On Sept. 19, Margaret Cho and a line-up of burlesque performers brought The Sensuous Woman show to the Lakeshore Theatre, 3175 N. Broadway. The variety show, part burlesque and part comedy, will run for four consecutive days. Cho, a seasoned comedian who started doing stand-up at the age of 16, has developed a loyal fan base throughout the United States. Most recently, Cho traveled throughout the country on the highly successful True Colors tour. The tour, conceived by Cyndi Lauper in support of the Human Rights Campaign, brought together to the stage an array of artist like Erasure, Debbie Harry, The Gossip, and Rufus Wainright. Cho emceed the event, bringing the comedic component to the show.
Cho is the creative mastermind behind The Sensuous Woman, which features a handful of dancers and burlesque performers like Princess Farhana while incorporating comedy into the act. Cho isn't the only comedian in the show; also set to perform is comic actor Liam Sullivan as Internet rock star Kelly. Cho took time out to answer 10 fabulous random questions.
Emmanuel Garcia: What can we expect from The Sensuous Woman?
Margaret Cho: I love burlesque and I love the whole experience of bringing this whole art form back. I think the audience is really going to appreciate what we are doing and how important it is for woman and for feminism. Stripping, burlesque and belly dancing! It's about women who are beautiful and sexy. There's some playing with gender and wild stuff.
EG: What's your opinion on the current immigration debate?
MC: A lot can be said about this issue...it's hard because when you're Asian, when you're an immigrant, your welcome in this country is really conditional. And it depends on your good behavior and your achievements. We're not considered a part of the country like white people are.
EG: What was your experience like singing alongside Cyndi Lauper?
MC: She's a beautiful person. She's so funny. She's so in love with artists and so warm and supportive. She really loved all the people she brought together for the tour. She's also very much in charge. ... She taught me how to sing. How many people can say that?
EG: Favorite song to punch someone in the stomach?
MC: Hit Me With Your Best Shot by [ Pat ] Benatar.
EG: Are you a martini or beer girl?
MC: A martini girl, but I don't really drink at all. I can't. I have that Asian intolerance. I get really red.
EG: If you were a gay man, what advice would you give a straight woman?
MC: How to give good head. It's something that's been passed on to me and I would want to pass that on to someone else.
EG: Would you be a top or a bottom?
MC: Definitely a bottom; I'm such a bottom. [ Laughs ] I'm a very submissive person.
EG: What qualities do you look for a in a fellow queer?
MC: The qualities I look for in every person who I associate myself with, an open mind and a the ability to express and articulate anger, love, and passion.
EG: What does queer mean to you?
MC: Queer is fluid.
EG: Presidential candidate for 2008?
MC: I don't know yet. I love Hillary and I really love Barack. But it's really crazy when Rudy Giuliani's the most pro-gay.
