Women Laughing At The Algonquin

The filming at the Algonquin Hotel for our documentary Women Laughing yesterday went very well, we are thrilled. The day started at 10am, and began with hours of set-up by the cinematographers and lighting expert. As one of two directors, I arrived early too, to help with any last minute decisions that had to be made. My co-director Kathleen Hughes and Producer Judith Mizrachy have tons of experience, as do the cinematographers Marika and Francesco of Unarmed Media. I was in good hands. I had few worries except for my role as conductor of the converation of 9 cartoonists! The cartoonists ended up being so funny, so insightful and generous— it was a fun afternoon. The drew the whole time. I can’t wait to show you.

While the crew set up, I live-drew the table area on a Substack live broadcast. The ten of us women cartoonists would gather at 2:30. During my live broadcast, you will see I go outside in search of the old New Yorker building where I first started submiting my drawings. I couldn’t find it! Very embarrasing. What I realized later (with Michael’s help) is that the entrance I used to use was at 25 West 43rd Street, and it was a walk-through building with an entrance on West 44th Street. The New Yorker has had four homes over the years, the first being on 25 West 45th Street (when it started), 25 West 43rd Street, then 20 West 43rd Street, 4 Times Square and now 1 World Trade Center!

Below, I sit in the famous Oak Room where the Algonquin Round Table happened, also known as the Vicious Circle. Dorothy Parker was with us in spirit, I like to think.

photo credit Eric Korenman.

Below are from left to right: Emily Flake, Roz Chast, Victoria Roberts, Liana Finck, Arantza Pena-Popo, Bishakh Som, me, Maggie Larson, Amy Hwang, Emily Hopkins.

photo credit: Eric Korenman

photo by Judith Mizrachy. Luckily, 44th Street was closed for the Polish American Parade on Avenue of The Americas. We didn’t pause traffic!

Many thanks to the Algonquin Hotel for letting us use their Oak Room for the whole day. And thanks to Eric Korenman, my friend and terrific photographer, shot photos all day long, which I will share soon.

Here is the video grab of the coloring of the drawing I did.

Thanks for being here! Politics tomorrow, I promise (maybe you are not anxious for that….).

Happy Monday!