Arts Agenda - Notorious return

Margaret Cho gets a little local help with new show

Margaret Cho is nothing if not resilient. After a failed sitcom and a battle with depression and drug addiction almost ended her comedy career before it had properly begun, the 32-year-old comedian bounced back with a wildly successful stand-up tour, “I’m the One that I Want.” The show culminated in a popular indie film and an autobiography.

Surfing her comeback wave, Cho started writing “The Notorious C.H.O.,” an homage of sorts to the strong ladies of hip-hop. Unfortunately, the new show’s tour was almost derailed by the terrorist attacks on America. Since Sept 11, erratic flight schedules have led to three re-scheduled shows, but “The Notorious C.H.O.” has met sold-out crowds in almost every city.

While her main topic in “I’m the One” was personal triumphs and setbacks, Cho this time looks to outside sources for inspiration.

“‘The Notorious C.H.O.’ is my hard-core rap show,” Cho joked in an interview in May. “I’m actually not going to rap in it, but it’s got that whole rap consciousness. These female rappers are so amazing and beautiful and sexy and righteous. I wanted to grab onto that feeling and write a show around it.”

Critics have called this show raunchier than previous outings from the already sexually explicit comedian, with topics ranging from sex clubs to S&M. But Cho-philes will be relieved that material on her Korean-born mother is in abundance.

Cho’s Atlanta appearance this weekend comes with a special guest, Kitty Le Claw, a drag performer most often seen at Burkhart’s Pub. Cho, who did a live remote for “Politically Incorrect” at Burkhart’s last year, calls the Midtown gay bar her “home base in Atlanta.”

“It’s really got a great atmosphere and I love Miss Kitty LeClaw,” she says.

Margaret Cho appears Sat., Nov. 17, 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave. $27.50-$38.50. 404-249-6400. www.ticketmaster.com.??