Since there is no real Mary Poppins to star in a children’s show, Netflix has the next best thing: Julie Andrews, the legendary actress who portrayed the film’s magical protagonist. Andrews will star in Julie’s Greenroom, an upcoming children’s program from the Jim Henson Company.
The show is filled with promise to become a kids’ staple. The combination of the entertainment company behind the Muppets and an actress featured in family favorites like The Sound of Music, Shrek, and Despicable Me gives the viewers a lot to like. Haven’t we seen how well youngsters react to a group of puppets and a beloved grandparent figure in the past?
The Netflix original will be geared toward preschool-aged children and celebrate the performing arts. In a recent video announcement, Andrews shared her excitement about the series, highlighting that it will include acting, dancing, singing, writing, lighting, and the circus, plus “lots more surprises.” She stars as Ms. Julie, director of Wellspring Center of the Performing Arts, according to E! News, while Giullian Yao Gioiello joins her as Gus, her assistant. Her young students will be the puppets, known as “Greenies.”
There will also be special guests recognizable to any adults watching with their little ones (or out of their own curiosity — we won’t judge). In line with the theme, they will be actors, musicians, and dancers. The roster includes Alec Baldwin, Sara Bareilles, Joshua Bell, Tituss Burgess, Carol Burnett, Chris Colfer, Robert Fairchild, Josh Groban, David Hyde Pierce, Bill Erwin, Ellie Kemper, Idina Menzel, Tiler Peck, and Stomp.
The series is co-created by Andrews, her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, and Judy Rothman-Rofe. Andrews also executive produces. Production began last month, and 13 30-minute episodes will hit Netflix in early 2017.
