Episodes

Jefferson Harman Interviews Alice De Almeida with Hamlet the Algonquin Cat on Algonquin Hotel’s Annual Cat Fashion Show 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TmTFHAcUjE

Star Dreams Café presents Jefferson Harman’s interview with Alice De Almeida, Chief Cat Officer at The Algonquin Hotel in NYC. Listen as they talk about this year’s Annual Celebration and Cat Fashion Show, and the history of The Algonquin Cat. The show, which benefits the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals has been a tradition at the hotel since 2006. And the Algonquin Cat is a long-standing tradition, dating back to the 1920s. This year’s show will be hosted by Hamlet VIII on August 2, 2018 at 5 pm.

Hamlet VIII
Hamlet VIII

2018 Poster for The Algonquin Hotel's Annual Celebration and Cat Fashion Show
2018 Poster for The Algonquin Hotel’s Annual Celebration and Cat Fashion Show

Links
Follow Hamlet on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Follow The Algonquin Hotel on Facebook and Instagram
The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals

“Believe In Your Dreams [Instrumental]” theme song composed by Bobby Cronin and performed by Bobby Cronin and Jefferson Harman.
Copyright © 2018 Jefferson Harman. All rights reserved.
[Errata: Our editing software crashed and the final version of this video was lost. This draft version survived, please forgive the typo on the title card.]

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Adam Rothenberg
Jefferson Harman
The Algonquin Hotel

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© 2018 Jefferson Harman. All rights reserved.
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Episode Seven – Dreaming With…Lauren Elder

In our seventh episode of Dreaming With…filmed in the Oak Room of The Algonquin Hotel, Adam interviews singer/songwriter/actress Lauren Elder, and Jefferson interprets Lauren’s wavy dream of beaches and animals. Lauren’s self-titled debut album is being released on January 25th with a celebration concert at NYC’s Slipper Room at 8pm, doors open at 7pm (167 Orchard Street). Tickets available here.

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Lauren Elder – Photos by Summer LaLande

For the latest on Lauren, visit her website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!

Lauren’s Credits:
Lauren Elder is an actress, singer, songwriter and whistler. She is best known for her roles on Broadway in the revivals of Hair and Side Show. She has also been seen on such hit TV shows as Law & Order: SVU and Boardwalk Empire. Lauren’s self-titled debut album will be released on January 25, 2017 at laureneldermusic.com and on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify shortly after.

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Lauren Elder

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Adam Rothenberg
Jefferson Harman
The Algonquin Hotel

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© 2016, 2017 Adam Rothenberg & Jefferson Harman. All rights reserved.
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Episode Six – Dreaming With…Blake Pfeil

In our sixth episode of Dreaming With…filmed in the spacious Lobby Lounge of The Algonquin Hotel, Adam interviews singer/songwriter Blake Pfeil, and Jefferson interprets Blake’s emotional dream of family & Carole King. Blake will be performing his own spin on Joni Mitchell’s BBC 1970 concert this Sunday, November 20 at 7pm at Rockwood Music Hall Stage III in NYC (196 Allen Street). Blake has written & will perform a new song as a mirrored response to each of the songs sung by Ms. Mitchell during the famed BBC broadcast. Tickets available here.

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Blake Pfeil

Blake’s Credits – Blake Pfeil’s Wallpaper debuted on iTunes and across the boards in November 2014, with a follow-up Manhattan-based tour The Papering Sessions which Playbill.com dubbed one of the “Most Unforgettable Theatrical Experiences of 2014.” The subsequent video Wallpaper, was released in March of 2015.

Blake’s music has been widespread on the club scene in New York City, with headline appearances at Joe’s Pub, Rockwood Music Hall Stage II, Feinstein’s/54 Below, and his favorite club The Bitter End, as well at larger venues like the Highline Ballroom. He has collaborated with some of Broadway’s finest talents, including Tony-nominees Bryce Pinkham and Robin De Jesus, as well as Jason Gotay, Rebecca Faulkenberry, Coleen Sexton, among others.

Blake’s song Queen and music video, starring Robin De Jesus, was used by GLAAD as part of the 2013 Gay Pride Celebrations, and his song Your Coffee, co-written and performed with Ms. Rachel Gavaletz, was a finalist in the 2015 Coffee Music Project. He is at work on the development of a couple theatrical projects, to be announced soon. Blake is also a proud member of Actor’s Equity.

If you would like to donate to support Blake’s father’s medical costs,
visit his GoFundMe page here.

For the latest on Blake, visit his website and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

More links…
Adam Rothenberg
Jefferson Harman
The Algonquin Hotel

Thanks for watching!

© 2016 Adam Rothenberg & Jefferson Harman. All rights reserved.
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Episode Five – Dreaming With…Ali Stroker

In our fifth episode of Dreaming With… we present actress Ali Stroker. Adam talks to Ali about making her Broadway debut in the Deaf West Theater’s recent revival of Spring Awakening, new projects, and sex & relationships. Then Jefferson interprets Ali’s dream that promises a special delivery! For the latest on Ali follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Ali Stroker new headshot
Ali Stroker

Ali’s Credits – Ali Stroker has the distinction of being the first performer in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway with her recent debut in Spring Awakening. An advocate for people with different abilities, she also guest-starred on Season 4 of the Emmy Award-winning FOX show Glee and appeared as a finalist on the TV reality show competition The Glee Project. A graduate of New York University, Ali was also the first person in a wheelchair to graduate from The Tisch School of the Arts’ prestigious Drama Program. Ali has had solo performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and New York’s Town Hall, in addition to concert performances at Lincoln Center and Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC.

For more on Ali be sure to visit her website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

More links…
Adam Rothenberg
Jefferson Harman
The Algonquin Hotel

Thanks for watching!

© 2016 Adam Rothenberg & Jefferson Harman. All rights reserved.
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Episode Four – Dreaming With…Matilda, The Algonquin Cat

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.

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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.

Matilda-2016-Invite

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.

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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:

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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.

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Episode Three – Dreaming With…Paul Alexander Nolan

In our third episode of Dreaming With… Adam interviews actor/singer Paul Alexander Nolan, and Jefferson correlates two of Paul’s dreams. Paul is currently starring as “Jimmy Ray Dobbs” in Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s Bright Star at The Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street, New York, NY, between 6th & 7th Avenue). Bright Star is nominated for 5 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is the Winner of the Best Musical and Best Score Awards from the Outer Critics Circle. Tickets available here. Show page click here.

Paul Alexander Nolan
Paul Alexander Nolan

Paul’s Credits – Most recently was Off-Broadway in Daddy Long Legs directed by John Caird. Broadway: Doctor Zhivago (“Pasha/Strelnikov”, 2015 OCC nomination), Once (“Guy”), Jesus Christ Superstar (“Jesus”). Regional: Aida (Kansas City Starlight); JCS and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (La Jolla Playhouse); six seasons with the Stratford Festival, including As You Like It (“Orlando”), The Grapes of Wrath (“Al”), Cyrano de Bergerac (“Valvert”), West Side Story (“Tony”, dir. Gary Griffin), Jesus Christ Superstar (“Jesus”) and The Who’s Tommy (“Cousin Kevin”).

For more on Paul be sure to visit his website and follow him on Twitter!

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For more on Bright Star click here and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

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The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Bright Star is available on iTunes and Amazon.

More links…
Adam Rothenberg
Jefferson Harman
The Algonquin Hotel

Thanks for watching!

© 2016 Adam Rothenberg & Jefferson Harman. All rights reserved.
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Episode Two – Dreaming With…Montego Glover

Today we are Dreaming With…Tony nominated actress Montego Glover! We discuss her Lincoln Center Theatre debut and Jefferson interprets her “mysterious” dream. Montego will be appearing as Nina in The Royale through May 1st, 2016. Tickets available here. Show page here.

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Montego Glover

Montego’s Credits – Lincoln Center Theater debut in The Royale. Broadway Credits – Memphis (Tony and Drama League nominations, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards), Les Miserables (Fantine), Shoulda Been You (Annie Shepard), The Color Purple (Celie & Nettie). Regional Theatre – The Royale (The Old Globe, Craig Noel Award nomination.). Numerous Concerts including New York Pops and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Film/TV – The Following, Black Box, The Good Wife, Hostages, Smash, Golden Boy, White Collar, NYC 22, Law & Order, Made in Jersey, and the independent film Alone. Artists’ Committee for the Kennedy Center Honors. New York PopsEd Ambassador.

For more on Montego be sure to visit her website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

For more on Lincoln Center Theater click here and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

More links…
Adam Rothenberg
Jefferson Harman
The Algonquin Hotel

Thanks for watching!

© 2016 Adam Rothenberg & Jefferson Harman. All rights reserved.
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Episode One – Dreaming With…Julie Halston 

Today we are Dreaming With…actress Julie Halston! We discuss her annual benefit Broadway Belts for PFF and Jefferson interprets her dream. The Benefit will take place on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 7pm at The Edison Ballroom in New York City (240 West 47th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue). Tickets and info here

Julie Halston and Ralph Howard 2013
Julie Halston with her husband, Ralph Howard

Broadway Belts for PFF is a benefit for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and will feature the talents of Broadway’s Lisa Howard (It Shoulda Been You), Margo Seibert (Rocky), Hunter Ryan Herdlicka (Once Upon a Mattress), Daveed Diggs (Hamilton), Randy Graff (City of Angels), Cady Huffman (The Producers), Judy Kaye (Mamma Mia), Robert Creighton (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), and Telly Leung (Allegiance). Click here for tickets!

Broadway Belts for PFF poster.jpg

For more on Julie be sure to visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter!

For more on Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation click here and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Follow Broadway Belts for PFF on Facebook and Twitter!

More links…
Adam Rothenberg
Jefferson Harman
The Algonquin Hotel

Thanks for watching!

© 2016 Adam Rothenberg & Jefferson Harman. All rights reserved.