HOTEL PUERTO VALLARTA, a legitimate work of dramatic theatre

by David Davila

[FULL LENGTH] The Hotel Puerto Valarta (with one "L") is the second most popular drag resort in sunny Puerto Vallarta - which ain't saying much considering there's only two. Though it hasn't been remodeled by the fab five or any other interior designer since the early nineties, some would call its shabbiness chic. Still, others would call an Über to take them to a nicer hotel. That won't stop local drag has-been...

[FULL LENGTH] The Hotel Puerto Valarta (with one "L") is the second most popular drag resort in sunny Puerto Vallarta - which ain't saying much considering there's only two. Though it hasn't been remodeled by the fab five or any other interior designer since the early nineties, some would call its shabbiness chic. Still, others would call an Über to take them to a nicer hotel. That won't stop local drag has-been turned hotel manager, Connie Guisada from dreaming of one day being able to restore it to its former glory! So imagine how Connie and the other queens react when they find out their boss, Barbra Coa, has plans to sell to developers and leave them all unemployed. Can Connie prevent the sale of the Hotel Puerto Valarta (with one "L") by end of business day or will she be turning tricks with the half-naked hustlers out on Playa de los Muertos?

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HOTEL PUERTO VALLARTA, a legitimate work of dramatic theatre

Recommended by

  • Playwrights Foundation: HOTEL PUERTO VALLARTA, a legitimate work of dramatic theatre by David Davila
    “

    The community of national & local readers for the 45th Bay Area Playwrights Festival in 2022 enthusiastically recommends HOTEL PUERTO VALLARTA as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation. We highly enjoyed this play's humor and comical investigation of sacrifice for community. We were compelled by this play's use of stylistic campy farce, snappy dialogue, and range of comic characters. We hope this play is widely read, finds dedicated collaborators, and moves swiftly towards production. #BAPF2022

    The community of national & local readers for the 45th Bay Area Playwrights Festival in 2022 enthusiastically recommends HOTEL PUERTO VALLARTA as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation. We highly enjoyed this play's humor and comical investigation of sacrifice for community. We were compelled by this play's use of stylistic campy farce, snappy dialogue, and range of comic characters. We hope this play is widely read, finds dedicated collaborators, and moves swiftly towards production. #BAPF2022

    ”
  • Nilsa Reyna: HOTEL PUERTO VALLARTA, a legitimate work of dramatic theatre by David Davila
    “

    A hilarious and delightful play that has you smiling and laughing the whole time. I want these characters in my life and we need a sequel!

    A hilarious and delightful play that has you smiling and laughing the whole time. I want these characters in my life and we need a sequel!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: HOTEL PUERTO VALLARTA, a legitimate work of dramatic theatre by David Davila
    “

    A fabulous and heartfelt comedy that just sings as, through all the drama of the sale, there's a lot of love. Well done!

    A fabulous and heartfelt comedy that just sings as, through all the drama of the sale, there's a lot of love. Well done!

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

This play requires seven actors of mostly Latinx identity to play mostly Mexican drag queens working at a hotel that caters to mostly American Tourists. Mexican accents should not be used unless that is the regular accent of the actor who is cast. However, Spanish words should be pronounced properly.

Most of the drag queens may be played by male identifying actors or trans women with the exception of Teresa who must also play several naked men. Nudity may be required depending on production.
  • SHANTE HOUSTON
    African-American drag queen, ex-pat, and proud floozy. Never met a man she didn't lick - I mean like.
    Thirties
    African American/ Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • BERNARDO (aka BARBRA COA)
    Aging Mexican Drag Queen. An old fashioned dandy man. An over the top drama queen in the great tradition of Nathan Lane and Leslie Jordan.
    Sixties/Seventies
    Latinx / Indigenous / Mestizo / Mexican
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • TERESA
    A radicalized Mexican anarchist drag queen and cocktail waitress. (Also plays Hotel Guest #4 and Naked Man #1 & #3)
    Thirties
    Latinx / Indigenous / Mexican
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • GUS
    A sexy Mexican Daddy reminiscent of the Dos Equis guy. (Also plays Hotel Guest #2 & the Russian)
    Forties/Fifties
    Latinx / Mexican
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • ALEX
    A rich-bitch Mexican twink. (Also plays Hotel Guests #1 & #3, and Naked Man #2)
    Thirty
    Latinx / Mexican
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • CARLOS (aka CONNIE GUISADA)
    a washed-up, Latinx, drag queen. A Bianca del Rio type when it comes to attitude.
    Thirties/Forties
    Mexican
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • JUNE
    Asian or Latinx, non-binary, amateur drag queen. Has a hole where her brain should be.
    Early Twenties
    Asian or Latinx
    gender non-conforming
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary

Development History

Awards

  • Sin Muros Latinx New Play Festival
    Stages
    Selection
    2023
  • Egg and Spoon Incubator, Developmental Reading Series
    Egg and Spoon Theatre Co
    Selection
    2021