“I-gua-na” introduce you to Karen, a randy fan of Lorenzo’s who is on her journey of grief and looking to love again, as played by Paulina Paalama.

Being one of The Reading’s attendees with a sincere interest in meeting and hearing Lorenzo DelaGato, Paulina describes her favorite line as Karen as "..a writhing, passionate, sexual sunshine..." She really fancies particularly that part at the peak of one of her scenes, so you’ll have to come to the show and see why.

When asked about her favorite scenes as Karen, Paulina refers to a monologue in which she addresses the other woman in attendance at the Hollydae’In and a rather “satisfying” time eating toast at breakfast the day of main event.

Paulina imagines that Karen is quite the jet setter. When asked about her loyalty to a given hotel brand or chain, her immediate response is that Karen loves all of them. She gets credit card deals and flying points. She is a 40+ year old single spinster and is used to traveling everyone on vacation. With Paul of course. Same toast. Different day.

Imagining what Karen may name her erotic novel if she were to ever write one, Paulina has no doubt that her favorite line from the show would take the prize. ..A Writhing, Passionate, Sexual Sunshine... Listen, when words just come together and hit your soul like that, you capitalize!

Overall, Karen gives her stay at the Hollydae’In a probable 5 stars... because she had a rather “rewarding” weekend and her sense of judgement is most positively disturbed at the moment. Additionally, since she got to stay practically for free – thanks to her air miles – she wouldn't even complain about the toast. On that note, she misses feeding her Paul, so she wouldn't mind loading a few, or more than a few pieces of toast into her purse, and feeding them to wild tropical birds on her walk to the shore, right by that fountain and the giant statue, where Paul and she used to sit...

Photo: Jaakko Nikkilä
Text: Salvador Esparza & Paulina Paalama

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Well, it’s all pretty clear now to Sophie Michaud as the lovable and understanding Margaret, who finds herself at the Hollydae’In on her 10-year wedding anniversary.

When asked what her favorite line as Margaret is, Sophie cites her confrontation with her husband, Fred. “You know I hate flying! I endured that... Just so you can have your beloved idol whisper sweet smutty nothings into your ear?” Wouldn’t we all do the same for our beloved idols?

Despite it all, Sophie is able to see the silver lining in Margaret’s experience at the Hollydae’In. Her favorite moment in the show is getting to bond over the crazy sh*t happening at the Hollydae'In with her new bestie, Matilda.

When it comes to hotels, Peg is very clear that she doesn't do hotel chains – she's "sophisticated". She only goes to the bed and breakfast, half an hour away from her house, cause she's barely ever left her hometown. No better time like the present and no better reason than The Reading to get her out of her comfort zone!

While her husband may be the real connoisseur of erotic literature, Margaret imagines she could write a book called The Rosebud: A Romance Novel, because, to be clear, erotica is NOT literature.

Overall, she’d rank her stay at the Hollydae’In a 4, but you gotta come see the show to find out ;) As Shakespeare once wrote, “All’s Well That Ends Well”.

Photo: Jaakko Nikkilä
Text: Salvador Esparza & Sophie Michaud

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The man himself, Leben Norrie, is our Investigator, otherwise formally known as, Gilmore Salmon.

A man who certainly doesn’t shy away from costumes and dressing up, Leben’s favorite line as the Investigator is: "In certain circles I would be considered quite fashionable.”

When it comes to his favorite moment in the play, Leben really enjoys his interaction with the Bellhops while they are on their break, but an extremely close second is hurling mixed insults at the author. A man of many emotions.

While reflecting on what kind of hotel is best suited for the Investigator, Leben arrives at the conclusion that a seedy run down motel you pay for by the hour would be what suits Gilmore Salmon the most. Mainly because the character seems to be leaning pretty heavy into the whole Private Eye/Gumshoe fantasy.

When asked about what Mr. Salmon’s erotic novel would be called, he reports that Fragrance of Daisy would be his masterpiece and it would be inspired by chance romances in the above mentioned by-the-hour-motel.

Although the Investigator may only be at the Hollydae’In to carry out his plan, he’d still rate the place 5 stars because it looks like it really needs the business and he may have caused quite a bit of hassle while he was there. It’s the least he could do.

Photo: Jaakko Nikkilä
Text: Salvador Esparza & Leben Norrie

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Meet Salvador Esparza, The Reading’s very own guest of honor: Lorenzo DelaGato.

Salvador thinks that nothing embodies Lorenzo more than the eloquence that echoes into eternity as he says: "I look f&%!?#€ fierce." It’s rather Shakespearean when you really think about it.

When having to reflect on his favorite moment in the play, he immediately goes to the moment where he’s admiring the poster of himself in the hotel lobby. Lorenzo has self-esteem in surplus and Salvador has really gotten to enjoy playing someone with that level of ego.

When asked about DelaGato’s choices for housing-on-the-go, Salvador knows without a shadow of a doubt that Lorenzo only stays at JW Marriotts and the Ritz Carlton. The Hollydae’In would never be on the list if it wasn’t for his publicist.

While other characters may have to speculate on what their erotic novels would be called, Lorenzo has no speculating to do given that he built a career around that “what if”. But if he were to write one inspired by his own life, it would be called Dalliances in the Dark, given that so much of his erotic and romantic life has had to take place in the shadows.

As for what Lorenzo would rate his stay at the Hollydae’In: he wouldn't even provide a rating. He'd report the location as a scam on Google Maps, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and any other possible place this crappy hotel has presence.

Photo: Jaakko Nikkilä
Text: Salvador Esparza

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Ah, welcome to the Hollydae’In! Todd Elliott, The Concierge/Bartender/Chef, at your service. How may he help you?

While our multi-talented Concierge has an abundance of wonderful thoughts,Todd’s favorite line as the Concierge is: "Yes it is! It is! This is my business, my hotel, and you are causing all sorts of pandemonium."

While our Concierge seems to be caught in the middle of all of the freak happenings at The Reading, Todd ominously describes his favorite moment as the moment that the lights come back on.

There’s also no need to wonder if the Concierge has any preferences in terms of what hospitality chain or service is his favorite. He IS the HollyDae’In and wouldn’t dream of staying anywhere else.

Don’t you get to thinking that this overworked man doesn’t need a stress relief outlet. If he were to write an erotic novel, he would call it: Ring My Bell At The Reception Desk. It would be about avoyeuristic and handsome hotel concierge that somehow manages to have lots of erotic encounters with the attractive female guests who want to “check in”.

An eager plea from our Concierge: Please rate us 5 stars, please. Tell your friends, if you like it.

Photo: Jaakko Nikkilä
Text: Salvador Esparza & Todd Elliott

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Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Pilot, played by Tom Gilder, speaking. We are about to experience some turbulence at The Reading, so please wear your seatbelts. Or something.

When asked about his favorite line as the eccentric pilot, Tom quotes: “Gentlemen, thank the overlord Belrog that I’ve found you!”

And as if you needed any more reason to question the sanity of this character, Tom’s favorite Pilot moment is when he is controlling the weather! Or… well… erm, trying to.

You’d think that a seasoned pilot would start to be a bit particular about where he lays his head at the end of a long day of having people’s lives in his hands, but when asked about his hotel preferences, our pilot reports that anything goes! As long as it’s near an airport, preferably with a view of the runway. By far his favourite hotel is JumboStay in Stockholm…. where he loves to stay in a decommissioned 747.

Now, imagine this. Our Pilot has a very exciting pitch for what could be the hottest new erotic novel on the market. It would be called: Enter the Cockpit: Engage Full Thrust — the scandalous story of a lonely pilot stranded in a remote airport during a snow storm, with only the four flight attendants for company. The heating fails, they need to huddle close for warmth, and someone suggests raiding the drinks trolley. And before you know it, there’s a demonstration of how to pull the… straps… to tighten. Raise the landing gear, extend the flaps, and be prepared for someone attending to every aisle. Just be sure to apply your protective equipment before seeing to others: for a safe flight, and to ensure there’s no baggage to collect later.

As for his stay at the Hollydae’In, the Pilot gives it 33.35 picostars! Wait… what? Sorry, he needs a drink.

Photo: Jaakko Nikkilä
Text: Salvador Esparza & Tom Gilder

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Meet the Musician, as performed by Magdalena Grajcar.

No truer words have been spoken than the Musician's eloquent "No, wait, it's me that's lonely...", which just so happens to be Magdalena's favorite line as she personifies our indie music legend.

When it comes to defining her favorite moment as the Hollydae'In's in-house celebrity, she resorts to a pivotal moment of self-expression: "You said I'm one note? Here's one note!" *pushing a key angrily*

Despite finding employment at the Hollydae'In, our Musician feels most at home at a Choice Hotels (just don't tell the Concierge).

When asked what the Musician's erotic novel would be called, she quickly retorts with: "Mysterious Extra Toothbrush and Where to Shove It" - a novel inspired by a real breakup story.

On a scale of 1–5, she gives the Hollydae'In a 2. She doesn't really want to be there, but hey, they pay and even musicians have got to eat.

Photo: Jaakka Nikkilä
Text: Salvador Esparza & Magdalena Grajcar

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