Comedian Ali Sultan made his network television debut last month on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Happily, he’ll be bringing his comedy to East Grand Forks this Thursday and Friday.
Ali moved to America from Yemen at the age of 15. Fast forward a few years and he would be named both Best Local Comic and Artist of the Year in Minneapolis by City Pages magazine. Representing Minnesota, he won the Best in The Midwest comedy competition.
Along with several other comedians, Ali will be appearing at the Prohibition Comedy Club, cleverly hidden inside The Spud Jr at 306 Demers Ave. in East Grand Forks. Shows are Thursday (July 29) at 9:30 p.m. and Friday (Aug. 30) at 7 and 9 p.m. But first, 20 (or so) questions for Ali Sultan.
Me: You grew up in Yemen. How did you learn English?
Ali: In school when I moved here, ninth grade. I knew all the swear words already though!
Me: Who are your comedy influences?
Ali: Dylan, Dylan, Dylan. (Chappelle Show reference.) Funny people I grew up with, especially my Uncle Khaled.
Me: Boxers or briefs?
Ali: Who’s this question for?! And neither. I like to let the boys breath. JK boxers/ brief hybrid.
Me: Do you have any tattoos?
Ali: No, I am already cool.
Me: What’s the smallest audience you’ve ever played to?
Ali: One. I quit two minutes in and offered to text him the rest of the jokes.
Me: What’s the name of the last book you read?
Ali: “The Good Book.” The last one I read on “audible” is “Born Standing Up” by Steve Martin
Me: Who is your favorite actor?
Ali: Matt Damon.
Me: What is your biggest pet peeve?
Ali: When there is only one audience member at a show. PLEASE COME!
Me: Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Ali: Both, but I have two cats.
Me: Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Ali: Once we decided if it’s actually meat and find out what’s in it we can ponder about it being a sandwich. Too many unanswered questions!!
Me: What “old person” things do you do?
Ali: I love my Squatty Potty. #squattypottygang
Me: What are you most proud of?
Ali: Doing what I love happily and my latest appearance on Colbert.
Me: What’s your favorite movie?
Ali: “Star Wars,” “Bourne Identity,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “The Mask” and most Will Ferrell movies.
Me: What is always worth the wait?
Ali: Fruits of your labor.
Me: What would you name your boat if you had one?
Ali: Tesla. I would buy a Tesla instead.
Me: What is your biggest fear?
Ali: A one-audience member show in Grand Forks.
Me: What is something you would never spend money on?
Ali: Another Greyhound Bus ride. No more.
Me: What do you procrastinate about?
Ali: Everything. Not comedy.
Me: What would you change about yourself if you could?
Ali: Too deep. PASS. Also I am like perfect according to no one.
Me: Have you ever stolen anything?
Ali: Your readers heart. Que jazz music.
Me: What are you tired of hearing about?
Ali: Politics.
Me: What happens to you when you die?
Ali: I will let you know from the grave.
