I want to tell you about Julie Andrews’ new Netflix show Julie’s Greenroom, but first, I HAVE to tell you my Julie Andrews story:
Five years ago Julie Andrews was in town promoting her latest Fairy Princess book. Pearl was 4-years-old and deep into her Sound of Music phase, so schlepping to the book store and waiting in line with hundreds of other fans was something we just had to do. We were forbidden to take pictures so as we approached the table where Julie Andrews was signing books, I opened my eyes as wide as I could to imprint the moment on my brain for eternity.
Ms. Andrews was stunning in a salmon suit. Her face glowed as Pearl leaned in close, checking the authenticity of this person whom Mommy claimed was Maria…
“What’s your name, sweetheart?” asked Julie Andrews.
“Pearl.”
“Pearl. That is a beautiful name.” Then she asked me, “And who is this one?” referring to the baby I carried in a carseat.
“This is Vivian.”
“Of course she is!” said Julie Andrews. This might’ve sounded snooty spoken by anyone else. But this was Julie Andrews, so it sounded magical.
Not knowing how soon the publicists would cut us off and push us along in the line, I quickly added, “We’re huge fans, Ms. Andrews. Pearl’s obsessed with The Sound of Music.”
“Are you, dear? What’s your favorite song?”
“My Favorite Things.” said Pearl.
Then Julie Andrews’ face got superclose to my daughter’s face and she said, “Guess what? That’s my favorite, too. Shall we sing it together?”
And then they sang it. In the middle of the bookstore. It was a pop up concert.
Raindrops on roses
And whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things….
And all I could think was, Holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit. Julie Andrews is singing My Favorite Things with my kid!
We’ve since lost the signed book, but this sweet moment is indeed etched on my memory for life.
The best thing is, now we don’t have to wait in line for an hour to see Julie Andrews! Her new Netflix original show Julie’s Greenroom is here! And it could not come at a more perfect time: Pearl is now 9 and my carseat baby (of course she is!) Vivian is 6. It’s perfect for BOTH of them. “Miss Julie” runs a children’s theater where child puppets learn life lessons through working in the theatre. I’m loving these great conversation starters from Common Sense Media for families on how the performing arts are not only fun, but great for building character.
Rounding out the cast is an adorable (human) teenager named Gus (whom I suspect is hapa- yay diversity!!) as the stage manager. Julie sings, but songs are also sung by celebrity guests- such as Idina Menzel in the pilot episode.
Julie’s Greenroom is just ONE Netflix show that helps children grow and learn in unique ways. Netflix’s ever-growing selection of children’s titles also celebrates creativity through shows like Ask The Storybots, Beat Bugs and Ruby’s Studio.
I recently joined the Netflix StreamTeam- which is why I am so knowledgeable. 🙂 I’ll continue sharing my favorite Netflix shows every month, so stay tuned and let me know what you’d like to hear more about. xo
(In the meantime, check out our family Stranger Things costumes to get pumped for season 2!)
