Comedy: You say you want a revolution
Margaret Cho breaks more ground with politically charged tour

By Mike Prevatt

Many performers are enticed by the glamour that is playing the Joint at the Hard Rock, and Margaret Cho is no exception. But while most headlining artists try to evoke the suaveness of the Rat Pack, or the flash of Elvis, the comedian--already a two-time Joint veteran--has another icon of Vegas cinema in mind.

"I just pretend like I'm in Showgirls, my favorite movie," says Cho, from her Valley home in Southern California.

Cho can get away with such an admission because, unlike Elizabeth Berkley, she's cool as fuck. In a career begun when she was only 16, the now 34-year-old bisexual Korean-American enfant terrible has developed one of the most devoted cult followings in entertainment, thanks to her relatable experiences, empowering delivery, distinctive form of debauchery and brutally honest observations. Though she resonates most with liberal twentysomethings and Asian-Americans, she has especially become an icon among the gay/lesbian/transgender/bisexual community, which makes up a significant portion of her audience. She is a compassionate voice for minority and misfit alike, and she exudes confidence with every pun and proclamation.

And yet, in Cho's routines, no punches are pulled, and no subject is safe--least of all her mother, whom the comedian lovingly imitates so well that it's become her comedic trademark. (Not only are her parents publicly supportive of their daughter's success, they're great sports about her filthy mouth, too.) Her frank discourse on sexual politics, social interaction and race matters has frequently earned her comparisons to Lenny Bruce, Bill Hicks and Richard Pryor, arguably the boldest figures in the history of standup comedy.

Cho is launching her own revolution this year, as she's dubbed her third major tour the "Revolution" tour. Where in 1999's landmark one-woman show "I'm the One That I Want," Cho asserted her identity through her life experiences, and in 2001's bawdy "Notorious C.H.O.," she emphasized the freedom of self-expression no matter how fringe one might be, "Revolution "gets political.

"I realize I talk a lot about sex," says Cho. "But what's really dirty is government. Congress is the most X-rated thing; what's happening here is criminal. I think that's where the dirt is, and it's fun [to joke about]. It's personal, too--it's important to recognize that."

Cho launches this tour at a time when more heavy-handed commentators--specifically, radio and cable TV right-wing hotheads--have lashed out against politically outspoken celebrities, accusing them of joining causes (namely, the anti-war drive) merely for publicity. But the San Francisco native sees the necessity--and humor--in expressing one's feelings in today's tense climate.

"I'm not really a celebrity or even a comedian," says Cho. "Well, I know I am, but I also know I'm a pundit for the radical, GLBT and feminist [communities]. I am a pundit for the left. In some ways, it's fun. Like, what's Sean Penn going to Iraq for? Is he going to punch out their photographers? But it's noble, and interesting. Both opinions are necessary--anyone should speak up."

At least she won't be pissing off anyone holding her contract. Cho is as DIY as they come, which makes her comedy that much more dangerous and genuine, and her success all the more remarkable.

"I could never work for the industry," she says. "I work completely independent of any network or company that could have me silenced. My entire body of work is based on me speaking the truth. And the fact that I am who I am is a statement of how far you can go."