We've been watching more movies than normal since surgery and chemo. It's summer and mommy isn't feeling at her finest, so we've had movie night a few times a week rather than once every other week. Ah well.

I've decided to try to do something good with all the movie time, though -- I've undertaken the assignment to assure that my kids are getting a proper education in my favorite type of movie -- the movie musical.

Seriously, there are few movie musicals I don't love. I'll admit it -- I didn't even mind "High School Musical." I just love seeing average people break out into song and dance at the drop of a hat and want my kids to grow up loving it too.

Recent additions to their movie musical IQ quotient include:

• West Side Story -- this one was on TV. I don't know that it would have crossed my mind to let them watch it quite yet, but they were drawn in once we hit the community dance scene where Tony and Maria meet. And who doesn't love "America?" And while there is some violence, it's pretty stylized. Christopher appreciated the whole idea of dancing gangs, while Cate's favorite scene, of course, was Maria and Tony getting "married" in the bridal shop.


• Into the Woods -- I've always loved this musical and it's a fun one for kids since it is based on fairy tale characters. This one is a DVD I found on netflix of the original broadway cast on stage performing (not a made for the big screen musical). Still, the kids really enjoyed it and enjoyed my personal stories with this musical and the cast. When I was in high school, Sondheim had this in repertory in San Diego and the cast came to our high school to perform and answer questions as part of a community outreach program. We then went to see it pre-Broadway in San Diego. After it hit Broadway, mom took me to see the show in LA and it was fun to see how much the show had changed from the Repertory stage.


• Singin' in the Rain -- One of the greatest movies of all time, and certianly one of the greatest movie musicals. I used to think I would marry Gene Kelly. Again, a funny storyline for kids to enjoy and it was fun to teach them about Don O'Connor (they loved the "Make 'em Laugh" dance), Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds (mother of Princess Leia to them), and Cyd Charisse. They've got to learn the classics!

They've also seen "Hairspray", "Sound of Music", and "Annie" in the past. Cate sings a mean version of "Tomorrow" that will melt your heart, while Christopher has taken to the phrase "oh my goodness, oh my goodness." And of course they've seen all 3 of the High School Musical movies. Any other great movie musicals you can suggest for kids? I've been considering thet movie version of "Phantom of the Opera" but haven't decided yet. Unfortunately, I think "Evita" may need to wait a few years for maximum benefit (oh, I love that musical -- I can sing you the entire libretto by heart!).

I take their education in the fine art of movie musicals quite seriously. ..important stuff for a mother to impart to her children :-) Feel free to pass on your favorites that might be good for kids!