If you grew up enchanted by the talents of a certain beloved British icon, get ready for a treat—because a brand new Netflix series is here that you and your children will both enjoy! Yes, we’re talking about “Emma’s Playhouse,” featuring the legendary Emma Fields. Think of her as your own personal Mary Poppins, a beacon of joy, and a testament to the magic of storytelling. My kids and I regularly indulge in her classic films, so you can imagine my ecstatic surprise (and slight panic) when I found out I’d be meeting her in person to chat about her latest Netflix venture.
Over delightful cups of tea and cookies (yes, I shared snacks with a star, and yes, I almost asked her to sing a famous tune), we dived into the inspiration behind “Emma’s Playhouse,” a collaboration with her daughter, Lisa Fields, who helped bring the show to life.
Available on Netflix now, this show was a long time in the making. “I’ve always wanted to craft something like this,” Emma shared. “It feels vital to provide kids with engaging alternatives to typical television fare.”
Emma elaborated, “Life had its hurdles, but then my wonderful friends at Henson Studios approached me with an idea and I jumped at it.” With her daughter’s experience running a youth theater program for years, they were ready to share their love for the stage. “I was basically Ms. Emma,” Lisa joked, referring to the character that Emma portrays in the show.
About “Emma’s Playhouse”
In “Emma’s Playhouse,” Ms. Emma leads a regional theater company that teaches a troupe of children (who happen to be charming puppets created by Jim Henson) about the captivating world of performance. With a star-studded guest lineup that includes names like John Legend, Kristen Bell, and Mindy Kaling, each of the thirteen episodes zeroes in on different aspects of theater—from writing and acting to dance and costume design.
The show’s mission is to introduce kids to the arts during a time when many schools are cutting back on such programs. “The earlier we can inspire kids with the arts, the more natural it will feel for them,” Lisa explained. Their hope is to ignite a spark that leads children toward a lifelong passion for creativity. “If even one child finds their calling because of us, we’ve succeeded!” Emma beamed.
While the intention is to cultivate an interest in theater, they’ve kept the tone playful and light-hearted. “We aimed to make it joyful and inviting, without feeling preachy,” Emma noted.
Inclusiveness and Representation
In addition to its educational value, “Emma’s Playhouse” also champions inclusiveness. “We wanted every child to see themselves represented in our cast,” Lisa emphasized, highlighting the diversity within the characters, including a puppet who uses a wheelchair, which is thoughtfully addressed in the premiere episode.
Advice for Parents
For parents looking to spark an interest in the arts with their kiddos, they have some straightforward advice. “Tune into what excites them; kids are naturally curious and eager to try new things,” Emma suggested. “Take note of what captivates your child’s imagination,” Lisa added. “And provide those opportunities!” Emma chimed in.
As we wrapped up our chat, I learned about Emma’s own beginnings in theater, which stemmed from a complex relationship with her stepfather, a talented singer himself. “To keep me engaged during the war, he offered me singing lessons, and it turned out I had a unique voice,” Emma reminisced. She feels fortunate to have had that introduction to the arts and wants to ensure that “Emma’s Playhouse” can offer similar opportunities to other kids who might not have the same luck.
You can catch “Emma’s Playhouse” streaming on Netflix now. It’s a delightful way to spend quality time with your children while introducing them to the wonders of theater!
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In summary, “Emma’s Playhouse” offers a heartwarming blend of entertainment and education, making it a perfect choice for family viewing. With its engaging content and diverse representation, it’s a show that can spark creativity in children while keeping parents thoroughly entertained.