Halloween is finally here, and like most holidays the hype starts well before the actual date. For some the partying begins weeks ahead. For others Halloween is year-round. I know you know whom I’m talking about. Freaks.
I stopped into the Hotel Murano last week to nose around its gorgeous art, and to take a peek at the Patron Suites. Those are the $429 a night suites I would never have another opportunity to see besides having a Hotel Murano employee escort by my side. Not only can I not afford a Patron Suite, but also the people behind the curtain at Hotel Murano know me too well. The saying “bull in a china shop” has been thrown around a few times in reference to my persona. I can’t say I blame them.
After catching my breath upon entrance and overcoming the hotel’s “wow-factor,” I immediately spotted a man celebrating Halloween in full costume force. He was completely in character, and had me almost convinced he did this year-round.
STEPH DEROSA: I love your costume. You look exactly like a hotel bellhop. How did you come up with the idea?
DALE RUSH: First of all, I’m 63 years old, so I prefer not to be called a bellhop. I’m a bell captain. And I’m not in costume; this is what I actually do here at the Hotel Murano.
DEROSA: Ah, you don’t fool me. But the acting is great. You even greeted me like a professional bell captain. Did you have to study up on the history of bell captains in order to catch the essence of how they carry themselves?
RUSH: I’ve been the bell captain here for over four years. I think that gives me enough experience to act like a bell captain.
DEROSA: It’s a week before Halloween. Did you have to get special permission to wear your costume early from the Hotel Murano manager?
RUSH: (sigh) Steph, I work here at the Hotel Murano as a bell captain. I don’t get what part of that you don’t understand. I’m not in costume. This is what I wear year-round.
DEROSA: I don’t get why you don’t understand that Halloween is once a year. Why would you want to dress up as a bell captain year round?
RUSH: You’re killing me. This interview is over. I need to get back to work, so is there anything else you needed?
DEROSA: Yeah, could you find me the bell captain? I have some questions for him.
Hotel Murano
1320 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.238.8000
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