Ping-ponging around L.A. and Vegas in pursuit of a ball

IN 2005, Dan Fogler wowed Broadway audiences with his show-stopping performance in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” for which he nabbed a Tony Award. Since then, and despite somewhat unconventional looks, he’s been adopted by Hollywood, starring in the just-released comedy “Balls of Fury” as ping-pong legend Randy Daytona, and as comic support in the upcoming “Good Luck Chuck,” with Jessica Alba (Sept. 21).

“It’s been intense,” says the Manhattan-based actor of his not-so-overnight success.

With four more films due in 2008, we figured a vacation -- albeit the fantasy variety -- was in order.

Wraparound luxury

I’d start by checking in at the Chateau Marmont. They’ve got a super-cool room -- 64 -- that is a kind of super-deluxe rock-star suite. It’s got a 180-degree wraparound balcony with a great view of the city, so I’d invite over 30 of my closest friends for a nice spaghetti Bolognese party, then hang out by the saltwater pool.

Or we might hit Hadaka Sushi across the street -- it used to be the Wacky Waffle House, now it’s sushi. I like their sweet crispy-fried rice balls of fury. They’ve got a naughty menu and a not-so-naughty menu. If you order off the naughty menu, the waitresses serve you in very skimpy attire. Check it out, man. It’s like a dark, hip Koi with attractive ladies.

All he needs is ‘Love’

On Saturday morning, the room at the Chateau would probably be in shambles, so we’d head over to Le Merigot Hotel in Santa Monica. It’s beautiful, quiet and right on the beach, with an incredible spa and a fantastic running track just off the ocean. I’d go for a run with my girlfriend and then come back, have breakfast, get a massage and chill by the water for the rest of the day.

In the late afternoon we’d take a flight to Las Vegas and grab a room at the Bellagio. My girlfriend is a frequent flier there and they know how to take care of her. We’d have dinner at the hotel’s steakhouse, go play some craps, then check out the Beatles’ “Love” show at the Mirage.

One way or another, a theater

On Sunday we’d fly back to L.A. in the afternoon and stay with friends in Los Feliz. If we were lucky, the Black Crowes would be playing the Greek Theatre. Or I might go see some of my friends in theater productions around town. I went to “The Gazillionaire Show” a while back, and it was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. After that, we might end the evening with some dancing at Hyde. Is that still where the cool people go?

-- Mark Sachs