Yesterday, while researching things to do and places to visit in Pasadena, I found my way to the Ice House Comedy Club website. The first thing I noticed was a picture of Christopher Titus, my sister’s favorite comedian. I clicked on the picture of Titus and discovered that he would be performing in a special event, a benefit for John Fox Memorial Comedians Cancer Screening Fund. I had never been to the Ice House or seen Titus perform live, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity (and it was for a very good cause).
I am so glad I got there early, I managed to get a free parking spot on the street. I was a little confused on where to go and how everything worked since this was my first visit to the Ice House. I found my way to the back alley entrance where there was an outdoor bar. I went up to the entrance but there was no one there. I had arrived at 7:30 pm and the show started at 8:00pm but the website said they would start seating people at 7:00 pm. This was not the case. I didn’t see any employees around that I could talk to but I did since a couple standing by the door. I asked them if they were there for the benefit, they were, and they told me that I had to check in with the cashier. I stood outside the cashier booth but the cashier was on the phone. She didn’t even acknowledge my presence. A simple, “I will be with you in a minute” would be the courteous thing to do. But she ignored me, I stood there, she kept talking on the phone and ignored me some more, then I started to get upset. So far, I was not getting a good impression of the Ice House. So I went back out and stood with the couple also waiting to get in. I watched as two women in stilettos walked past us and instantly got help from the cashier, bus boys and some other guy whom I assumed worked there. Now I was insulted. But thankfully there was this nice woman who seemed to be running the show. I walked up and asked her what I was supposed to do. She told me to check in with the cashier, I mentioned how I was ignored before but she made sure I was helped this time. The cashier took a look at my ticket, marked something on the computer (taking attendance I guess) then handed me back my ticket. That was it? She couldn’t do that while she was on the phone? Again, I was irritated.
Eventually, they led us into the main show room. We were seated in the front row and handed our menus. There was a two drink minimum–and they were pricey drinks. My two drink minimum cost me $25 with tax and tip. Then factor in the cost of the ticket ($15 plus a $2 processing fee) and it is not a cheap date. But I reminded myself that it was a good cause and I was going to see Christopher Titus.
All I have to say is that once the show started, all of my irritations disappeared. I was laughing so hard that I was crying. Each comedian was well worth the price for admission. And I never knew Fritz Coleman, our local weather man, was so funny. And of course Christopher Titus was AMAZING!!! I was on the verge of tears, the kind that trickle down your leg.
Even though it didn’t start off the way I had hope, it was an amazing evening. And I wound up winning the raffle prize, a $35 gift certificate for the Ice House. I think this is the Universe’s way of telling me that I need to give this place another try. Everyone deserves a second chance, the same should apply to places. Overall, I had a wonderful time and hopefully next time, the entire experience will be “magical.”
Define Normal 