, a seasoned Broadway actor and former Artistic Director of Maine State Music Theater, along with Ben Krauss as the musical director.

Zitofsky said that in the show, he sings half a dozen songs with his cast members, many of whom have appeared in Broadway shows and on national tours.

Rehearsals for the show began in June, and the show opened July 26 to a sellout crowd and a standing ovation.

Following every show, it is tradition for cast members to mingle with the audience on the patio outside while still in costume.

“I meet all kinds of people and it's fun,” Zitofsky said.

Sasha has performed in several other professional shows, including the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” in which he danced and sang with The Rockettes in 2010.

Most recently, Zitofsky completed a school year run of New Kid as the lead character Zack, the “new kid” in middle school who deals with bullying. The show is produced by the Random Farms Kids Theater in Elmsford, NY, and is an anti-bullying musical that travels to many schools in the tri-state area.

While a love of theater and dance keep Zitofsky busy, the Park Middle School 8th grader is an honors student and realizes the importance of taking his education seriously.

“I need to keep my grades up in order to do the acting and dance,” Zitofsky said.

The Sound of Music will run 40 shows in total, many of which are weekly matinees, as well as evening shows. Tickets to the show can be purchased online at www.surflight.org and range in price from $36 to $54.