INTERVUE: Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho has done it all in the entertainment world. Ever since her own TV sitcom All-American Girl on ABC, Cho has dominated the world of Stand-up, TV, and books. After doing six comedy albums, she parlayed her success into her freshman studio album, Cho Dependent. Cho Dependent brings the raw essence of Cho’s musical genius with feature artists including Fiona Apple, Ben Lee, Tommy Chong, and Ani DiFranco. Riding high on the crest of her appearances on Dancing with the Stars and a guest role in the Lifetime series Drop Dead Diva, Cho returns to her roots with The Cho Dependent Tour covering North America throughout the Fall of 2010. TRR has recently chatted with Ms. Cho to talk about her new album, the tour and her world.

The Rogers Revue: Let’s get started by you telling us about your new album, Cho Dependent. This is your first studio album, your seventh album overall, what was the creative process like?

Margaret Cho: It would start with writing the words, bringing the lyrics to the artists, figuring out what it would sound like, which is a very fun process. I loved making this album.

TRR: You have brought a lot of guest artists onboard including Ben Lee, Fiona Apple, & Ani DiFranco. How’d you get all these amazing performers into collaborating for a comedy album?

MC: Everyone wanted to do it. I am so lucky that people believed in my vision and wanted to do it with me. We did something great together.

TRR: Who were your comedic influences growing up?

MC: Cheech and Chong, Richard Pryor and Joan Rivers. The Best!

TRR: When you are out on tour this fall, will the Cho Dependent tour feature both standup and musical numbers?

MC: Yes, mostly standup but a few songs for sure. I’m strapping on my guitar and playing a few numbers for sure.

TRR: If you could pick your ultimate place to tour, where is it and why?

MC: I’d love to do more in Australia because that is real Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

TRR: What advice do you give to aspiring comedians?

MC: Never give up.

TRR: Do you think comedy overall is in a good place?

MC: I do. Comedy is experiencing a real rennaissance and there are incredible comics out there doing very exciting things. Its a great time to be a comic now.

TRR: I want give you kudos for using your Dancing with the Stars platform to promote anti-bullying and pro-LGBT rights. With this in mind, the country is still sad over the recent tragedy of gay & lesbian teens who committed suicide due to cyberbullying, how do you feel about the matter and what do you feel needs to be done to rectify this concern?

MC: Thank you. I am extremely proud that I got to give such a wonderful expression of pride! It was so fun and really needed. I am heartbroken over the gay teen suicides, and we need to heal from it and prevent it from every happening again. It’s very important that we are talking about it and keeping the issue from getting buried under politics. Children are not a political argument. Everyone needs to take care of our children. These are just kids and they need support. And help and messages of pride and love.

TRR: Can you give us your overall impression of your performance on Dancing with the Stars?

MC: Its really traditional showbiz! Its live TV, which is so rare and special, then you have all these different people who are famous for one thing doing something else – dancing. It reminds me of Battle of the Network Stars or Circus of the Stars. Its very retro and exciting and cool. I loved it!

TRR: Let’s talk about your role in Drop Dead Diva, can you tell us about your character?

MC: Teri is Jane’s assistant, and leads her through her new life. She navigates Jane through all her cases, helps her out, supports her in everything she does. I love the show and we will be back soon for another season!

TRR: You have ran the gamut with your long career. Your own TV show, comedy albums, books, stand-up performances, a stage show, etc. Is there anything you wanted to do but haven’t yet?

MC: I’d love to do do more music, different genres! Its a whole new world! Also, I want to do more standup comedy, this is my favorite.

TRR: What is the one thing you hope your listeners can take from this album?

MC: I hope people love it as much as I do. I hope they find the songs beautiful and funny!

TRR: Finally, IF you can sum up your entire glowing career thus far, how would you do it?

MC: I have enjoyed every moment.

We thank Ms. Margaret Cho for spending time to interview with us. If you want to know more about the talented comedienne, click over to her official website http://www.margaretcho.com/

Don’t forget my fellow Washingtonians, Ms. Cho will be town at the Warner Theatre performing stand-up LIVE as part of her The Cho Dependent Tour next FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29th. Tickets are still available at $45.00 and the last 4 Rows: 28.50. Tickets are on sale through LiveNation at www.livenation.com and the Warner Theatre’s box office. Note: There will be a $5 service charge is added to all tickets for this event purchased at the Warner Theatre Box Office.