We don't know about you, but Out There already has plans to attend Brava Theater Center's New Year's Eve Comedy Fiesta. We wouldn't miss sarcastic sin verguenza Marga Gomez, comedian and improviser extraordinaire Diane Amos, the hilarious Betsy Salkind direct from LA, and local favorite Betty Pazmino (My Dinner w/ Betty). The show is followed by a Countdown Dance Party with legendary DJ Page Hodel , no-host bar, snacks, party hats and free Midnight champagne (hint: it's not Moet). Gomez graciously consented to answer a few softball questions by email.
Out There: We know that natural-born performers are always working on New Year's Eve, but have you ever been able to just party on NYE in your whole adult life?
Marga Gomez: I'm too shy for most parties, that's why I have devised this elaborate New Year's Eve Comedy Fiesta plan. First I go on stage at Brava, tell hilarious jokes, twerk a little, and get a standing ovation. Next I lead the audience into Brava's tastefully decorated party lounge. DJ Page Hodel is pumping the sex music, and 400 people compete to buy me a drink. That's a party!
Are you glad to see the rear end of 2014? Is there any hope for Baby New Year 2015?
2014 sucked, except I did have a long-running hit show in town, and gay marriage won more states. But otherwise, horrible year! Can't wait to kick 2014 to the curb. I want to beat 2014 like a Google Bus pinata. But 2015 will be better. For one thing, it's raining again, so we can flush our toilets next year. 2015 will be awesome for Castro Street because construction is over! The sidewalks are doubled in size, which makes me feel so much thinner on my walks. We have the new LGBT sidewalk tribute, which is a dream come true. Now I can literally sit on Gertrude Stein's face.
What can you tell us about your co-performers Diane Amos, Betsy Salkind, DJ Page Hodel and emcee Betty Pazmino?
This is my third New Year's Eve at Brava, and I have asked two of my favorite comics to headline with me. Diane Amos is known to millions for her "Pine Sol Lady" television commercials. She is also an award-winning stand-up comedian and improv comic. Betsy Salkind used to write for the Roseanne program and has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Our emcee Betty Pazmino is a dancer, comedian and unofficial mayor of 24th Street. And our DJ this year Page Hodel is a Bay Area legend who was recently named "San Francisco's unofficial Pied Piper of Party" by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Are you happy to be playing a hometown gig in your hometown hood for the holiday?
I'm so happy and fortunate to be doing this benefit at Brava. It's the coolest, prettiest and most progressive theater, not just in the Mission, but also in San Francisco. I love that it's near BART, so we can lure some East Bay party animals. I live close to the Mission, so I can walk to work and stagger home.
Do you get generous perks with the gig? Or will you be taking "a limo called Muni" to/from the show?
I asked for fish tacos in my dressing room. A blonde and a brunette.
Showtime is at 9 p.m. Doors and bar open at 8 p.m. Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St., SF. Advance tickets are available online at brava.org. Reserved seating starts at $35. VIP seating is available