Ever since her first standup gig at the age of 16, Margaret Cho has been pushing the envelope away from the safe and mundane into the world of the outrageous and candidly poignant. Cho’s current tour, “Beautiful” made its debut this past spring but has been extended through the fall due to its popularity.
From jokes about Sarah Palin to sexuality (sometimes mixed together) to nude burlesque shows and political rallies (clothed of course). Cho doesn’t play the neutral card, but is innovative and inspirational in her honesty and humor.
Recently, Metromix got the details on Cho’s upcoming tour as well as a look into her musical aspirations and who she thinks should be inducted into Cleveland’s Rock Hall.
Your current tour “Beautiful” has been highly successful, receiving enthusiastic reviews and selling out all over the country. Obviously the idea of beauty is addressed, but what other topics are included in your material?
Sex, gender, race, politics, the election—which will change according to what happens.
The title of the tour was inspired by a DJ who once asked you what you would do if you woke up beautiful the next day, meaning “blonde, blue-eyed, 5 foot 11 and 100 pounds.” Your well put response was that you probably wouldn’t get up in that case, because you’d be too weak to stand. What do you consider “beautiful” to be and why do you think so many people consider Barbie-like standards to be the ideal?
I think because we have Barbies to begin with, that is why that ideal exists. And because the media doesn't do anything to change the standards. But I think that everyone is essentially beautiful, or has the potential to be.
What do you consider to be truly ugly?
Intolerance, fear, prejudice.
Your comedy routines are often courageously and hilariously explicit. Is there any topic that’s off limits to you?
I don't think so, but I don't know yet.
In one of your standup acts you recall how weird it is to be an Asian American on an airplane with a flight attendant offering you Asian chicken salad, comically retorting, "That is not the salad of my people!" What is your favorite Asian specialty?
I'm a big sushi fan!
It’s rumored that Jenifer Lopez has specific, diva-like demands for her dressing room when she’s performing. Do you have any specific backstage requests?
Quiet, basically. I like it very peaceful and serene back there.
What do you usually do after a show? Do you think you’ll head out for a night in Cleveland?
I usually have to go to bed because I am up early the next day and off to another city!
“I Cho Am A Woman” is the first released track (available on iTunes) from what will be a full blown album in 2009. What made you decide to record a song and start creating an album?
I have been doing music on my own since 2003, and enjoying the learning process. I think comedy songs are classic—like all
comics from the '60s and '70s did them—so I want to do my own record of them.
What song really gets you fist pumping?
“Last Day of Magic” by The Kills
It’s clear that your voting in favor of Barack Obama (Cho was a campaign surrogate for Obama). By the time this interview comes out, either he or McCain will have been elected President. How do you plan on coping if the McCain-Palin ticket is victorious?
That won't happen. Obama will be president.
This is Metromix, so we've got to throw some nightlife questions at you. What's your drink of choice?
Throat coat tea
You dated Quentin Tarantino. What kind of a date does Mr. Tarantino take a girl on?
To movies
Three things you couldn’t live without?
iPod, pens, Blackberry!
