Julie's Greenroom (soundtrack)
| Julie's Greenroom | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 5 May 2017 | |||
| Genre | Children's music, pop | |||
| Label | Varèse Sarabande | |||
| Julie Andrews chronology | ||||
| ||||
Julie's Greenroom is the soundtrack album for the children's television series of the same name, starring Julie Andrews. The soundtrack was released digitally by Varèse Sarabande on April 14, 2017, and on CD on May 5, 2017. The album features performances by Julie Andrews, Giullian Yao Gioiello, and several guest stars, including Alec Baldwin, Carol Burnett, Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, and David Hyde Pierce. The original score was composed by Ryan Shore, an Emmy and Grammy-nominated composer known for his work across film, television, games, and theater.
The show, produced by The Jim Henson Company, focuses on teaching preschoolers about different aspects of the performing arts, using a mix of live-action, puppetry, and musical elements. All of the puppet characters, known as the Greenies, are guided by Julie Andrews' character, Miss Julie, and her assistant Gus, played by Giullian Yao Gioiello. Guest stars appear in various episodes, teaching lessons and often performing songs specifically crafted for the show.
The soundtrack consists of 27 tracks that blend original songs with instrumental pieces. Some songs were performed by the human cast alongside the Greenies' puppeteers, while others are purely instrumental to support storytelling moments in the show. Throughout the series, music is used not only for entertainment but also to reinforce educational themes related to acting, singing, dancing, and other performing arts disciplines.
Among the songs are "Anything Can Happen in the Theater", sung by Julie Andrews and Giullian Yao Gioiello, "When You Act" performed by Julie Andrews and Alec Baldwin, and "Yes And" featuring Ellie Kemper and the Greenies. The musical styles vary from theatrical show tunes to playful children's songs, maintaining an upbeat and encouraging tone suitable for young audiences and nostalgic older viewers alike.
Background
Julie's Greenroom is an educational series designed to introduce preschoolers to the performing arts through a creative curriculum crafted by The Jim Henson Company and executive producer Julie Andrews.[1] The concept was inspired by the long legacy of educational puppet shows like Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, with the Greenies being a new generation of Muppet-style characters. Each episode of the 13-episode series features a specific topic, such as acting, singing, or improvisation, paired with a musical number to help reinforce the lesson.[2][3]
Julie Andrews, despite losing her original singing voice following vocal surgery in 1997, participated in singing on the album, with much of the vocal heavy lifting carried out by Giullian Yao Gioiello. Several celebrity guest stars were brought in to contribute both acting and musical performances, enhancing the variety and richness of the show's musical offering. In addition to songs, the soundtrack includes instrumental tracks that correspond to dramatic or comedic moments from the series.[4]
The album's score was composed by Ryan Shore, an Emmy and Grammy-nominated composer, whose previous works include projects for film and animation. Shore brought an energetic and whimsical touch to the soundtrack, blending traditional musical theater sounds with playful children's melodies. His involvement added professional polish to the album, ensuring it could appeal to both children and adults.[5][6]
Before the official soundtrack release, fans of the show had expressed hopes for a music album, particularly due to the strong lineup of musical numbers featured in each episode. The soundtrack's eventual release allowed audiences to enjoy the songs independently from the show, offering a way to extend the educational and entertainment value of Julie's Greenroom beyond its initial Netflix airing.[4]
Production
The soundtrack was produced alongside the production of Julie's Greenroom itself by The Jim Henson Company, with Julie Andrews serving as executive producer alongside Emma Walton Hamilton, Steve Sauer, Lisa Henson, and Halle Stanford. Joey Mazzarino, a veteran writer and actor, co-produced and directed episodes, while Tom Keniston and Bill Sherman contributed as producers and music supervisors respectively. Shore's score and the original songs were developed closely with the show's writing team to ensure musical numbers fit seamlessly into the narrative and educational goals.[5]
Several guest stars were involved in the recording sessions, often performing alongside Julie Andrews and Giullian Yao Gioiello. Puppeteers voicing the Greenies also contributed musically, showcasing the ensemble nature of the show’s creative team. Songs were written to complement the unique talents of each guest, ranging from Broadway-style ballads to playful improvisational pieces.[4]
The recording process for the soundtrack was intended to match the live, organic feel of the show, with emphasis on accessibility and relatability for the young audience. Care was taken to avoid overproduction, preserving a sense of intimacy and warmth in the musical performances. Each track was carefully mixed to highlight vocal clarity and the whimsical tone needed for a children's series.[7]
Following the soundtrack's release, it became available on digital platforms, and physical copies were distributed via Varèse Sarabande, extending the show's musical reach beyond the television screen. Although no volume two has been officially announced, the comprehensive nature of the Season 1 soundtrack offers a full musical experience for fans.[8]
Songs and lyrics
The soundtrack features a wide variety of songs covering different artistic disciplines, such as acting, singing, painting, and improvisation.[5] Each song is integrated into the storyline of an episode, often used to motivate the Greenies or illustrate a key lesson. Tracks like "Mash-Up (Theme Song)" and "Anything Can Happen in the Theater" serve as the musical anchors of the show, recurring throughout the series in different versions and reprises. Some songs highlight individual performances, like Idina Menzel's "I Know That You'll Get There Somehow" and Chris Colfer's contribution to "Let Your Voice Be Heard". Others are ensemble pieces that feature the whole cast, such as "You Gotta Bring the Wow" and "Take a Leap", which emphasize collaboration and creativity. The final songs, "Anything Can Happen in the Theater (Part 2)" and "Mash-Up (Reprise Finale)", bring together the themes of the season, celebrating the Greenies' completed musical production.[4]
In addition to vocal numbers, the soundtrack includes several instrumental tracks that reflect moments of drama, humor, or reflection within the series. Examples include "Runaway Cart", "Costume Workshop", and "Fizz Breaks Joshua's Violin", each representing specific narrative moments. These instrumental pieces add variety to the album and showcase Ryan Shore's ability to convey mood through music without lyrics.[7]
The overall length of the album offers a comprehensive musical journey through the show's first season. While a few of the instrumental tracks are very short, they are important to maintaining the flow and emotional resonance of the soundtrack. Songs are upbeat, educational, and carefully crafted to suit the target audience, but also resonate with older listeners who appreciate Andrews' legacy and the classic musical theater style.[9]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| The Reviews Hub | Mixed[9] |
| Seattle Post-Intelligencer | Favorable[7] |
According to The Reviews Hub, while the CD features a generous number of tracks, many are short instrumentals, leading to some disappointment regarding the overall listening experience. They praised individual vocal performances, especially those by Giullian Yao Gioiello and the guest stars, but noted that the album occasionally feels repetitive and lacks the lasting musical impact of Andrews' earlier works.[9]
In contrast, Seattle Post-Intelligencer highlighted the soundtrack’s successful integration of educational themes with enjoyable music. They praised the wide variety of songs, the strength of the guest appearances, and the blend of show tunes with original compositions. The review emphasized that the album fits the needs of its preschool audience well and noted that it would likely encourage young viewers to sing along and engage with the material beyond the episodes themselves.[7]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Performer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Mash-Up (Theme Song)" | Shaina Taub | Giullian Yao Gioiello | 0:44 |
| 2. | "Anything Can Happen in the Theater" | Zina Goldrich, Marcy Heisler | Julie Andrews, G. Y. Gioiello | 1:42 |
| 3. | "Hugo" | Eli Bolin, Joey Mazzarino | Ryan Shore | 0:18 |
| 4. | "Shakespeare Shakes" | E. Bolin, J. Mazzarino | J. Barnhart, T. Bunch, F. Cordero, S. D'Abruzzo, D. Davies, G. Y. Gioiello, J. Tartaglia | 1:04 |
| 5. | "Spike's Despair" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:49 |
| 6. | "Let Your Voice Be Heard" | C. Jackson, J. Mazzarino | J. Barnhart, F. Cordero, S. D'Abruzzo, D. Davies, G. Y. Gioiello, J. Tartaglia | 1:35 |
| 7. | "Cheering" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:43 |
| 8. | "When You Act" | Wayne Kirkpatrick, Karey Kirkpatrick | J. Andrews, A. Baldwin | 1:42 |
| 9. | "Fizz Breaks Joshua's Violin" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:52 |
| 10. | "Julie & Gus" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:32 |
| 11. | "Yes And" | Z. Goldrich, M. Heisler | J. Barnhart, F. Cordero, S. D'Abruzzo, D. Davies, G. Y. Gioiello, E. Kemper, J. Tartaglia | 2:06 |
| 12. | "Circus Day: Clown Skills, Clown Lesson, Riley's Jester" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 1:46 |
| 13. | "You Gotta Bring the Wow" | Mike Himelstein | J. Barnhart, T. Bunch, F. Cordero, S. D'Abruzzo, D. Davies, G. Y. Gioiello, J. Tartaglia | 1:29 |
| 14. | "Sticky Handshake" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:39 |
| 15. | "Juggling & Handstands" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:25 |
| 16. | "Cirque Du Soleil" | Bill Sherman, J. Mazzarino | R. Shore | 0:41 |
| 17. | "Snap It" | J. Mazzarino, B. Sherman | J. Barnhart, F. Cordero, S. D'Abruzzo, D. Davies, G. Y. Gioiello, J. Tartaglia | 0:55 |
| 18. | "Runaway Cart" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:33 |
| 19. | "Costume Workshop" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 1:57 |
| 20. | "Someone Else's Shoes" | J. Mazzarino, B. Sherman | J. Barnhart, T. Burgess, F. Cordero, S. D'Abruzzo, D. Davies, G. Y. Gioiello, J. Tartaglia | 1:04 |
| 21. | "A Scarftacular Day" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:30 |
| 22. | "Wheelchair Steed" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:52 |
| 23. | "Circle Up Greenies" | R. Shore | R. Shore | 0:52 |
| 24. | "Take a Leap" | R. Shore | J. Andrews, J. Barnhart, F. Cordero, S. D'Abruzzo, D. Davies, D. H. Pierce, J. Tartaglia | 1:47 |
| 25. | "Mash-Up (The Musical): Overture and Opening, The Arts and the Ogre, Your Horse Awaits, The Quest Begins, Princess Apple to the Rescue, Dance for Me, Come Home With Us, Finale and Bows" | Z. Goldrich, M. Heisler | R. Shore | 6:27 |
| 26. | "Anything Can Happen in the Theater, Pt. 2" | Z. Goldrich, M. Heisler | J. Andrews, J. Barnhart, T. Bunch, Carol Burnett, F. Cordero, S. D'Abruzzo, D. Davies, G. Y. Gioiello, J. Tartaglia | 1:51 |
| 27. | "Mash-Up (Reprise) [Finale]" | S. Taub | J. Tartaglia, J. Barnhart, F. Cordero, S. D'Abruzzo, D. Davies, T. Bunch | 1:14 |
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Julie's Greenroom record[10] and AllMusic.[11]
- Directed by: Joey Mazzarino
- Produced by: Joey Mazzarino, Bill Sherman, Tom Keniston
- Executive Producers: Andy Yeatman, Dominque Bazay, Emma Walton Hamilton, Halle Stanford, Lisa Henson, Steve Sauer, Julie Andrews
- Creation by: Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, Judy Rothman Rofé
- Music Composed by: Bill Sherman, Chris Jackson, Eli Bolin, Joey Mazzarino, Karey Kirkpatrick, Marcy Heisler, Mike Himelstein, Shaina Taub, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Zina Goldrich
- Music Arranged and Scored by: Ryan Shore
- Music Consultant: Larry Grossman
- Music Clearance: Ilyse Wolfe Tretter
- Music Editor: Anastassios "Tass" Filipos
- Soundtrack Producer: Cary E. Mansfield
- Mastering and Mixing: Chas Ferry, Daren Chadwick
- Post Producer: Cory McCrum
- Production Executive: Jessica Mansour
- Art Direction: Bill Pitzonka
- Primary Artists:
- Alec Baldwin, Carol Burnett, David Hyde Pierce, Dorien Davies, Ellie Kemper, Frankie Cordero, Giullian Yao Gioiello, Jennifer Barnhart, John Tartaglia, Julie Andrews, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Tituss Burgess, Tyler Bunch
References
- ^ "Julie Andrews' Julie's Greenroom Soundtrack to Be Released - TheaterMania.com". Theater Mania. 5 April 2017. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ Bianculli, David (17 March 2017). "Julie Andrews Teams Up With Henson Puppets In Netflix's 'Greenroom'". NPR. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ Burlingame, Jon (12 April 2017). "Music Pros Help Julie Andrews Teach Kids About the Arts in Netflix Series". Variety. Archived from the original on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ a b c d Gallagher, Caitlin (17 March 2017). "The 'Julie's Greenroom' Soundtrack Will Make Kids & Adults Smile, So Let's Hope It Becomes Available Soon". Bustle. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ a b c Robbins, Caryn (4 April 2017). "Tituss Burgess, Julie Andrews & More Featured on JULIE'S GREENROOM Soundtrack, Out 4/14". BroadwayWorld. Archived from the original on 11 June 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ Zahn, James (5 April 2017). "JULIE'S GREENROOM – Original Netflix Series Soundtrack on the Way..." The Rock Father Magazine. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ a b c d Writer, Tall (6 August 2017). "Music Review: Various Artists - 'Julie's Greenroom' (Music from the Netflix Original Series)". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Archived from the original on 27 April 2025. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ "Julie's Greenroom Album / Recording / Stream 2017". BroadwayWorld. Archived from the original on 27 April 2025. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ a b c Clegg, Mark (2 May 2017). "CD REVIEW: Julie's Greenroom – Original Netflix Series Soundtrack". The Reviews Hub. Archived from the original on 3 May 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ Julie Andrews (2017). Julie's Greenroom (liner notes). Various artistas. Varèse Sarabande. 030206748789.
- ^ "Julie's Greenroom [Music From The Netflix Orig... | AllMusic". AllMusic. RhythmOne. Archived from the original on 27 April 2025. Retrieved 27 April 2025.