The Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy pre-show Q-and-A series give you 10 questions of insight into your favorite comedians’ minds.
A regular guest at the round table on the Chelsea Lately show, Ben Gleib started from sarcastic comments about people’s intelligence to charming people with his satirical persona and his improvisational skills. Traveling with his portable ping-pong set, Gleib has come from the stage of the “Last Comic Standing” to crash the party at the House of Comedy.
Gleib will be performing at House of Comedy, located at 5350 E. High St. Suite 105, in Phoenix on Wednesday, Dec. 10 through Sunday, Dec. 14. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 10 and 11, shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, shows are scheduled for 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday’s shows are at 7 and 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, has one show at 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary by show and range from $13 to $20
When’s the moment you realized you wanted to be a comedian?
When I was about 5, I realized how stupid most people were. I would make all of these sarcastic comments in my head. I figured if I said them out loud people would think I was nuts, unless it was in a microphone.
What was your best (or most embarrassing) moment on stage?
I told a story about eating pot brownies with my father. Then, I brought him on stage to confirm it and he started doing stand-up! He killed it! He was naturally funny and it made my job seem a lot easier than I thought it was. It was a great moment to experience and can all be seen on YouTube.
What’s one thing you want people to know about doing stand-up that nobody has ever asked you?
Is it hard to get up at 6:00 a.m. to do local radio? Yes, very much yes. Normally, I just went to bed two hours earlier. I don’t know why they don’t have more comics on afternoon radio more often. Seems like a better fit to me, as do most beds.
Who is your comedic inspiration?
George Carlin is my favorite stand-up ever. He is so funny, smart and silly all at the same time. He has such a passionate point of view. He made me laugh harder than anyone else. I love comedy that finds flaws in logic and conventional wisdom.
What’s one thing you wished someone had told you about stand-up?
How much girls love comics. I would have started in the 6th grade.
What’s one item you never hit the road without?
My portable pingpong net and racket set. It turns any table into a full table tennis setup. It’s pretty dumb to travel with and I rarely use it, but it’s comforting to know it’s there.
What is your favorite city to perform in and why?
Whatever city this is, because the people here are so smart and I love the the weather here is hot and/or cold.
Describe yourself in three words:
Affable, tasty and hungry.
If you had one day left to live, how would you spend it?
Giving my all to this interview.
What did you do the last time you were in Phoenix?
Lots of comedy, some sleeping, and more drinking than I remember- so I’m told. I don’t remember.
