Margaret Cho comes to Warner Theatre

Kyle Ridley/For the News & Messenger
Published: April 3, 2008

Outspoken comedian Margaret Cho is breaking the chains of self-hatred and embracing self-love next week at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.

Cho plays three shows April 10 and 11 as part of her "Beautiful" tour.

"This show is really about the beauty that is within us and how we can express it," Cho said. "It's also the most raunchy show that I've done and there's something so beautiful about that."

Cho, 39, has shared past struggles with self-image in her comedy. She has admitted to battling eating disorders, alcoholism, media pressures and Asian stereotypes. Cho feels being candid in her material is essential.

"I think that it's important to share and be very open about things and be vo-cal," said the San Francisco, Calif. native who has performed stand-up since the age of 16.

Cho has taken part in several projects that celebrate diversity and self-acceptance. In 2005 she wrote and starred in the feature film "Bam Bam and Celeste," about a pair of Midwest outcasts who discover their inner beauty during a trip to New York.

Last year, Cho joined Cyndi Lauper on the first annual "True Colors" tour, benefiting the Human Rights Campaign. She also created and starred in the off-Broadway burlesque-variety show, "The Sensuous Woman."

"I think it's just something that I wanted to work towards and be very adamant about—people being kind to themselves and good to themselves," Cho said. She believes self-loathing is a "a growing theme among society."

Cho has managed to survive the rigors of showbiz since her short-lived ABC sitcom, "All-American Girl," aired in 1994. The groundbreaking series was the first centered on an Asian-American cast. Although Asian characters are still a minority, Cho is happy with the in-crease in diverse casting over the last few years.

"I'm seeing a lot more different faces, on television especially," she said, noting shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and Lost." "It's really impres-sive and exciting and I just want to see more."

"I don't think so much about being a role model. I'm just glad I'm able to express myself in different forms," she said.

In addition to comedy and acting, Cho has written two books and gained a loyal following with her Web site blog. Her second book, "I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight," features a col-lection of political and pop-culture essays, often controversial in nature.

"I think it's great to have a voice and really important to express that, especially if it's outside the mainstream," Cho said.

The "Beautiful" tour is trekking across the U.S. through mid-June. Cho shoots her new VH1 reality show, "The Cho Show," this summer before resuming her fall tour.

"I really love touring. It's a fun and exciting way to work," Cho said.

She particularly looks forward to returning to the District. She filmed her "Assassin" comedy DVD at Warner Theatre in 2005.

"I love Washington, D.C., because people are so smart and political," Cho said.

She said she makes sure drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep while traveling. Her non-party girl attitude helps her maintain her sanity during hectic touring schedules, she said. Despite a jam-packed schedule, Cho said she's "grateful" to have struck a healthy balance between work and home-life by leaving the glitz and glamour behind.

"I don't worry about the way fame can fluctuate or fade out," she said. "I just love my job and the opportunities."

Kyle Ridley is a freelance writer for the Potomac News and Manassas Journal Messenger. He can be reached at .

WANT TO GO?p> What's up: Comedian Margaret Cho perform

When: April 10 at 8 p.m. and April 11 at 7 and 10 p.m.

Where: Warner Theatre, 13th and E St. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Tickets: $28.50 to $45.50 on Ticketmaster.com

Info: WarnerTheatre.com