April 3, 2014
L.A. Gay Center Salutes 10th Anniversary of "Laughing Matters"
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 3 MIN.
On Sunday, April 6, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center and StandOut Productions will celebrate the 10th anniversary of director Andrew Meyerson's "Laughing Matters," followed by a panel discussion with Meyerson and three of the films' stars, Marga Gomez, Suzanne Westenhoefer and Karen Williams.
"In the decade since 'Laughing Matters,' so many comics have come out or started out and now there's out nights in the clubs," said Westenhoefer of the sea change in lesbian comedians. "We are closer to a time when it barely registers with a non-queer audience as long as you're funny. Yet it is still hard to be the female comic."
The award-winning film features the hilarious on-stage comedy acts of Kate Clinton, Marga Gomez, Suzanne Westenhoefer and Karen Williams, plus one-on-one interviews with the comedians.
"Laughing Matters" was one of the first lesbian-specific comedy film roundups, and it was broadcast on Here TV, Viacom's Logo Network and Canada's Astral Network. It helped forward the concept that lesbians can be funny, and bolstered the careers of all of the women involved.
"I am eternally grateful to Andrea Meyerson's film for establishing me as an icon of lesbian comedy, and my work for all perpetuity," said Williams. "Andrea's vision supports our friendship, and her generosity of spirit and heart matches my own. Long live lesbian comedy!"
This will be the groundbreaking film's first LA screening in 10 years, and immediately following it, there will be a panel discussion with the director and stars, live in person at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. VIP ticket holders are invited to attend a hosted reception with the comics.
In 2002, Meyerson produced and directed the award-winning comedy documentary "Laughing Matters." The success of the critically acclaimed film spawned three sequels. All are available on DVD and continue to be rebroadcast on TV.
Meyerson began creating original television programming in 2007. She produced and directed numerous standup comedy specials featuring popular comics such as Niecy Nash, Alec Mapa, Kate Clinton, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Jessica Kirson, and many others. She also created the "One Night Stand Up" series for Viacom's Logo Network, delivering 10 episodes, each showcasing a group of diverse comics.
Meyerson is a prolific producer of live comedy shows and concerts. Since founding StandOut Productions in 1997, she has staged live events featuring some of the country's best-known entertainers, including Wanda Sykes, Roseanne Barr, k.d. lang, Indigo Girls, Joan Armatrading, and Brandi Carlile.
She has just completed two documentaries: "Letter to Anita" and "Vickie Shaw: I'm Not Your Role Model," which are scheduled to be released later this year. She is in production on a short documentary entitled "The Taxman" and "Clambake," a feature-length documentary offering an insightful look into the 30-year history of Women's Week in Provincetown.
"Laughing Matters" screening and panel discussion will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 6 at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Renberg Theatre, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place in Hollywood. For information or tickets, call 323-860-7300 or visit www.lagaycenter.org
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
