Beginning this week on All My Children, the character of Zach Slater (Thorsten Kaye) has a new henchman named Marty who will impact the lives of everyone surrounding Zach and the casino. Cast in the recurring role of Marty is Christian Hoff, who is likewise concurrently appearing on Broadway in the smash hit, Jersey Boys, as Tommy DeVito. Hoff was kind enough to take a few moments from his very hectic schedule to talk with Soapdom about playing the leader of the band, The Four Seasons, in Jersey Boys and his new role on AMC.
'Jersey Boys is my second Broadway show,' Hoff shared right off the bat. 'My first was The Who's Tommy, another smash crossover hit under the direction of Des McAnuff.' According to Hoff, when director Des McAnuff was putting together this production [of Jersey Boys] in its early stages, he recruited Hoff and began building the show and Hoff's role in it. 'He has used my personality and talents to fill the living, breathing shoes of the real Tommy DeVito, the headstrong, brash and resourceful founder of the band, The Four Seasons. Evidently the shoe fits!'
Playing a real-life person such as Tommy DiVito in Jersey Boys brings with it some real-life 'six degrees of Kevin Beacon,' which Hoff totally embraces. 'It's so neat to connect real life to the show and its history,' he said. 'Everyday has a new surprise connection; an old friend of Tommy DeVito's, a sound engineer from a '65 recording session, or my portrayal reminding a gal of someone she made out with in the back of a Plymouth Belvedere in "59. Our reach with Jersey Boys is so broad and the generations keep growing from the boomers, to their children, and now their grand kids!'
Hoff went on to compare his recurring role on AMC with his role in Jersey Boys. 'Marty on AMC is a bit like Tommy in Jersey Boys. He is an enterprising, street-wise right-hand man torn between loyalty and the need to survive,' said Hoff. 'Both characters have a tendency to enjoy themselves along the way. In Pine Valley as in Jersey, there is an attraction to cash and casinos. Watch out for some surprises!'
Although Hoff wouldn't hint at exactly what those surprises might be, he did give us some insight as to what it was like working with a casino owner who is head-over-heels in love, but has some secrets to hide. 'Working with my boss on the show, Thorsten Kaye, (Zach) is a real treat,' said Hoff. 'His cool intensity is balanced with a heart and enthusiasm both on screen and off.'
But how does a Broadway show star that is appearing in eight shows a week fit a daytime drama role into his hectic schedule?
'The producers of All My Children have been graciously and skillfully accommodating my performance schedule and I look forward to more AMC opportunities,' said Hoff. 'Performing on Broadway eight shows a week keeps me sharp. This edge, balanced with nearly thirty years of experience as an actor, is a winning combination when called to jump in and fill a role as I have done with Marty on AMC.'
Along with Zach, Marty will impact a number of other Pine Valley denizens. 'My initial storyline involves Kelli Giddish (Di), Cameron Mathison (Ryan), Michael E. Knight (Tad), Alicia Minshew (Kendall) and James Scott (Ethan).' Just how Marty will affect said characters remains to be seen, so be sure to tune in.
For Hoff, performing was always a passion, but it is far from the only thing in his life. 'It takes a back seat to my beautiful wife, Melissa, and kids Eli and Erika,' Hoff told Soapdom. 'As long as we are all in the limousine together, the road ahead looks great to me.'
Hoff's first air date as Marty on All My Children is Tuesday, January 30th.
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