By JESSIE PASCOE
“The strip dances, stand-up acts and silly songs sold the show out in L.A.. Judging from the applause last night at the Zipper Factory, it seems New York might become hooked, too.”
Naked midgets, Gay Mafia rappers and a zillion spinning tassels: welcome to Margaret Cho’s new variety show, “The Sensuous Woman.” Although the show’s “all people are beautiful” incentive is a tad cheesy, the strip dances, stand-up acts and silly songs sold the show out in L.A.. Judging from the applause last night at the Zipper Factory, it seems New York might become hooked, too.
Cho’s recruited an eclectic group of performers from burlesque stars (Dirty Martini, Selena Luna) to stand-up comedians (Ian Harvie) to the musically-inclined (Liam Sullivan, Kurt Hall and Diana Yunez). A balance the mainly gay/straight gal audience loved. The most memorable for us was Selena Luna: Her retro-arty performances helped close people’s gaping mouths (most of them anyway), making her slutty French baby and lonely turn-of-the-century farm worker acts smart and endearing.
Of course, we were also partial to the Gay Mafia’s “Funky Fag Hag” song; Ian Harvie’s tip on how sex toys can usher you through airport security; and Ryan Heffington audience interaction skills (note to the bashful: don’t sit on the end.)
Cho’s multiple acts were classic Cho: Progressive rants interspersed with sexually-brazen quips. And to spice things up, she performed a few strip teases of her own, showing off her new tassel-spinning talent.
Unfortunately, after two hours, this variety show becomes monotonous. Then again, just when we were about to close our eyes, the final act almost brought down the house with Cho undressing to reveal—well, actually we’ll let you find out that surprise for yourself. Let’s just say you’ll never look at Margaret the same way again.
“The Sensuous Woman” is playing until Oct. 20. For tickets go to zippertheater.com.