Cho's funny business

POPULAR Korean-American actress and stand-up comedian, Margaret Cho will be giving a one-night only performance at HGH Convention Centre on May 11 at 8.30pm.
This show, which is presented by LOL Events, is part of Cho's worldwide Fresh Of The Bloat tour.
Cho is a Grammy and Emmy nomniated comedian who was named one of Rolling Stone magazine's 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time and has received rave reviews for the initial shows for this tour.
Fresh Off The Bloat is said to be Margaret's most compelling stand-up comedy show to date. Cho doesn't take anything for granted as she continues to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and her razor sharp insight with her takes on addiction, abuse, activism and Asianness.
In an email interview with Cho, she spoke about her work, her family and also future plans.
Your family has sometimes been a focal point for your comedy. How did they take to that initially?
"They really didn't understand what I was trying to do and were very worried. Now they get it, but it took about 10 years for them to accept that I wasn't going to be a doctor. My mother loves to come to the shows and see all the people. She's very proud."
Is there any subject you would not touch when it comes to comedy?
"I think everything is fair game but you have to be compassionate and careful too."
Who are your greatest comedic influences?
"Joan Rivers – most of all. She was my greatest influence. Also, Robin Williams was very influential in my career and helped me in the beginning as did Jerry Seinfeld and we are still friends today."
A lot of people loved your stint on Fashion Police. What made you want to be a part of the panel and how did you feel when it ended?
"It was Joan Rivers – it was her show and her legacy and it felt right to step into her role there after she died. i was sad when it ended but I am still very close with everyone there."
You had your own sitcom All-American Girl and were a regular on Drop Dead Diva. Do you have plans to do another series in the near future?
"I am developing a number of television projects both in front of and behind the camera which are all in very early stages –too early to discuss but they are all really exciting!"
You are one of the foremost stand-up comedians around. One is the best advice you have received about doing stand-up comedy?
"It was Joan who told me – 'they will always want you' –meaning we don't age out of the industry like so many actresses. We are always wanted. That keeps me going. She was a great supporter."
What advice would you give up-and-coming stand-up comedians especially the girls?
"Never stop. Keep dreaming. Keep believing. Keep going."
How do you deal with hecklers?
"You try to incorporate them into the show itself. Live performance is a living, breathing thing. You never know why something happens but you should always be able to handle it."
How much of each show is planned and how much of what you do is spontaneous?
"It really depends – but you need to be flexible. It can go 100% as planned and it can go 100% unplanned but no matter what, it has to be great."
Considering you an an activist, do you ever plan to run for office?
"I don't know – maybe!"
More details for the show are available on www.lolevents.my.