I Hope This Place Changes You

I first found the McKittrick Hotel in December 2023. What I thought would be a single visit turned into a whirlwind I never anticipated, and I have returned again and again. Every time I step inside the hotel, it surprises me with a new gift: bits and pieces of endlessly entangled stories that I get to witness and become a part of. And every time that happens, the depth of this show kaleidoscopes for me, and I know I need to return.

Alongside the McKittrick residents, I have experienced so much joy, sorrow, awe, and reverence in just a few short months. I never knew performance could exist in this dimension until I came here. I’ve laughed so hard I’ve cried, I’ve cried so unexpectedly I could only laugh at myself, and I’ve stumbled out of the hotel onto the streets of Manhattan in a daze, mask in hand, unable to explain to anyone what just happened to me.

To the cast and crew: Your ability to create both these massive, bombastic spectacles and tiny, intimate moments has always astonished me and immersed me completely into your world. I will never be able to fully articulate how much your performances have moved me, and I can never thank you enough for your generosity in choosing to share them with me.

If you’re coming to the hotel for the first time: I promise you have never experienced anything like this before. This place has changed me, and I hope it will change you too. Bring a curious mind, an open heart, and some good running shoes.

Sincerely,

Rachel