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Local Musicians Star In Dee Snider's Christmas Tale

(CBS) -- Tommy Hahn was just a teenager in Milwaukee when he first met rocker Dee Snider.

"The first time I met Dee was in 1987 when I was working in a record store in Milwaukee. They came through as part of their "Love is for Suckers" Tour and I got my record signed by him and had backstage passes for the show," said Hahn.

More than 25 years later, he's living his teenage dream alongside Snider in the musical the rock star wrote.

"It's been surreal. If someone would've told me back in 1987 oh you're going to be a doing a musical with Dee Snider and you're going to be playing with him, who could imagine such a thing."

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Guitarist Dan Peters grew up in Berkeley and went to school in Elmhurst. A touring musician most of his career and after a stint on Broadway in Rock of Ages, he plays Johnny B Great in the fictional heavy metal band Daisy Cutter.

"It's been a growing experience. I've got the acting bug now. I don't know if I could possibility continue that but I'm going to try to."

Peters even played the National Anthem alongside Snider at last week's Bulls-Toronto game, a moment he calls a highlight of his career.

"Playing the show has been a huge highlight, I dunno, and I'm a huge Bulls fan so playing the national anthem at the game with Dee who killed it I can't even begin to explain to you what that felt like," said Peters.

Lead singer Dee Dee is played by Adam Michaels, originally from Orland Park. He says he knew at a young age, he wanted to be a musician.

"I first knew I wanted to be a singer when I heard the Aladdin soundtrack, I thought this was amazing."

The men not only act and sing but they also play their own instruments live during the show which Depaul alumni and drummer Wilam Tarris says is unique.
"The idea that we all play our own instruments on stage is huge. The only other show that does that is 'Million Dollar Quarter,'" he said.

Michaels says the makeup, the guyliner, the outrageous 80s costumes help him channel the 80s musical culture that Snider revolutionized.

"He's really a big reason why rock is what it is today. I loved it growing up."

The foursome says the eight week run has been a blast in fact, when the curtain falls for the last show, it may not be the end of 'Christmas Tale' and they say they'll likely take their band on the road.

"The guys in this band we will continue to play music," said Micheals.

"Anyone who is ever played in a band it's really hard to get a group of guys that mesh so well together and really gel," said Tarris.

And it's that camaraderie they say that will keep the legend of the original Daisy Cutter together long after the last call.

"Dee Snider's Rock & Roll Christmas Tale" runs through January 4. For tickets and more information visit BroadwayinChicago.com.

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