What comes to mind when you think of musicals and teenagers? Movies like “High School Musical,” “Hairspray,” and “Grease.” Well, coming to television is a ground breaking musical comedy, “Glee.” Although it may seem like a knock-off of said movies, “Glee” is new and promising with a modern day twist to deliver excitement to today’s “American Idol” generation.
The premise of the story is a teacher with the love of singing is putting together a glee club made from mostly the misfits of this school. At first, it would seem to be a knock off of High School Musical, but it goes much deeper than that, with the passions of being a teacher, the problems faced as a high school teenager, and the aspirations of both, there is a look at problems faced in today’s society and the irony of life. With a look into the politics and trials of a low-income teacher on the verge of having a new child, there are issues not always seen by the tweens and MySpacers of today. All the stereotypes and more encompassed in high school are here, with the jock that wants to sing and go against the grain, the loser YouTuber with amazing talent as a singer, a paraplegic nerd that plays electric guitar, an Asian goth with a speech impediment, and other misfits, the everyday stereotypes are made into an underdog group that you are always hoping will succeed.
What makes this show ground breaking is the use of a musical theme. It’s not a new idea, as television show have introduced many musical specials like “Scrubs” episode, “My Musical,” featuring the song, “Everything Comes Down to Poo,” but there has yet to be a television show that implements a musical comedy for the basis of a show. The days of “Star Search” and “The Mickey Mouse Club” are over, it is now the “American Idol” generation. With many reality television shows that showcase the talents of singing and dancing, this show pokes fun at it, while motivating kids to chase their dreams and know their potential.
The cast employed is diverse in both comedy and music and dance. With actress Jane Lynch playing the coach of the cheerleading squad, the Cheerios, and Matthew Morrison playing the teacher in charge of the glee club, there is a comedic rivalry in the show. There are covers of songs ranging from “Grease’s” “You’re The One That I Want,” to Amy Whinehouse’s “Rehab,” that give the audience variety and keeps up to date with today’s pop culture. The talent of the performers is jaw dropping, ending the season pilot with an awesome rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”
Although there are many variants of television shows that deal with the trials and tribulations faced by high school teenagers, “Glee” takes this old concept and encompasses a modern day spin to appeal to today’s youth. It gives rise to the underdog of losers in a comedic, awe inspiring way. This new rendition of high school is a phenomenon, a must watch television show this season.
