Margaret Cho brings politics, punchlines, and Pride to The Folly
For more than three decades, Margaret Cho has built a career out of scathingly saying the loud parts out loud.
She’s skewered politicians, celebrity absurdity, misogyny, homophobia, beauty standards, family dysfunction, and, occasionally, herself with the kind of fearless specificity that makes audiences simultaneously gasp and howl. But as Cho prepares to bring her new Choligarchy tour to Kansas City’s Folly Theater on June 13 for a Pride month appearance, the comedian sounds less like an entertainer parachuting into town and more like a veteran activist sharpening her claws.
“Pride is a political protest,” Cho says plainly. “It’s always been. My first Pride was in 1978, and I’ve always perceived it as that. Of course, it’s a party too, we have a good time, but it’s also a very, very important political moment.”
In 2026, she argues, that moment feels particularly urgent.
“We’re out here fighting for the trans community,” she says. “The dehumanization of the trans community is unconscionable. Restoring rights and dignity to the trans community, that’s the most important thing.”
Pride, Politics, and Punchlines
That mix of political fury and comic relief forms the backbone of Choligarchy, Cho’s first major nationwide stand-up tour in years.
“I feel like comedy is really political,” she says. “That’s where I sort of really got my start. We’re in a state of emergency, more dire than when I did my first State of Emergency tour in 2004. Comedy can wake us up to things, but also give us relief that things are going to be okay.”
Photo by Albert Sanchez
For Cho, humor has never existed apart from activism. Instead, comedy becomes a merciful release valve for anger, grief, ludicrousness, and survival.
Asked what currently infuriates her most, Cho barely pauses.
“The Supreme Court is pissing me off,” she says. “The way they bend to Trump. The way our systems have been eroded and destroyed over time. We’re seeing the effects now.”
But do not mistake politics for preachiness. This is still Margaret Cho, patron saint of chaos, camp, and spectacular celebrity encounters.
Joan, Cher, and the Hall of Queer Fame
During our conversation, Cho sits squarely positioned in front an elaborate portrait of late comedy icon Joan Rivers looming in the background. Not a painting exactly, but something stranger and infinitely more fab-u-lous.
“That’s made out of garbage from female comedians,” Cho says, delighted. “There’s stuff from Phyllis Diller, Sarah Silverman, and me. Plastic surgery dressings, backstage passes, makeup. My friend Jason Mecier made it after Joan died.”
Yes, the artwork literally contains fragments of comedic history.
“Oh, and I think some Monistat from Kathy Griffin,” Cho laughs.
The reverence Cho holds for Rivers still radiates years after the comic legend’s death.
“Joan was a major idol my whole life,” she says. “And then she became a very close friend.”
Thankfully, her celeb hero worship has all been positive and nurturing.
“I’ve been really lucky,” Cho says. “Meeting people like Olivia Newton-John, Sandra Bernhard, Joan. I’ve actually not been disappointed.”
Her friendship with Sandra Bernhard has evolved from fandom to friendship. (It helps that they also star together in the Disney+ series Percy Jackson & the Olympians.)
“She’s my good friend,” Cho beams. “I’m a Bernhardologist.”
Still, one icon managed to leave Cho speechless: Cher.
Earlier this year, Cho officiated Chaz Bono’s wedding, an intimate gathering where Cher became emotional watching her son get married.
“She was just sobbing. I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t,” Cho says. “I was so starstruck. I was struck mute.”
For a woman who built a career on saying everything, the image feels delightfully improbable.
“I was too stunned to speak—because it was Cher.”
Dolly, Dance Floors, and the Midwest
Cho saves equal reverence for Dolly Parton.
“She sent me makeup once!” Cho says. “I recently bought her Jolene lipstick. The case is fully rhinestoned. It’s collectible and usable.”
“She’s the ultimate,” Cho adds. “Nobody is like her.”
Despite Hollywood stories and celebrity orbiting, Cho remains grounded in queer community.
“Pride is like a reunion,” she says. “A chance to hang out, see friends, see everybody dressed up.”
Kansas City, she hints, should expect a particularly energized version of Cho.
“I love a Pride celebration. I love getting to come to the Midwest,” she says. “I feel like our Pride is going to be super politicized, super exciting.”
And yes, there will be surprises.
Cho plans to perform her cheekily titled new song “Your Dick,” created with The Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin, complete with club remixes already making the rounds.
“It’s a very Pride song,” Cho says proudly.
Comfort Movies and Career Cameos
For someone whose IMDb credits stretch across sitcoms, dramas, and delightfully bizarre cameos, Cho’s cultural comfort food leans decidedly queer.
“Velvet Goldmine,” she says immediately when asked what movie she has watched more than any other. The glam-rock fantasia from director Todd Haynes remains her security blanket.
“That’s my comfort movie.”
A close second is Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. “I watch Carol every Christmas,” Cho says, laughing. “It’s a lesbian Christmas movie.”
Does she have a favorite cameo role from her own sprawling résumé? Duh.
“I always loved Sex and the City,” she says, recalling her memorable turn in the fashion-world episode “The Real Me.” “I mean, fashion roadkill?” she quips. “That show is just so iconic.”
Cho also points to 30 Rock, which earned her an Emmy nomination, as another career highlight. “I love Tina Fey, and I loved being part of that world,” she says. “To be a fan of a show and then step into it is really special.”
It is a fitting answer from someone who grew up idolizing pop culture, only to eventually wander into the frame herself.
Bring It On, KC!
Beyond Choligarchy, Cho continues developing a one-woman theater piece about her ever-present mother, Mommy, a One-Woman Cho. But for now, stand-up has reclaimed center stage.
Also, if Choligarchy feels funny, furious, and cathartic, that’s because Cho believes comedy still matters.
“We’re scared,” she says. “But comedy can help us wake up and remind us things are going to swing back. Politics moves like a pendulum.”
It’s no wonder with the world wobbling and laughter increasingly resembling resistance, her appearances feel less like a tour stop and more like a mission.
Before we part ways, Cho offers one final shout-out to Kansas City.
“I’m thrilled to be coming there,” she says.
Margaret Cho: Choligarchy
Saturday, June 13th
7:30 p.m.
The Folly Theater
