This fall, toddlers and parents will step into the world of “Kindergarten: The Musical,” Disney Jr.’s new preschool musical series. The show follows five-year-old Berti and her experiences navigating the new and unknown challenges of attending kindergarten, whether it be interactions with friends, family or teachers. “Kindergarten: The Musical” captures it all, with a melodic twist. The show’s creator and executive producer, Michelle Lewis, explained that music was the best way to convey the emotional curiosity that children experience. “With little kids, every transition is a production. It’s like you have to have a song and dance for every transition. Sitting on the floor playing a game. Doing something in a chair. [It] is such a big deal to a little kid. Let’s make a song about it,” she told CFX. “So, the songs kind of write themselves. And that’s the premise behind any musical: it has to be important enough to burst into song about.” The show features about three songs per episode, each with different themes, lyrics and styles. Interestingly, many lyrics tend to be above the learning level of potential viewers, with more complex and abstract themes introduced in various songs in certain episodes. “The songs are so fun, and they’re poppy. They can kind of sing along until they get it. Maybe it’ll soak in later. But it’s not being done in a way like ‘you must learn this now,’” Lewis said. “We had teachers who were advising us on what language to use and where words were a little above the learning level that we’re writing for. But we really got away with so much more because of the lyrics.” Lewis, a longtime musical contributor for shows such as PBS’ “Sesame Street,” Disney’s “Doc McStuffins,” and Nickelodeon’s “Bubble Guppies,” is stepping into her first stint as an executive producer with this series. Kindergarten: The Musical began airing on Disney Jr. on Tuesday. New episodes will air daily Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. and be available to stream the next day on Disney+. – Noah Odige
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