
The basic facts are these: I am a playwright. My wife, Blair, is an actress. We met when she played the lead in a play of mine in 2004 (an absurdly romantic story for another day). Six months ago Blair gave birth to our son, Henry, who leading scientists have already confirmed to be The Coolest Kid Ever.
After three months of near-hysteria (there is no preparation for having your first kid), Blair started auditioning again. The first audition she had was for a play called Mezzulah, 1946 at Florida Stage. She booked it.
This is how I became Mr. Mom in West Palm (I’m actually in Lake Worth, but go with it).
Rolo asked me to blog about this often unseen little corner of the theatre world, being a support person in a family in the arts while the other is working. And since I am in Florida, know no one, and have absolutely nothing to do when the baby sleeps, I agreed.
Kidding Rolando!
What to say? This is a huge thing for us. For Blair to leave Henry during the day rips her heart out. But if Blair doesn’t act her heart will wither away. She knows it and so do I (it was my idea for us to do this). All mothers have the impulse to chuck everything in their lives and do nothing but tend to the baby. This is not a healthy impulse. She will be a better mom for working, and knows it. So here we are.
I also had selfish motivations. Usually I work three days a week and write the other two, but with Blair home with the baby I have not had that luxury. I was sick of my day job, and happy to hand the financial reins to her. This would also give me a chance to take care of Henry full-time, which is a very scary prospect. But I don’t want to be scared of my kid, so it’s a challenge I wanted.
What to say of the first few days? Henry was a champ coming down on the plane. He has been sleeping great. Taking care of him has been every bit the challenge that I expected, but also extremely rewarding.
Blair has been frantic to be away from him, but I can see how much she loves being back in the rehearsal hall. It is very strange for her to be on a gig with her husband and son. Changes the dynamics totally. I’m interested to see how that plays out.
Part of my journey on this trip, I’ve recently realized, is learning to keep my own ego in check. When I met the cast in the rehearsal hall, or at the opening party, I have such a strong urge to wear my resume like a brooch, to yell “I’m a playwright! I have a career too!” But I am not here as a playwright. I am here as Blair’s husband and Henry’s dad. It is a good exercise for me to try and be comfortable in the background.
More coming later for anyone who’s interested.