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