I’ve written of my love of Broadway musicals before. Not just my proclivity to belt said songs while the house is still asleep (I’m an Ahole), but I’ve written about the ability to raise children on the lessons learned in Broadway hits. I’ve recorded and posted sing-along car ride singing sessions, and written about my childhood obsession with Annie. The only way I was able to get my beans to take their morning multi-vitamin was to sing showtunes. That is, I’d promise to STOP singing if, and only if, they took their vitamins. It still works today.

I value the theater not because it’s highbrow but because it’s introspective and special. Girls dress in tights. There’s a curtain. It’s a period of time when your soul’s protective shell opens a crack and is ready to absorb the vibrations, the lessons, the magic. I always remember plays and musicals because I usually leave feeling EMPOWERED.

What shows have you seen that made you feel empowered? I need to add songs to the playlist! Here are my top two:
A Chorus Line (I Felt Nothing)
Beautiful (This whole musical moved me deeply)

The arts are incredibly important and always the first programs to be cut. It’s why I was thrilled to learn that the Julie Andrews had a Netflix Original show all about exposing children to the arts. With a diverse cast of puppets (including a child in a wheelchair), it’s a chance for kids to see themselves in shows they watch, and to learn while they’re entertained.

On March 17 Julie Andrews made her Netflix debut in Julie’s Greenroom. Brought to life by the Jim Henson Company, the show advocates for the arts and the positive impact creativity can have on every child’s life. With an array of very special guests (Idina Menzel, Sara Bareilles and Alec Baldwin to name a few), Julie’s Greenroom might be a show you turn on for the kids but find yourself staying until the final curtain call.