‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Prom,” the third annual night of comedy to benefit High School North’s post prom party, will be held at North on Saturday, January 23, at 7:30 p.m. The show is produced by HA Comedy Productions, owned by Helene Angley of West Windsor. “Six years has allowed my comedy to expand into many other venues, especially where fundraising for a worthy child safety cause is involved,” she says.
“Post Prom is run by adults who want to create a safe and fun, entertaining evening for our kids,” says Angley. “This show and comic line-up is designed around connecting with the parents in the audience, as it takes a village of parents and their support to bring Post Prom to reality.” Comics include Angley, Emmy Award winner Taylor Mason, Marc Kaye, Matt Lacy, and Brett Druck. Tickets are $20.
“I am doing my best to help by offering hilarious comics who are helping out for a great cause,” she says. “Parents and their children both benefit from the fun and safe Post Prom event, but we need funding to make it work and this show is one of our most important fundraising events.”
Post Prom, a free event for seniors from North, will be held at the school. “There is a secret theme to the evening, but the entire evening is geared with games and prizes for all attending,” says Angley. Although it is held after the prom, attendance at the prom is not mandatory. Post prom costs more than $35,000, and fundraising is important to meet that goal.
Angley was raised in California and graduated from Long Beach State University with a degree in chemistry. She moved to New York City, where she received a master’s degree in forensic science from John Jay College and met her husband, Tom, when she was working in the forensic department with the New York City Police Department. She has since moved on to the service and support side of pharmaceuticals with the Waters Corporation based in Milford, Massachusetts, and he works for Zurich Insurance Company.
“My husband has been very supportive and continues to help manage a lot of my comedy career — although he probably would like me to be home a weekend night every once in a while,” she says.
Their son Ryan, a graduate of High School North and a sophomore at University of Delaware, is studying exercise science. Their daughter Dana, a senior at High School North, is awaiting college replies.
Angley also runs a comedy night at Grover’s Mill Coffee House in Southfield Shopping Center once a month. “I am thrilled to continue to work with Franc Gambatese and Mickey DeFranco and their groovy crew at Grover’s Mill Coffee House.” The six year anniversary comedy show is on Friday, January 16, at 8 p.m.
“To begin my sixth year at Grover’s Mill — and it really is our sixth year on that date — I have invited some of the best local and current U.S. circuit comics,” she says. The performers include Joan Weisblatt, Bill Chaing, and Tommy Gooch.
“I enjoy volunteering but this is different. I am bringing a comedy show that has newbees, regulars, and faithful followers once a month at the best funky coffee house in town is just a dream come true,” says Angley.
Angley got her start in comedy several years ago, when she saw an advertisement for comedy classes on the bulletin board at the old Acme Market. She thought, “why not?” and took two semesters’ worth before auditioning for “Last Comic Standing.” During the callback (she did not make the cut) she was offered a spot in an eight-week training program on how to better yourself as a comic. “It was a wonderful opportunity, as they only take 12 comics a year,” she says. Four of them “survived” and still perform, often together.
She performed at Gotham Comedy Club in New York City for three years. “It was a big strain on the family, and the kids learned to make their own dinner,” she says. “With the economic change I looked to see what was local just as Grover’s Mill Coffee House opened. They have been so wonderful and supportive.”
Angley’s six years of hard work has put her comedy career at its highest point. “It has been such an amazing ride and I feel so blessed to have an opportunity to continue to bring something so fun to my community.” Angley has recently taken fourth place at the Funniest Comic on the East Coast, and was the only woman left standing at Mohegan Sun in October.
A story about a comedian would not be complete without one of Angley’s favorite jokes.
“A man hears his wife in the kitchen ask ‘What do you want for dinner sweetie pie? Pork, chicken, or steak?’ The husband answers ‘Well, I will take chicken, thank you.’ The wife replies ‘Wrong Sweetie Pie — I was talking to the cat.’”
“It has gotten easier over the years to share life experiences in my routine that touch almost everyone in the crowd — old or young, from New York City or Freehold — people are all faced with themselves and their kids getting older. However, there are certain jokes that only work in New Jersey.” Angley often says “I know what you are thinking — and no — I am not your former New Jersey governor Christie Todd Whitman — I just look like her.” She is also finding it easier to poke fun at current Governor Chris Christie.
“Although it is true that New York City crowds are the toughest — nothing is tougher than making my local Grover’s Mill groupies laugh,” says Angley. “I know that even if I get a small laugh on a new joke at Grover’s Mill it truly is a killer but now almost every comic knows that too — and they look to Grover’s Mill as the room to play.”
— Lynn Miller
Comedy Night, HA Comedy Productions, Grovers Mill Coffee House, 335 Princeton Hightstown Road, West Windsor. Friday, January 16, 8 p.m. Helene Angley of West Windsor hosts the sixth anniversary show. Free. 609-716-8771. www.heleneangley.com.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Prom, High School North, 90 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro. Friday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. HA Comedy Productions presents a night of comedy to benefit this year’s post prom event. $20. Coffee and dessert may be purchased. Must be 18 or older. 609-716-5100. www.wwpn-postprom.org.
