I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Home on audio book while driving back to West Texas after Spring Break. There is something comforting about listening to Julie Andrews’ lilting voice amid all of the stress surrounding our nation’s health crisis at the moment. For a few hours, it was thrilling to seclude myself away inside the rental car and just listen to Mrs. Andrews’ impeccable diction and enthralling stories.
Home details Julie Andrews’ earliest years as well as the beginning of her career. Broadway credits during this time include productions of My Fair Lady and Camelot. As the memoir comes to its conclusion, Mrs. Andrews has committed to play the title role in the Disney film Mary Poppins and has just given birth to her first child, Emma. It is endearing to hear of her relationships with people such as Richard Rodgers, Burt Lancaster, and Carol Burnett.
While I loved the stories from backstage and Julie’s home life, what thrilled me beyond imagination was the constant discussion about vocal technique and vocal health. Mrs. Andrews speaks clearly about the importance of breath support and vowel placement. Her familiarity with the Polonaise from Mignon by Thomas (“Je suis Titania”) was very interesting to me since WBU Opera was slated to produce the opera this semester before COVID-19 entered the scene and forced the show’s cancellation. I especially laughed aloud when she mentioned that she returned to the works of Handel throughout her career whenever experiencing issues with alignment. (How I detest playing Handel for singers!)
Whether you are a musician or a fan of the stage, there is something that you will enjoy and appreciate in Home. I look forward to reading the follow up to this memoir as well – Home Work. I highly recommend spending a few days with Julie Andrews. You will leave with a greater appreciate of the arts in general and an amazingly talented artist specifically.
Reading for Me 
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