Hello all,

As you may or may not know now, my mom was diagnosed with cervical cancer in December of '07.  It has been a grueling month and we are working through it together as a family.  The new year is now here, and I've come to the realization that if you found out about my mother through this blog, then I am not doing a very good job as a friend of filling you in on the major occurences of my life.  That is something I apologize for.  I'm sorry.

But if you are reading this, let me start by saying thank you for all your support and thoughts/prayers/energy.  Cancer is never a word that anyone likes to hear.  And sickness in this world kind of has a bad stigma to it.  I believe that it is nothing to hide from.  As a matter of fact, you can't hide from sickness.  And the only way to get over it is to face it head on.  My mother is the strongest person I've ever encountered in my life.  So watching her in a weakened stated of physicality and mentality is heartbreaking for me.  The toll of radiation treatments and chemotherapy has been a momentous undertaking for my mom.  Watching her, I can only hope to take her discomfort away. 

As a result, I've been a little distant at home when I need not to be.   Almost nonchalant to the situation at hand.  Let me assure you, it's not because I don't care... to be honest, it's the only way I know how to not breakdown.  I have to be strong for my mother and our family and for myself.  And me being an emotional wreck is not going to remedy any complications.  The thought of my mother incapacitated tears at my heart.  I have to keep pushing through so she doesn't see me weakened.

When my mom found out about her illness, the first thing she told me was "to keep going."  I'm a theatre advocate.  I involve myself so thoroughly in theatre that it takes up all the time in my life.  She doesn't want me to stop what I'm doing for her.  And I'm not going to.  I need this part of my life so that the most important part doesn't falter.  So I've kept busy with my rehearsals for 'Oklahoma!' and preparing my audition for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.  I performed my audition song for my mom the other night; and she loved it.

But now a different kind of challenge comes.  Along with the physical and mental toll cancer has, it also brings forth financial complications.  My mom because of her treatments has had to miss many days of work.  I've gotten accustomed to helping her out as much as I can.  And my family has been generous with their support (this truly is a familial sickness that we all our taking part of).  But now in my mom's fifth week of radiation treatments, she will have to stay away from home and in the care of her doctors for a few days.  The chemotherapy will eventually take a much more stronger toll than previously.  And my family has recognized the burden that will be coming soon.

Which brings me to announce the Bar-B-Q Benefit for Patty Gomez.  With the help of friends and relatives, my family has organized an event that will hopefully bring out the best in the community and help aid my mother in her upcoming months.  Saturday, January 26, we will be selling BBQ plates at $6 a piece (along with baked goods, refreshments, and rafflles) at the Gardens (125 S. Business IH-35 New Braunfels, TX 78130).  Between 11am and 3pm, all proceeds go directly to my mother to help ease the financial burden of cancer.  You can pick up tickets from my aunt Linda (830.481.9803) to buy or sell.  All raffle tickets will be sold at the event itself.

Here is where I come in and do my part:
Friends, I ask you now as a son of a very ill mother for your help.  I am writing to each and every one of you because you have somehow touched my life and the life of my mother, my family.  I ask for ice chests, a pot of beans, a bag of rice, a donation to the raffle, a single ticket for BBQ, a helping hand, even just a posting of a flyer.  Anything that may help contribute to this event's success.  My family is doing everything in its power to help, but we need your help.  The Gardens has gracially accepted hosting duties; DJ M&M has generously donated 3 hours of time to the event (2-5pm); other friends have already taken the responsibility of cooking the chicken; distant relatives have offered to cooka pot of beans, donate to the raffle, buy bread and refreshements.  The love of all has already been pouring from the community and the response brings tears to my eyes.  Please... please, if you know of anyone or anything that can help contribute, my words could never thank you enough.  Donated items to the raffle would be an immense contribution.  And all I'm doing now is reaching out to the people that I know I would do anything for too.  Once again, if all you can do is donate your time, you've contributed to my mom's health more than I could hope for you to do.  If you can sell tickets and help promote, you've already accomplished an amazing feat.  Please, please, please, please... give considerable thought and attention to this event; it is a testament to the love of family and friends.  I would want nothing more than for you to be included in that company.

Love, Joseph Gomez

I hope I don't get attached to Myspace again.  It can really hurt one's social life.  But I have nothing better to do at the moment so here I am.  So time for some bullet posting!!

*The best thing to happen in a while?  Roger Ebert is back and writing for the Sun-Times.  My life is complete again.

*"Pushing Daisies" is great for its witty writing, sharp direction, funny cast, and all that... but the real reason it is fantastic is because it keeps giving all us Broadway fans giddy jumps of delight that only us Broadway nerds can appreciate.  First off, it stars the likes of Kristin Chenoweth and Ellen Greene.  And if that weren't enough, in this week's episode they SANG TOGETHER!!!  Swoosie Kurts also has a role.  Last week, Raul Esparza guest starred and will return in November, and seeing him and Kristin act together is freaking great.  I'm in love.

*KNOCKED UP is fucking hilarious.

*The only reason to watch "Private Practice" is for the master class of dramatic acting Audra McDonald provides free of charge every week.  God is a beautiful black woman who can sing opera.

*Sarah Silverman is the funniest Jew ever, but not in her show.  As a matter of fact, her show is perhaps the worst, most unfunny thing to ever happen to Jews since the Holocaust.

*Julie White is in TRANSFORMERS.

It's been an exciting year so far for me.  I'm thoroughly enjoying my stint as Robby the Stockfish in "Urinetown: The Musical" at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre in San Antonio.  It is one of the best productions I have had the 'privilege' to be a part of in recent years.  I hope *ding* to do more shows in the San Antonio area in the coming months (and having my first S.A. production be a Vex show, I must say that I am extremely lucky).  But what has also been great about working at the Vex is the freaking ama-sing and cra-sy people I've met.  Great actors as they all are, the company has been a blast to work with and that is what I feel truly blessed to have discovered.  Now I'm in the middle of a great run, starting rehearsals for 2 New Braunfels shows ("Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and "Jekyll and Hyde"), and best of all - Tony season!!!

Thank God for Byrd Bonner our resident Mr. Caldwell B. Cladwell.  For without him, my life would be empty.  Why? - you ask.  Because sans Byrd Bonner, Tony predictions would be a one-sided love affair where I was cheating on New York theatre journalists Ben Brantley and Clive Barnes with make-believe fantasy versions of Matthew Murray and John Simon in Sardi's having a panel discussion of whether or not Debra Monk truly qualifies for a leading actress in a musical nod.  But alas, I have Byrd Bonner, therefore I have actual human to human if-not-intellectual-at-least-mind-stimulating conversations concerning the real awards season of the entertainment industry (save the Oscars, but I hold the February/March weeks in high regard as a different level of entertainment in and of itself and not so much a rewarding look back at the deserving and not-so deserving films of the passed year).  Shamefully, I do have to admit that this is my first year of truly delving into the Tony nominations as thoroughly as I have.  What has been distracting me in the past?  Perhaps school.  Perhaps summer movie blockbusters.  Perhaps internet blogs devoted to film discussion.  

Perhaps Roger Ebert.  And there, my friends, lies the answer.  One of my heroes, and one of the greatest journalistic writers of EVER (!), Roger Ebert has been recovering from surgery for almost a whole year now.  As a result, his writing has been limited to about one entry per 2 months.  This is coming from a 40+ year archive of brilliant, entertaining, and insightful film criticism that has inspired countless and countless amounts of readers, film makers, and fellow writers (myself included).  And nothing makes me happier for Roger when he's capable of being the humorously inspirational man he is by attending his own film festival of overlooked films and making a public appearance that was sure not to appease the public's view of sickness.  Roger made a triumphant showing in Urbana, Illinois earlier this month displaying in full view his weakened physical state.  However, just as always, his mind was on full display as well.   And as the world held its breath, waiting to let loose a sigh of relief to see if his witty brain was still in tip top shape - or if the months of physical therapy and reconstructive surgeries had taken a toll on him, Roger exclaimed through his laptop which provided the comparatively elusive, cold, mechanical voice box for this always eloquent, warm speaker and lover of words: "This is not HAL 9000..."

And instead of breathing a sigh of relief, the world let out a bellow of laughter.  The great Roger Ebert was here and just as brilliant as ever.

I used to spend everyday reading an entry of Roger Ebert's writing and examining his view and opinions.  And having his writing filtered out of my everyday life, I was forced to look for other writing that was readily available.  This lead me to the world of theatre journalism.  And led me to new Broadway shows such as "Spring Awakening," "Grey Gardens," and "LoveMusik."  It led me to reaffirm my love for the theatre of past such as Sondheim's (one of my other heroes) "Sweeney Todd" and "Passion."  And yes, led me to the backstage discussions of Drama Desk award nominees with that fellow amongst fellows Byrd Bonner.  So as a tribute to the effervescent Byrd, to the ciritically-lauded Ben Brantley, and to the always inspirational Roger Ebert - my Tony award nomination predictions for the 2006-2007 season of the Broadway stage:

Best New Musical
Spring Awakening
Grey Gardens
Curtains

...and either "LoveMusik," "Mary Poppins," or "Legally Blonde" filling in that coveted fourth slot.  LM has the distinguisehd Harold Prince behind the directing chair and it's hard to imagine the Tony nominators leaving a 21-time Tony award winner out of the race.  However, what LM has going for it in terms of star power (Harold Prince, and the great Michael Cerveris and Donna Murphy), it lacks in genuine excitement and universal praise.  The artsy-fartsy vote is being filled by "Grey Gardens" and nominators may be reluctant to reward another show with high-art hoopla surrounding it with a nod.  MP has the huge Disney corporation in its corner but has the lukewarm critical reviews it received from theatre-goers and critics alike.  The show and its star Ashley Brown were being described as "cold and mechanical" cogs in a money-driven corporation that has been conquering the Broadway stage with lush creations like "The Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast."  And last year's "Tarzan" failed to grab hold of a nod, perhaps indicating a trend away from Disney...?  And then there's LB.  The bubbly, light, and very pink show rode the coattails of its San Fransisco run's praise all the way to the Great White Way.  It's infectious, it's fun, it's a crowd-pleaser, and it's pink.  Yet it is self-admittedly light-hearted, shallow, fluffy, and well... pink.  However the Tonys have been pretty evenly judgmental on deep-higher-art shows as they have been with lighter-less-heavy-handed material ("Hairspray" anyone?).  So with all this in mind, my prediction for the fourth slot goes to..... the show that ran for a total of  13 performances "High Fidelity!!!!"  Joke.   Haha.  Just kidding.  If I had to put money on it, my guess is MP (with much reservation and LB closing in very, very, very close behind).  What would I like to see?  Spring, GG, LM, and LB.  I think "Curtains" is riding on the coattails of "The Drowsy Chaperone" and the 2004 death of its original lyricist, Fred Ebb (with all due respect, Mr. Ebb will always be remembered rightfully so for his genius in works such as "Cabaret" and "Chicago."  You are missed, Fred.).

Mary Poppins (once again with much reservation and Legally Blonde capable of taking this spot at any moment)

Best New Play
The Coat of Utopia
Radio Golf
Frost/Nixon
The Little Dog Laughed

That fourth slot will have competition in Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking" and the British import "Coram Boy."  But I'm hoping despite its closed run, LDL will remain a highlight for nominators.  And besides, both YoMT and CB were not well received.  Here's hoping.

Best Musical Revival
110 in the Shade
Company
The Apple Tree
A Chorus Line

"Les Miserables" will miss out.  Too bad so sad.  I would actually like to see "A Chorus Line" disqualified and sneak in last year's "Sweeney Todd" and have it win the Tony that it was robbed.  But, alas, I dream.

Best Play Revival
Journey's End
Talk Radio
Translations
Inherit the Wind

This is pretty much a wrap up.  "Moon for the Misbegotten" was forgotten (save Best).  Kind of a slum nod in "Inherit the Wind" but as compared to "Moon" it has the upper hand.

Best Actor in a Musical
Raul Esparza, Company
David Hyde Pearce, Curtains
Michael Cerveris, LoveMusik
Jonathan Groff, Spring Awakening
Gavin Lee, Mary Poppins

This race is pretty wrapped up.  The only dark horse that has a slight chance of slipping in is Martin Short for "Fame Becomes Me," but I highly doubt it.

Best Actress in a Musical
Christine Ebersole, Grey Gardens
Audra McDonald, 110 in the Shade
Donna Murphy, LoveMusik
Kristin Chenoweth, The Apple Tree
Laura Bell Bundy, Legally Blonde

I would love nothing more than to see Leah Michelle for her beautiful turn in "Spring Awakening" get nominated here.  However, I just don't see her beating out the energetic Bundy.  There is a chance that "Spring" will run the gamut when it come to nominations, and Michelle may be part of the rush and hopefully will get swooped up in the rest of the nominations the show will recieve too.  But she's so young, and with such a strong showing this year in this partucular category (I mean, come on!!  4 of Broadway's most loved and celebrated leading actresses all in one season!!!!), it'll be hard to snag the fifth slot.  Deserving, yes.  But my prediction lies with Bundy.  And I doubt Ashley Brown for "Mary Poppins" and Stepahanie J. Block for "The Pirate Queen" will be able to bring in a surprise nod.  But I guess we shall see.  And God help us if Debra Monk ("Curtains") gets nodded.  *shudder*

Best Actor in a Play
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Liev Shreiber, Talk Radio
Christopher Plummer, Inherit the Wind
Micahel Sheen, Frost/Nixon
Brian F. O'Byrne, The Coast of Utopia

A very hot race.  I'm gonna add Hugh Dancy amd Boyd Gaines from "Journey's End" in there to be flipped out for either Michael Sheen or Brian F. O'Byrne.  That show has become the critic's darling of the season and is a shoe-in for Revival.  If only the public was willing to drop down the money to see it...  Plus Bill Nighy is a dark horse for "The Vertical Hour."  As a matter of opinion, Sheen and O'Bynrne may well be out and the "Journey's End" boys and Nighy can easily sweep in.  Nothing is sacred.  No not even my predicitons.  My hope is that Nighy won't be forgotten. 

Best Actress in a Play
Eve Best, A Moon for the Misbegotten
Julie White, The Little Dog Laughed
Angela Lansbury, Deuce
Marian Seldes, Deuce
Vanessa Redgrave, The Year of Magical Thinking

It was pretty slim pickings this year for a leading lady in a non-muscial (unlike in the musical category, where the competition is a maelstrom of super talent).  Of course I say slim-pickings with a wink with names like Lansbury, Seldes, Redgrave and two fantastic performances in Best and White.  But the only other actress with a chance is Swoosie Kurtz, however, the revival of "Heartbreak House" will be the play (rightfully) forgotten this year among the nominators.

The rest of the crop is quite a bit to write about.  Featured actors and actresses are always flips of the coin and unpredictable.  And quite frankly, I'm a wee bit tired of typing.  I'll save my winners predictions until after the noms are announced.  But until tomorrow morning at 8:43am, we will anxiously be waiting.  Best of luck!!

9:33 AM
gonzothegreat120: what are you doing saturday?
josephagomez: i have my birthday party
josephagomez: you going?
josephagomez: yes
josephagomez: ok
gonzothegreat120:  well i didnt want to be like "hey when i go to your birthday party" and then find out it was a surprise!
josephagomez: yeah no
josephagomez: no surprise
gonzothegreat120:  oh well yes im going
gonzothegreat120:  im going home for YOU
josephagomez: thats loverly
gonzothegreat120:  i can only drink a few beers according to nike plus
josephagomez: why is that
gonzothegreat120:  i joined this run that says you can only drink one beer per two miles
gonzothegreat120:  ive not run that much to prep
josephagomez: what does it say about liquor
gonzothegreat120:  i dont know
gonzothegreat120:  its called the "st patty's day beer run"
josephagomez: ah well
josephagomez: blah

11:16 AM
josephagomez: hey wassup
josephagomez: hey wassup
josephagomez: eh, im just at work
josephagomez: eh, im just at work
josephagomez: me too
josephagomez: me too
josephagomez: noice
josephagomez: noice
josephagomez: well sorta, im a bit bored
josephagomez: well sorta, im a bit bored
josephagomez: really?
josephagomez: really?
josephagomez: yeah
josephagomez: yeah
josephagomez: so much so in fact, that i am im'ing myself
josephagomez: so much so in fact, that i am im'ing myself
josephagomez: wow thats kinda sad
josephagomez: wow thats kinda sad
josephagomez: kinda?!
josephagomez: kinda?!
josephagomez: no, it is really really sad
josephagomez: no, it is really really sad
josephagomez: :((
josephagomez: :((

11:22 AM
pebblesthegreat: she's worrying me a bit
josephanthonygomez: i think shes going to the dark side
pebblesthegreat: no...
pebblesthegreat: I think it's a phase good girls go through.  I mean...not an EXACT phase, but it's a form of passive rebellion.
josephanthonygomez: perhaps....
pebblesthegreat: especially when you're young and your heart gets broken by some dumb guy.
josephanthonygomez: ah.... its harmless.
pebblesthegreat:I went through it.
pebblesthegreat: no queefing, though.

It's a funny thing: MySpace.  Your profile is supposed to be like a snapshot of who you are.  And I check this damn thing everyday, but I don't update it as often as I probably should.  I was looking at some of my info on my profile today and realized - I need to change some stuff.  

All I did was change one thing.  Which is kinda cool.  :-)

It's 8:54 and I am on my way to buy my friendship back.  With breakfast, flowers, chocolates, and yes... money.  Here's to life.

La haim!!

If you insist on not answering your phone when I call, I will insist on stealing things from your house in the middle of the night.



Baby Jesus says "Happy New Year!"

I always try to be entertaining in these things, cuz let's be honest, who wants to read a boring blog?  But this is for me.  So EFFIE WHITE you and what you want!!!

I like lists.  For the next week, I'm gonna reflect upon the past year of 2006 through movies, music, theatre, work, life...

One blog per reflection time.  I'll get things started off with film.

Unfortunately, I haven't spent as much time experiencing and reflecting upon the last year in movies and music.  I've missed out on a LOT of movies this year as a matter of fact.  I guess I was too busy OPENING A THEATRE SCHOOL (more on that later)!  But for what little I did get to enjoy this year, here's some thoughts on the films of '06...

Jennifer Hudson in DREAMGIRLS.  I had known about this movie since 2005.  I had built up so much hype for myself and then the damn marketing department of Dreamworks decided to overload me with teasers and a whole week dedicated to "Entertainment Tonight!"  The hype was busting at the seams.  So I walk into DREAMGIRLS with trepidation; hoping it doesn't dissapoint.  And it doesn't.  It was a great entertainment in the vain of old Hollywood movies where people paid to see a show.  And Jennifer Hudson was EFFIE amazing.  And I want her babies.  "And I Am Telling You..." was, for me, the movie moment of the year.

I remember seeing THE FOUNTAIN which was ok.  But the reason I'm mentioning it is for pure visual eye-candy.  The movie was beautiful.  And it had lofty goals.  And whether or not it achieved those goals with success is up for debate.  But I will say that it was the first time in a long while I felt I left the movie theater with seeing a director's passion and love for his work and film in general.  Aronofsky loves what he does and it shows in his work, no matter how flawed that work may be.  You go THE FOUNTAIN!!  You go!! (Think MEAN GIRLS)

UNITED 93 was unforgettable.  And very touching.  A tribute to heroes of 9/11 told with the utmost respect.  This of course isn't for everyone, but if you are ok with submitting yourself back into those dark days, UNITED 93 is ultimately rewarding.

But perhaps the biggest deal for me dealing with film this year was the absence of Roger Ebert.  It's weird to feel close to someone who doesn't even know you exist.  But the talents of Roger as a writer are so remarkable and the achival publications of the past 30+ years available to the public are such treasures, after reading his work for the past 6 years, I feel like he has become part of my movie conscience.  When I think of movies, I think of Roger Ebert.  And for him to endure the health problems that plagued him this summer, well, it kinda blind-sided me and left a gaping whole in my daily life.  I read Roger Ebert every day.  And for more than 6 months, my life has been void of new writings from one of my professional heroes.  I really do hope 2007 will be a triumphant return for him.  For mine and his sake.

Coolest movie of 2006?  V FOR VENDETTA.
Most important movie? UNITED 93.  With a little nod to A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION (you are missed Mr. Altman.)
Movie I still really really really wanna see?  PAN'S LABYRINTH.
Best horror movie in ages?  THE DESCENT

What am I looking forward to next year?  Roger Ebert.  More than anything, I want him to return and bring back some balance to my life.  More movie musicals!!!  HAIRSPRAY and SWEENEY TODD are both due out next year and I can't wait.  More gems like LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, LITTLE CHILDREN, THE DESCENT.

I hope to see more movies next year.  2006 was just so cramped, I really didn't find the time to do a lot of things I usually do.  But everything happens for a reason, and with the year that I had in other parts of my life, I am more than happy to have misssed out on a few movies that I'll eventually pick up on DVD in 2007.

If you care for the safety of your children's artwork... especially now during the holiday festivities that is the next month when there is sure to be more doodles with magic markers... I would call your good looking friend.  Or else risk this!!!



Now you don't wanna see your kids' art turned into this do you???

Dave and Buster's is kinda mine and Amanda's place of therapy. 

We relieve stress by endangering kids with flying air hockey pucks shooting like projectiles from an Afghani weapon of death.

We talk things out and take action instead of stressing and worrying about them all week.  For example, we talked about the ramifications of taking the abondoned cup of tickets, which was probably left behind by a five-year old girl who went to the bathroom, and decided to take action by claiming them as our own.

And soon, we will be putting our glorious hand-eye coordination-al(?) skills to prosperous use.  With all the tickets that we rightfully won (and rightfully stole from forgetful, bladder-ridden children), we are buying these:



R/C Battling Sumo Wrestlers!!!  Complete with the following -

• Two 13" inflatable Sumo Wrestlers
• Two controllers
• Two selectable Sumo voice sounds
• Batteries: 2 9V (1 per controller) and 8 AA (4 for each Sumo) - Not Included

Retail value: $39.99 but only 5000 tickets at D&B's!!!

Yes.... I believe this is what I call time and money well wasted.  2500 tickets left to go!!!

"Hakke-yoi! Nokotta!"