Dame Julie Andrews is an institution of the musical theater and movie musicals. From her Broadway debut in “The Boy Friend” to her triumphant return in “Victor/Victoria,” from her Oscar-winning performance in “Mary Poppins” to her Oscar-nominated turn in “The Sound of Music,” her stunning soprano and innate warmth have captivated generations. In more recent years, Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have become an institution in children’s literature as bestselling authors.
The pair has written 36 books together, including Andrews’ two memoirs and the new children’s book “Shy” (out Aug. 11 from Abrams Books). This latest title is inspired by Andrews’ real-life experience with her dog — named Shy. Andrews adopted the canine back in the 1950s, when she was in London’s “My Fair Lady.” As Andrews sang her pre-show scales, Shy would howl along. That experience inspired this book about a dog named Shy who finds her voice alongside her new owner, a concert pianist.
Though Andrews, who is 90, hasn’t performed onstage as of late, her love for the performing arts burns brightly through this book as well as directing for the stage. Hamilton, too, has deep connection to the theater, having co-founded the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, New York.
Here, the two discuss the artistic themes running through their writing, their continued theatrical work and early thoughts on the upcoming Andrews documentary from Disney+.
