Margaret Cho :: A Little 'PsyCHO,' Anything But Crazy

They say timing is everything, but I'm thinking a combination of vulnerability and smarts holds the skeleton key to comedy magic. Certainly, this holds true for funny gal Margaret Cho.

A three-time Grammy and Emmy nominee, Cho is an accomplished artist and a "Jill-of-all-trades," from film and television, to books, music and theatre. We love what she has dubbed, her "socially aware brand of comedy."

Equally awesome is her charitable heart. Cho is a superstar champion for LGBT rights, anti-bullying campaigns and the homeless community. She has never shied away from "taboo" topics and most recently, while appearing on the Today Show, she took a subtle jab at ridiculous Kim Davis's refusal to do her job. It was well-timed, quick and fabulous.

Cho is passionate, uproarious, politically incorrect, always entertaining and currently in high demand. In between appearing on E!'s Fashion Police, the Today Show and the premiere of her Showtime comedy special "PsyCHO," Cho took a few minutes to answer The Rage Monthly's questions. This month, she is kicking off a tour of her new stand-up comedy. There's no I in team, but there is a Cho in PsyCHO. Catch it here in San Diego on Thursday, October 22 at the Balboa Theatre. Until then, here are a few"Cho sound bites."

Can you give us a little teaser from the PsyCHO show?

This show is about insanity...everything happening in the world right now, from police brutality to racism, to the rising tide of violence against women. It all makes me so crazy-hence the title: "The PsyCHO Tour."

When men go off on something, they are "passionate" and "driven" -- and when women go off on something, we are "hysterical" and "crazy." I'm trying to bring some joy to the hysteria and insanity.

It's a wonderful thing to be known as a "safe haven" for people who feel disenfranchised. I seem to be a secure alternative for people who don't think they're being represented in society. I'll be doing lots of new material, singing two songs and hope to marry a same sex couple. Doing whatever I can to save the world! [Cho was ordained by Gavin Newsom.]

Speaking of marriage, I hear a lot of people in our LGBT com- munity asking, "What's next?" Where do we put our energy and funding now that marriage equality is the law of the land? You have been on the forefront of advocacy for years. (Thank You!) What's your opinion on, "What's next?"

I want to focus on gay adoption rights-making sure that LGBT families are able to adopt children and have the same opportunities as straight couples.

That is what I am concerned about now that we have marriage equality; I believe that the insane homophobic right-wingers will try to block our chances at adopting children. We need to make sure we can stop them.

Absolutely. Half our battle is political and who is voted into power. Who are you endorsing for President?

I'm endorsing Bernie Sanders, even though I am a long-time Hillary supporter. But, is there hope for them running on the same ticket? That is my greatest wish!

Clinton-Sanders... That's thought provoking. In one of your selfie-films you mention Richard Pryor as being one of your inspirations. You also started up #BeRobin in honor of Robin Williams. Who else have you considered to be among your muses or mentors?

Joan Rivers. Always. She made me realize I was meant to be a comedian. I miss her so much.

Lately you have been honoring Joan as a guest host on the
"reboot" of "Fashion Police." Are you considering a permanent post with the show?

I am hoping to continue to have fun on "Fashion Police." I love it! Also, there are lots of T.V. projects that I am developing. It's gonna be busy!

So, what's the word from Ms. Cho? What current fashion trend do you love and what trend do you hate?

I am loving body positivity and I am hoping women can embrace their curves and enjoy themselves and understand that fashion and beauty are accessible to all of us. And, I really hate flatforms!

What's next for you after wrapping up the international PsyCHO tour? Is there anything up your sleeve that you can share with fans yet?

I'm putting out an album. It has music that is going to be featured on the tour, but it also goes beyond anything I have ever done musically and as a comic. Comedy is always my main passion, but I want to try to use my musical ability to enhance my comedic point of view.

My ears are looking forward to that. Thank you for sharing your time, wit and humor with us.

Thank you!

The PsyCHO Tour comes to San Diego on Thursday, October 22 at the historic Balboa Theatre. For tickets and more information, call 619.570.1100 or go to sandiegotheatres.org.