Mattel™ Television to Premiere New Barbie® Musical Event, “Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams™”

By Christopher Keenan, Co-Writer and Executive Producer, 'Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams' (and Senior Vice President, Creative, Mattel Television)

July 13, 2021 - Barbie has been inspiring, empowering, and entertaining kids for decades. With 36 television specials, and countless episodic and YouTube series behind her, we've seen Barbie evolve from a fashion doll to a cultural icon and, in recent years, emerge as a relatable character and role model, sharing her own story and unique, perspective with the world. Whether traveling to exotic islands in 'Barbie™ in Rock 'N Royals' or to the Swiss Alps in 'Barbie™ & Her Sisters in a Pony Tale,' Barbie is always off on a new adventure of discovery. And now, she's headed for the bright lights of Broadway!

Following the success of this spring's, 'Barbie & Chelsea The Lost Birthday™' and last year's musical 'Barbie Princess Adventure™,' today we are announcing the latest chapter of the Barbie content story… 'Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams,' premiering in September on Netflix in the U.S. and with a long list of streaming and linear television partners across the globe to be announced.

This new musical adventure follows Barbie Roberts as she says goodbye to the familiar beaches of Malibu and says hello to the hustle and bustle on New York City's Times Square. She's enrolled in a prestigious and highly competitive summer program at the Handler School for Performing Arts and, upon arrival, meets a fellow student named… Barbie Roberts! That's right; Barbie meets Barbie and, while they have much more in common than just their names - like their shared dream of making it on Broadway - the two girls really bond over their complementary differences.

They become fast friends and quickly adopt nicknames inspired by their beloved hometowns, Malibu and Brooklyn, for their many new friends to distinguish them when together. Barbie 'Brooklyn' Roberts is fearless, smart, and a loyal friend. A New York native with an exuberant and infectious personality, she is a triple-threat singer, dancer, and musician who is confident and optimistic. She dreams big and believes in the limitless possibilities of life.

Barbie 'Brooklyn' Roberts is classically trained, while Barbie 'Malibu' Roberts is self-taught, highlighting that there is more than one way to succeed, as long as you bring your best and share it with the world. The story of 'Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams' is one of perseverance, mastery of a craft, and multiple paths to success, a story we felt important to tell as we continue our core purpose of inspiring the limitless potential in every child through all our content.

As the two Barbies compete for the program's coveted, once-in-a-lifetime Spotlight Solo, the new friends discover that competition isn't only about winning; it's about striving to be your best while bringing out the best in your competitors.