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.

ISO: Idina Menzel

Coquettish, classy, and the girl next door all rolled into one, Idina Menzel graced the stage with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at The Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis. Noted by the excitement in the air, and the sold-out status, the night looked to be a great one.

Menzel, known for her Tony-Award winning role as Elphaba in Broadway's smash hit Wicked, a Tony-nominated performance in Rent and, more recently, her role in television's Glee, has endeared her to audiences of all genres. Appearing in a regal purple gown sans shoes gave forth the idea that although she has a glamorous occupation, she's still just one of us. The marvelous thing about that idea is...it's authentic. Menzel keeps the audience entertained, not just with her vocal range and powerful ballads, but also with her tales of growing up with all the usual angsts.

Selections included Defying Gravity, I'm Not That Girl and the nicely combined Love for Sale with Roxanne. One moment flirtatious with I Feel Smoochey, the next gentle in Look to the Rainbow from Finian's Rainbow is just one more reason Menzel is so popular. The reachable factor; yes she is on stage above you, but she is human and not stand-offish. Apologizing to the ISO Juliard-trained performers, she made the audience howl with laughter by ripping into her Glee rendition of Lady Gaga's Poker Face.

Throughout the evening the Long-Islander imitated Barbra Streisand's well-known voice, complete with the New York accent. She nailed the superstar's mannerisms and vocals during Don't Rain on My Parade and Funny Girl without losing her own style. She brought the house down with her tale of meeting idol Barbra Streisand, who promptly ignored her as only Babs can do. Eventually, after Menzel downed numerous tequila shots to get over the snub, she was finally given the nod of approval from the star for her performance.

Welcoming the only three ticket holders from the Smiley Glee Club (the entire group had performed in the lobby), onto the stage, Menzel performed back-up vocals, allowing the trio to be showcased. That, my friends, is a true lady with zero diva tendencies.

Bottom Line: Idina Menzel is enthralling in her approach with the audience, the songs, the orchestra and life. Her talent takes her from stage to television and to the silver screen. It doesn't take a crystal ball to predict that this performer will follow in the footsteps of other greats, including Streisand and Liza Minelli, who have outlasted countless others and have that one thing everyone wants: IT.

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