Charlotte, NC

Y’know, one of the coolest things about Charlotte is its flair for comedy. And if there’s one thing we need more of in this daily blend of rush-hour, work-til-the-boss-lets-us-off, Excedrin-headache-#3 world, it’s laughter – something to take the “edge” off our troubles a little.

The QC’s got some prime comedy clubs that are among the best laugh dispensers in the country – and, believe it or not, they only cost you an arm and a leg to get in: An arm to extend with the admission price (and, later, to join with the other in applause), and a leg to cooperate with the other one to walk into the clubs and find a seat!

For example, there’s the runway for improv comics of the future, the laugh-filled Charlotte Comedy Theater, located (as of Friday, July 13) at 1308 E. The Plaza (yep … their former stomping grounds). Now, if you dig the ABC Family hit, Whose Line Is It, Anyway?, you’ll really love these characters! Their interactive (meaning audience participation, so be ready!) improv nights are Fridays and Saturdays. Oh … and they even have a class where aspiring comedians can learn the ropes. Check their site for more!

Of course, you’ve gotta have a good Comedy Zone if your city’s really gonna rock … and we’ve got one in Matthews. With hilarious stand-up, improv and entertainment by some of America’s best comedians, this comic superstore is definitely the place to be! For their hours and more, just click on the link above.

Now, some of the smaller clubs around here also offer comic relief, but I’ve got to add this disclaimer:

• Some of the shows performed at these spots may be rated “R” (not all — I said some!). So you’ll wanna check their sites and schedules before you bring your kids with ya.

On occasion, you’ll see the “big-ticket” comedians like George Carlin, Carrot Top, or President Bush coming to Charlotte. When that happens, you’ll wanna get a ticket to whatever venue they’ll be playing here, and git while the gittin’s good! At least to see two of the above. But as far as the local comedy stores are concerned, remember: No matter who’s appearing, he or she could be the next big TV comedian. One day, you just might see these on a comedy special, Showtime, or their own TV show some day, and you can say that you knew them before they were rich-and-famous!

Keep in mind that the main idea behind visiting these comedy spots is to get the mind off the week’s troubles and give it a little breathing room. Let it smile awhile … and take those smiles with you into the next work week.