Penn students came to see comedian Margaret Cho Saturday night expecting in-your-face humor. But for the price of admission, they also got a 30-minute group therapy session.
"Ask about yourselves," the well-known Korean-American comedian told the crowd of 1,200, packed into Irvine Auditorium to hear her stand-up schtick. "I'm here for you."
Students responded by running into the aisles, waving furiously from the balcony trying to get Cho's attention. One person, who told of his own bulimia, fought back tears. Another student brought Cho a donation for her "love altar," a shelf in her California home devoted to gifts from fans.
Cho, whose appearance was co-sponsored by the Social Planning and Events Committee as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, ended a national tour and followed a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall.
Cho started the show with her thoughts -- some unprintable -- on the aftermath of Sept. 11.
"My first instinct when I receive an envelope with white powder is to snort it," she quipped. "Now, I just won't do that."
Cho, 33, began doing stand-up when she was just 16. She starred in the television series All-American Girl and the film I'm The One That I Want, based on her 1999 hit off-Broadway show.
Cho discussed growing up as a Korean-American in San Francisco and dreaming of Hollywood stardom, though she saw few minorities in entertainment.
"My dreams were limited. I thought maybe one day I could be an extra on MASH. I could be a hooker on something. 'Me love you long time,'" she said to big laughs.
Cho joked about an overdue pornography film at her local video store. She also wondered aloud what would happen if straight men menstruated.
"They would never have protection," Cho said. "They would be using old socks, coffee filters, tucking their shirts in. Every bachelor's apartment would look like a murder scene."
The rare 30-minute question and answer period followed her standard 40-minute routine. Students asked about politics, her career, the media and eating disorders, among other items.
For instance, Cho revealed that she is not a fan of President Bush.
"We have to rely on a doofus who is five minutes away from calling his coke dealer," she said.
Cho left the audience with a message about the necessity of empowerment in minority groups and women.
"We need to enjoy who we are now," she said. "For us to have self-esteem is a revolution and our revolution is long overdue."
The crowd seemed to love Cho's performance. Some said she was worth braving the line that wrapped around the building.
"I was supposed to be in New York all weekend, but I came back early just to see her," College junior Danielle Thomson said. "I am a huge fan of Margaret Cho and so thrilled that she came to Penn."
