BWW: How/Has motherhood changed your career path? Where do you see yourselves in, say, 10 years?
Susan: It has slowed me way down as far Asa touring schedule. Part of the reason G and I wanted to do this show now is that we both know it will be much more difficult when we each have two kids. At the same time having children has increased my material of stories and experiences! I'm loving this new chapter in my life! 10 years? Hmmm. Growing veggies on my farm outside Seattle, with Rob and the kids helping raise alpacas and living off the grid. That's one version. Just have to work a tap number into it somehow!
Georgia: Motherhood for me means everything is a balancing act. If I want to spend a day writing, I have to hire a babysitter. Going out of town requires unbelievable coordination and organization. Thank goodness my daughter is easily adaptable and likes being around people. I think since my first daughter was born I have made a big shift to music direct less and write more. The writing is very gratifying and allows me to be in my own house more often, plus there's a longevity to a writer's career that is less available for a performer or a music director. I like having this much control of the work I do and the hours I keep. So, ten years from now, I hope I'm still writing songs and shows and then flying around the world to be involved in productions of them. And, every now and then I wouldn't mind conducting some big event with a fabulous orchestra. That sounds good.
BWW: Have either of you noticed a performer-to-be in Nina or Molly? What advice would you give them if they said "Mommy - i want to be in show business!"
Susan: Oh Lord! We're pushing math and science!
Georgia: Molly sings all day every day and says she wants to be "a famous singer" when she grows up. As far as her career goes, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now I don't mind at all. She's around music and theater all the time. How could I expect anything else?
BWW: What have you both been up to lately besides preparing for the concert and the new arrivals?
Susan: I'm still recording for Disney; love those princess projects! I'm also still doing symphony concerts a few times a month. That and toilet training Nina ... it's a glamorous life. The perfect combo to keep a gal humble and appreciative!
Georgia: I'm writing a one-woman show with book writer Cheri Steinkellner (Sister Act, Princesses) and a musical revue with David Kirshenbaum (Vanities, Summer of 42). Trying to get both of those shows into good shape before I disappear for a few months into baby land. And I have two book musicals out in the world, trying to find their way, and the beginnings of several other shows. There's a second CD in the works but it will likely have to wait until I resurface from the trenches.
BWW: So - do you know if you're having a boy or a girl? Care to share any names picked out?
Susan: I do know and we do have a name ... But mum's the word.
Georgia: Yes, I know, but I'm not sharing yet. Gotta have something to announce!
BWW: Pregnancy cliches: Do strangers come up and want to touch your belly? Do they offer you advice and/or tell you their birthing stories (like in the musical "Baby")? Any cravings you're having?
Susan: What are you kidding? They don't even give you a seat on the subway! ;)
Georgia: I haven't gotten many people touching my belly, but everyone has a piece of advice. For the most part, I don't mind hearing the advice. I feel like having a baby makes you a member of a different club, and I'm happy to be initiated by the wisdom of those who have already done it. No weird cravings for me, though I will admit that there are days when chicken tastes like cardboard.
BWW: What advice would you give to other performers getting ready to start a family?
Susan: Be ready for all priorities to change forever. Career becomes third or fourth on the list, and that is as it should be.
Georgia: When I had Molly I remember feeling desperate that if I didn't keep present and busy I would disappear from the public eye and people would forget about who I was and the work I was trying to do. So I scrambled to stay busy, toting a 3-month old nursing child around to rehearsals and auditions and writing sessions. The truth is, nobody forgot, and the work was still there when I was ready to come back to it. I learned a lot about balance from the first go-round, and I'm hoping to be a bit more relaxed and trusting this time. That's the only advice I would dare to give -- seek balance. You just can't do it all at the same time.
BWW: When are you both due?
Susan: December for me. A nice holiday gift!
Georgia: I'm due at the end of October. Three months to go!
