In this very special fourth episode of Dreaming With, we get to communicate with The Algonquin Hotel’s resident cat, Matilda (also known as The Algonqueen), and her chief officer, Alice de Almeida. Adam gets up close & personal with Alice about Matilda’s likes, dislikes, her purrrrrsonality, and who she cuddles up to. Then Jefferson communicates purrrfectly with both Matilda and Alice about Matilda’s wants and desires, as well as what makes her happiest about life at The Algonquin.
Matilda, The Algonquin Cat with Alice DeAlmeida
Since the filming of this episode, Matilda has received a custom built book case, built by Pet Tree Houses, which allows her to perch and watch the bustling streets of NYC. This has helped make Matilda even happier in her historic home.
On August 10, come to The Algonquin Hotel for Matilda’s Annual Celebration Party, Fundraiser, and Cat Fashion Show. Celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary, this year’s Cat Fashion Show theme is Through the Decades, honoring the iconic looks of the hotel’s most famous guests and patrons, including Al Hirschfeld, Michael Feinstein, Marilyn Monroe, John Barrymore and many more! In honor of the 10 year anniversary the hotel is hoping to raise $10,000 for the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. Tickets are on sale online for $50 per person. Click here to purchase
There will be an on-site mobile adoption unit parked in front of the hotel from 3:00PM – 7:00PM. The $50 donation allows all guests access to the fashion show and includes a reception with special hors d’oeuvres. Additional funds will be raised throughout the evening with raffle prizes, including a variety of pet products curated by the event’s co-chair, Pet Lifestyle Expert and author, Sandy Robins.
In addition, the hotel will hold an online auction with exciting prizes. Auction items include: two tickets and a back stage meet and greet with the cast of the brand new revival of CATS, private consultation and cat tree house by Pet Tree Houses, custom autographed poster by Leslie Martini and Massimo Mongiardo, author and illustrator of the upcoming new children’s book, Matilda: The Algonquin Cat, private walking tour hosted by author and historian, Kevin Fitzpatrick. The online auction, along with ticket sales, and additional prizes can be found here. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Alliance.
Guests attending the event are encouraged to wear their best feline inspired outfit!
For more on Matilda visit here.
And follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
You can even e-mail Matilda here!
About the Algonquin Cat:
For many years the history of The Algonquin Cat was believed to have its origins in the 1930’s, when a stray cat came wandering into the hotel for food and water. After the hotel acquired an out-of-print book written by the hotel’s first general manager, Frank Case, a chapter was discovered about a cat named Billy. Based on the timeline of the book, the hotel is now proud to say the lineage of The Algonquin Cat dates back to the early 1920’s. Two days after Billy passed, a stray cat wandered into the hotel and The Algonquin welcomed Rusty. The famous classical actor, John Barrymore, was a resident at the time in the early 1930’s and Rusty was renamed Hamlet in his honor. Hamlet is said to have been Barrymore’s greatest stage role. The hotel has had a total of 11 cats, including Billy. The lineage includes seven Hamlets and three Matildas. Each cat that has reigned at The Algonquin has been a rescue. In 1980, author Hilary Knight immortalized The Algonquin Cat with his cartoons for a children’s book on which he collaborated with Val Schaffer. The current Matilda began her residence in December of 2010.
Today, Matilda is looked after by the hotel’s Chief Cat Officer, Alice De Almeida. The hotel’s executive chef cooks her special meals on holidays. She receives fan mail and gifts constantly, from around the world, including Japan, Australia and Russia.
This episode was filmed in the Vanity Fair Suite of The Algonquin Hotel. Author Robert Benchley lived in this suite while he was the managing editor Vanity Fair Magazine in 1919.
More links…
Adam Rothenberg
Jefferson Harman
The Algonquin Hotel
Thanks for watching!
© 2016 Adam Rothenberg & Jefferson Harman. All rights reserved.