Frugal in Philly - Im Cabaret, au Cabaret, to Cabaret

Frugal in Philly is a weekly celebration of all things Philly that are fun, frugal (costing $10 or less) or free! Stop here each week to see what Philly's got to offer for those of us who haven't quite mastered the art of becoming Independently Wealthy (although believe me, we're trying).

Featured Pick of the Week: Really - What Good *IS* Sitting Alone in Your Room?: Phillyist has been surprised and delighted by the amount of cabaret that seems to be going on in venues all over our fair city - all without the need of a World War or Liza Minnelli's enormous eyelashes. Here's a few fabulously frugal cabaret options happening around town:

• Le Cabaret Melange present their "urban cabaret" at the Monte Carlo Living Room (150 South Street) every Friday. Next show - Friday September 23rd. Cost - $10.


• The last Monday of every month brings the Sideshow Cabaret to the Khyber (56 S. 2nd Street). Next show is Monday, September 26th at 8PM. Cost - FREE!


• Melange Theater Live (not to be confused with Cabaret Melange) provides entertainment "appropriate to all ages" on the second Sunday of every month at The Rotunda (4014 Walnut Street). Technically, this is a variety show and not a cabaret since the venue isn't a restaurant or bar - but why split hairs?. The next show is October 9th at 7PM. Cost - a recommended donation of $7.


• Once a month, 1812 Productions partners with the Tin Angel to present a monthly comedy cabaret. Next performance is October 31st. New performers monthly. Cost - $10


• Technically speaking, the $15 cover charge for the monthly offering of Direct from NYC at L'etage (6th and Bainbridge street) puts the show just outside of our Frugal price-range ; but we'll make allowances, since we're sure it costs extra to import all that fancy New York talent. If you're will to splurge beyond budget, you can check out this weekly show each Sunday night at 9PM.
  

If you know of any other good cabaret happenings, be sure to let us know. After all, we're still searching for that young, naive and handsome London scholar to take tend to our every childish and self-destructive whim.

This Week's Events:

Tuesday:

Comedy Open Mic Night:
Helium Comedy Club (2031 Sansom St.) offers 2 hours of comedy every Tuesday night for just $5. PRICE ALERT: Be aware that on top of the cover there is a "2 item minimum." The two items needn't drinks - it can be any two menu items (sodas, for example, seem to count.) Depending on your items - this jaunt could easily go from frugal to frivolous. It's still included here because $5 for 20 performers seems like a good deal to us. Just be sure to order wisely.
Philly Fringe Freebies:

Wednesday

The Manhattan Shorts Festival - Philadelphia Votes!
On Wednesday the 21st at 7PM, "the most creative short films in the world" will be screened at iHouse as part of the Manhattan Short Film Festival. $7.00 gets you admission to the show, and an opportunity to vote for the winner of this competition. iHouse is located at 3701 Chestnut Street.

Thursday:

Puppet Karaoke:
Puppet Karaoke is exactly what it sounds like. For a mere $2 cover, you can get your karaoke groove on puppet-style. Every third Thursday of the month (that's the 22nd this month), Puppet Karaoke Universe presents Puppet Karaoke at The Manhattan Room (15 W Girard). 21+.

Friday:

Secret Cinema:
Ah, when will it come, that oft-promised World of Tomorrow? Sure, we've got personal mobile phones and have put machinery on Mars - but Phillyist is still waiting for our Robot Maid. (Come on Science, get a move on!). See what our other folks expected from their futures at Secret Cinema's collection of movie shorts, Hopeful Visions: The Optimistic Future of World's Fairs and Theme Parks. This showing is taking place on Friday, September 23rd at 8PM at the Moore College of Art & Design (20th & Race Streets). Secret Cinema events tend to be very popular (and for good reason) - so Phillyist recommends getting there early.

Free Friday Noon Concert:
Each Friday XPN offers a free concert at noon at World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut St). Next show - Delbert McClinton on Friday September 23rd. Cost is free - an RSVP is required.

Saturday:

Celebrate Japan!
Who say frugal can't be fun and educational? Certainly not Phillyist. This Saturday, we'll be trekking over to
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (whew - that's a mouthful) for World Culture Family Day: Celebrate Japan! The day's schedule includes a Taiko drumming demonstrations, anime showings, shiatsu massages and more. 11 AM - 4 PM at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. 3260 South Street. Cost of museum admission: $8 for adults, $5 students and seniors.

Monday:

Season Teasers
Starting on Monday, September 26th, The Wilma Theater will staging readings of plays currently being considered for production. These readings are free, open to the public, and are followed by a discussion with performers and the audience. The reading on the 26th will be of "The Rosendorf Quartet" by Jason Sherman. Cost: free - but they do ask that you call and make a reservation. The Wilma Theater is located at 265 S. Broad St.

Theater Talk
Coincidentally (or, perhaps, not so coincidentally), also on the 26th, The Philadelphia Theatre Company will be hosting Theater Talk, a "behind-the-scenes" look at how they choose the shows they produce. This event will take place at Plays and Players Theater (1714 Delancey Street) at 7:30 PM. Cost: free! (call for a reservation - 215.985.1400 x111)

Photo Credit: World News