Concert Review: Glee Live

Love it, hate or never seen it, Glee, as in the television show, has become a household name. Glee Live! made a stop June 2 in Indianapolis, Conseco Fieldhouse, to the satisfaction of several thousand screaming teens and adults. What's in store for anyone in future cities for Gleeks (Glee fans)? Cheerleaders (aka Cheerios) handing out "barf" bags, video time with Coach Sue Sylvester, and a nonstop, positive energy show with the message that whoever you are is exactly who you should be. Total acceptance.

Photo credit: Great Exposures

The show features the popular TV characters, Kurt, Santana, Brittney and the rest of the club dancing, singing and joking their way in to the hearts of loyal fans, (portrayed by Chris Colfer, Naya Rivera and Heather Morris, respectively). Interspersed with audience interaction, the singers demonstrated their talents most in Mercedes' (Amber Riley) rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way," The Warbler's version of Paul McCartney's "Silly Love Songs," and the Kurt-led, lip-synched Beyonce hit, "Single Ladies," which proved a crowd favorite.

Photo credit: Great Exposures

The phenomenon known as Glee can be compared to a mini-Beatlemania (or whichever fan-crazy star you wish to insert). It seems that the mania craze IS the craze. No one is stopping the 'tweens, teens and twenty-somethings from going ga-ga over their favorite group. The joy in delving into their artist of choice is pure and marvelous to witness.

The non "Beautiful People" crowd is enjoying a high like never before. Celebrities, artists and television shows are embracing their un-Barbieness and raking in the fans (and money). Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Pink, Glee and Ugly Betty are just a few examples of "out" being the new "in." And Glee is right there at the top.
Every gender-, social-, and ethnic-, issue is addressed by the Glee Club, a group so diverse Josephine Baker would be satisfied. For those of you who are too young, or are just unaware of the ugly duckling/swan story of Ms. Baker, it's good reading...and viewing. You can find more information on Youtube.com.

Bottom Line: Gleeks everywhere will be gleefully satisfied with the Glee Live touring concert...and barf bags won't be necessary.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, on aroundindy.com, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.