Unmasking Comedy: Inside The Haunting of Hooverton Hotel with Playwrights Jacob Albarella and Jay Kaiser

WNY Soundstage

Unmasking Comedy: Inside The Haunting of Hooverton Hotel with Playwrights Jacob Albarella and Jay Kaiser

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On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jacob Albarella and Jay Kaiser, playwrights of The Haunting of Hooverton Hotel.  

The Haunting of Hooverton Hotel is a comedic caper inspired by Saturday morning cartoons; the play leans into every mystery trope that audiences love: Ghosts, secrets, a missing will, a suspicious cast of characters, and a group of completely unqualified heroes who have no choice but to solve the mystery – no matter how ridiculous.

The Haunting of Hooverton Hotel runs October 24 – November 14, 2026, at Alleyway Theatre. Tickets are available here. 

This episode includes: 

• Early inspirations 
• The inherent competition in comedy
• Creating character voices 
• The inspiration behind The Haunting of Hooverton Hotel
• Nostalgia and different comedy styles
• The reading at Second Gen Theatre, and how the play was revised
• Turning archetypal characters on their heads
• Multimedia in performance
• Music, costumes, and collaborating with friends 
• The future of the play
• Hopes for audience members 

 Please note: the host of this podcast is also the director of the play.