BroadwayWorld sat down with Susan Egan and Georgia Stitt to learn a little bit more about their upcoming gig, "All Knocked Up (again!) which will take place at NYC's Metropolitan Room on Saturday, August 1 at 9:45pm and again on Sunday, August 2 at 9:30pm.
From Tony nominations and major Film & TV credits to critically acclaimed CDs and world concert tours, these two talented ladies are, today, enormous figures in the Entertainment Industry. Come join these gal pals for a raucous evening as they sing their own tunes and others amidst juicy gossip and the occassional pee break!
The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd St between 5th & 6th Ave. Tel: 212 206 0440.
BWW: The name of your concert is "All Knocked Up (again)". How EVER did you come up with the title?
Susan: I was pregnant three years ago when All Shook Up was on Broadway, so I did a Susan Egan: All KNOCKED Up show. Love the shock factor of that, too. And it sets the tone that this is a night of silly fun. But this time it's 100% better because now there are TWO of us... And Georgia is brilliant, so I drugged her and made her join the cult!
Georgia: She's clever, that Susan Egan.
BWW: What can the audience expect this weekend? Why should they come out to the Metropolitan room?
Susan: First, the Met Room is beautiful and has the best sound ever! Second, Georgia and I are ridiculous people both visually and philosophically! I think the show is loads of fun. We do discuss motherhood and how it's affected our lives and careers, but this is NOT just for moms. I think what shines through the most is Georgia's and my friendship, and of course we're highlighting many of her stellar songs!
Georgia: Wouldn't you want to come see two fat and bloated ladies sing about their bellies? Really, we've tried to build an evening that's comic but also heartfelt, something that draws from the fact that the two of us really are good friends and are excited to be going through this at the same time. And while we are doing some standard songs that are even funnier when sung by pregnant ladies, there are also several songs just about motherhood or about marriage or even show business.
BWW: Some might say this is the time to relax, take it easy - not traveling coast to coast performing. What is it about performing (and this show in particular) that you enjoy?
Susan: Huh? Relax? I'm not sure what that word means. Remember, Georgia and I already have pre-schooler daughters to chase around! Adding a small show schedule to that is NOTHING. Ha!
Honestly, with our lives, we find we really only get the creativity going musically if we give ourselves deadlines. That's our technique. And voilà! Georgia and I both wrote new songs for this show -- Georgia more than me; she also arranged most of the show! We hire a sitter for a few hours, Nina and Molly play and have fun, and G and I write a show ... it's a win, win, win for all. And the show is a blast.
Georgia: Relax? I'm sorry -- I don't think I understand the question. What does that mean? In general, I love performing because I love working with singers. Because I'm primarily a composer and lyricist, I spend a lot of time alone in a room writing songs. So it's the thrill of all time for me to put those songs in another singer's voice and see what she does with them. Working with Susan is a dream, too. She's smart and funny and musical and she now knows almost everything I've written. It's a treat to share the stage with her and to introduce our audiences to each other!
BWW: How has motherhood changed how you connect with your material? Any specific examples?
Susan: Quite a bit. In fact my own cabaret is constantly evolving with what is occurring in my own life, so motherhood is a natural addition to it. This show with Georgia is similar; there is even a Georgia original song called Me Of The Moment. That says it all. These are songs that reflect where each of us is right now -- much of it funny! We also do a medley of standards that when sung by pregnant women ... well, their whole meaning changes somehow: "I've got you under my skin..." you get the picture. :)
Georgia: I just think I have a different perspective now. It's not all about me and my career anymore, so the things I write about are different. I was amazed in putting this show together how many original songs I already had that were about mothers and children. There's one song I sing in the show (brilliantly titled "The Baby Song") that I wrote before I had ever been pregnant. And now that I've been pregnant twice, it resonates very differently.