Written By, Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, USA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] — Last Wednesday night, I took in a comedy show at Helium Comedy Club and had a fabulous time; I cracked up laughing to three comedians, including the headliner, Todd Glass from “The Sarah Silverman Show,” and munched on delicious and inexpensive food, while drinking a glass of white wine – what a great way to unwind after a long day at work.

While taking bites of my hummus and pita Mediterranean plate and sipping my glass of Riesling from the front row, I took a look around the packed house; it really was crowded for a Wednesday night. Helium is no secret in Center City, as it seems like others have discovered it as well.

Located at 2031 Sansom Street, Helium is open Tuesday through Saturday. Every Tuesday night is the “Open Mic Extravaganza,” where you can see over 20 comedians live on stage. Wednesdays through Saturdays feature the three-act shows lasting approximately an hour and forty-five minutes, which include an opening act, a feature act, and the headliner act. The night of my show, the headliner was Todd Glass from “The Sarah Silverman Show.”

Missed last Wednesday’s show but would still like to see Todd Glass? He’ll be headlining again on Saturday, March 6. Other upcoming acts include Geoff Tate from Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham” on March 10, Maz Jobrani from Comedy Central’s “Axis of Evil Comedy Tour” on March 11-13, Paul Mooney from Comedy Central’s “Chappelle’s Show” on March 17-20, Back to the Future’s Tom Wilson from March 24-27, Steve Byrne of Comedy Central’s “Steve Byrne’s Happy Hour Special,” from March 31-April 3, Hal Sparks from “Talk Soup” and “Queer as Folk” fame from April 8-10, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’s” Guy Torry from April 14-17, and “The Daily Show’s” Paul Mecurio from April 21-24.

One thing I was pleasantly surprised with was how good and inexpensive the food was. The menu features a wide selection of appetizers, salads, panini sandwiches, pizzas, and entrees. I couldn’t resist my usual hummus and pita platter for $9; yet, next time I am dying to try the sesame shrimp skewers for only $11 or the grilled chicken and pesto panini sandwich for $10. The desserts looked delicious, too, but I did not partake in them; maybe I’ll save them for next time.

Like most venues in the city, Helium is a non-smoking facility, where you must be 21 or older; those under 21 can attend in the presence of a parent or guardian. Not so fun…just another perk of turning 21!

Tickets can be purchased either online in advance or at the club itself prior to the show. Helium is a great place to hold a special event, such as a birthday, bachelor, or bachelorette party; fundraiser; or company holiday party. Group discounts are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Helium offers a happy hour Wednesday through Friday from 6-8 pm with drink specials; on Wednesdays, if you purchase a drink before 7 pm, you receive a free ticket to that night’s show! Check the web site for other special offers. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.heliumcomedy.com.

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