Mike Perlongo is our Laner of the Week!

Originally from Chicago, Mike moved to Michigan to study Musical Theatre at Western Michigan University. He later moved to New York to pursue Musical Theatre! Most of his time is spent auditioning or working on improving his craft, but in his spare time Mike is somewhat of a fitness fanatic, as well as an avid Central Park runner. Mike loves to read, so you can usually find some sort of science fiction book in his backpack! Another big hobby of his is cooking, exploring all types of flavors and experimenting with new recipes!

What do you love about the Lane?

The staff are always friendly, fun, and overall great to be around! I also love that most of the gigs involve interacting with people. I'm very much a people person, so I feel very comfortable in that environment!

What would the title of your autobiography be?

The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Mike Perlongo

What is your go-to coffee order?

Iced Oat Milk Latte, no question.

What is the last book you read or movie your watched?

I'm almost finished reading a book called "Red Mars" It's a pretty immersive fictional account of the colonization of Mars. Worth a read if you're into that kind of thing!

What song best describes you & why?

The song "Breathe" by Pink Floyd is one that's always kind of stuck with me. I always listen to it when life gets a little crazy and I need to calm down. Which, living in New York, seems to happen a lot!

What’s the most useless talent you have?

I can bend my pinkie finger back much further than the average joe.

Describe the best museum/gig/play/game you’ve ever been to.

Well one of the biggest highlights of growing up in Chicago would have to be going to Cubs games at Wrigley Field. Last summer when I went home to visit, my sister and I got some last minute bleacher seats, and I got a VERY uneven farmers tan, but we still managed to have a blast!

What’s your morning ritual like?

I'm very much a morning person, so I like to wake up early and cook for myself! Whatever it is I'm up to that day, there is sure to be plenty of coffee involved in the morning...

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Moving to New York was a pretty big thing for me. It takes a lot to really follow through on your dreams, and moving here was the biggest step I've taken towards achieving my goals. It's almost as if all the work I've done thus far in my life has led me to this, so the fact that I'm here and living those dreams fills me with joy and motivation each and every day.

Chocolate or fruity candy?

Chocolate all the way. Specifically White Chocolate

Last great vacation you took?

I actually recently worked on a cruise ship. So I essentially had a 4 month vacation in the Caribbean!

Favorite rainy day activity?

Movies and popcorn, hands down.

If you could be an Olympic athlete, in what sport would you compete?

Biathlon. Partially because I think its kinda funny and partially because I think it would actually be very hard to train for, and I like a challenge.

When you’re having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?

I've been really into Journaling lately. Not only does it help to get stuff off my chest, but its also great to look back and read entries from better days, to remind myself how grateful I am for the amazing people in my life!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

It costs nothing to have a good attitude!

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

I've always been pretty dead set on being an actor, but my other big childhood dream was to design roller coasters! Sadly, I've given up on that dream, but I do still pull out Roller Coaster Tycoon from time to time.