ANAHEIM - Comedian Margaret Cho, who currently is starring on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars," will take the stage on Thursday as her "Cho Dependent" comedy tour comes to the Grove of Anaheim.

Cho, who has released numerous best selling books and starred in countless sold-out concert tours since 1999's off-Broadway one-woman show "I'm The One That I Want," said her current comedy album-based tour isn't much different than her normal stand-up routine.

The 41-year-old comic has infused some of her stand-up act with songs from the recently released comedy album "Cho Dependent" which features guests like Ani DiFranco, Tommy Chong, Fiona Apple, Tegan and Sara, and Andrew Bird.

"The tour has been amazing," Cho said in a recent e-mail interview.

"Everyone loves the show and I am very happy. It doesn't feel different because the show is mostly standup and I only play a few songs."

Her goal is simple, she said. She wants people to laugh and enjoy themselves.

"The show is all about gay rights, marriage equality, a bit of my family history. It's all about alienation and inclusion and visibility."

Cho said she did not think her longtime fans would be upset with her decision to be involved with "Dancing With The Stars."

"Everyone is really excited. I think that `Dancing With The Stars' is also the gayest show. I think even my most hardcore indie fans are into it. I am!"

She said she is happy with her decision to go on the show - despite the training regimen.
"This show is so different, and I am not being asked to be anything other than what I am," Cho said. "I love learning how to dance, and it's showing me what is possible in terms of flexibility and movement. I am really excited!"

She said the process of coming up with new material for her standup act has gotten easier. "I think it is easier now to write, as I have been doing it for so long. My inspirations lately have been Jim Earl, Jim Short, Jim Gaffigan - lots of Jims," she said.