IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! BACKSTAGE GUIDE 9 HOLIDAY LIGHTENING ROUND “What do you think of when you hear…” George & Mary Bailey: "You want the moon? Well, you just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down and give it to ya." Holiday treats: Sugar cookies Traditions: Fiddler on the Roof Snow: "I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow..." American Blues: Family. THE BACKSTORY WITH MICHAEL MAHLER American Blues Theater Ensemble member Michael Mahler is the Music Director and the Announcer/Pianist for It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago. We asked Michael to share some lesser-known facts about himself in “The BackStory”. Camille Robinson and Michael Mahler in the 2015 production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! Michael Mahler in the 2016 production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! If I didn't work in theater: I'd be in a Beatles cover band. Is that different enough from theatre? Maybe I'd work an office desk job and play in a Beatles cover band on weekends. Childhood nickname: Gumba Best career advice I’ve received: If there's anything else (other than theatre) that you can even remotely imagine yourself being happy doing, do that. Favorite part of the job: The camaraderie - Chicago actors are a rare wonderful breed who put the craft first and support each other. I feel so incredibly lucky to get to live and work in this community. Worst part of the job: Auditioning is the worst. It's a necessary evil. But it's like applying for / interviewing for a new job multiple times a week. It's hard not to take the constant rejection personally. How I made my first dollar: Tooth fairy. And then in high school I worked at Sears in the kids' section. I wanted to sell Nintendos, but I ended up mostly dealing with strollers and onesies. Last meal you’d want: Hmm... as a recovering vegetarian, I gotta say Steak & Shake. Favorite item of clothing: I have a lot of hats that I like that Dara (my wife) won't let me wear because she says they look ridiculous. If you could invent one thing: I wish there was a personal weather regulator - so no matter where you are, you are the perfect temperature. Maybe that's a selfish invention... First I'd invent Star Trek replicators to eradicate hunger and disease. Second I'd invent the personal weather regulator thing. One of my hidden talents: I can whistle, but only inwardly. And I do a mean Kermit the Frog impression.