Glee Live: Toronto 2011

It was just a short two years ago when Glee took the world by storm and captured many peoples hearts - but I was not one of them. It took me awhile before I finally gave in and watched some episodes. I didn't want to become absorbed in the crazy Glee culture but alas, I gave in! After catching up mid-way through the first season, I was hooked on the drama between Finn and Rachel, hated the fact that being "slushied" was a regular occurance, and then there was the never-ending rants and raves of the one and only Sue Sylvester.

The thing that finally got me hooked was the music. As you all (should) know by now, music is something very important in my life and I loved how Glee managed to incorporate music from all genres into every episode (and eventually including originals as well). Each song represented a moment in the story line and not just planted there because the writers felt like it. And while most TV shows are usually separated by different audiences, Glee seems to pull together fans of all ages. I work at an electronics store and I always comment on people who buy the Glee albums or the DVD sets, and I LOVE the variety of ages that I come across on a regular basis. There was one lady I talked to who was a classical pianist who couldn't get enough of the show while there was an older gentleman who was just smitten with all the characters. And then there are the ages in between. Everybody can relate to being those who get picked on - well, MOST of us. I for one was a band geek from the time I was 12 up until my last year of High School. And to top it off I was also photo editor for the yearbook! But that's just how it is!

I was given the opportunity to review the Glee Live Tour 2011 in Toronto last Sunday (June 12/10). The fourth and final show of the weekend, I was pumped to be able to see these wonderful actors and singers live finally for the first time. Seeing as I was at the Air Canada Centre not even a week earlier (just four days to be exact), I was excited to be a part of a full crowd once again! The opening act (which I can never remember the exact name...) was a dance crew who pumped up the anticipating crowd even more with their witty dance numbers and comedic acts.

And then came the incredible cast of Glee. And while my only complaint with the show was that it only lasted an hour and twenty minutes (give or take) - which, in my opinion is WAY too short - the show itself was entertaining, funny and totally Gleek-worthy. Fans of all ages danced to hits like "Sing", "Born this Way", "PYT", "Don't Stop Believing", "Somebody to Love", "Lucky" and many more. Sticking to the hits (mainly) from the second season, everybody was having a blast and singing along.

My favourite moment of the night was when the cast came out and did "Born This Way", originally done by the one and only Lady Gaga. The song itself is an inspiration to everybody but the cast of Glee added a little oomph to it by adding their special made t-shirts stating something they didn't like about themselves. Although they were still based on their characters and not the actual singers, it still manged to get the point across that no matter what, you're special.  And with an audience full of eager young listeners, I think they executed this song very well.

 Another aspect I liked is the fact that they broke it off and did individual songs as well. Instead of keeping it as a group performance, they did duets and included the Warblers (I definitely wasn't expecting to see Darren Criss or the Warblers!). I especially enjoyed the performances of Mercedes (Amber Riley), Rachel (Lea Michele) and Curt (Chris Coffer). Their voices are beyond incredible and hearing them in person definitely put goosebumps on my skin!

Altogether the show was a huge success and it's exciting to know that one of the main characters Finn (Corey Monteith) is a Canuck. It made much more special and unique to know he was such a proud Canadian. it's incredible the amount of energy they can produce especially since they had already done an afternoon show just hours before the final one of the night. The entire cast looked at ease on stage, ready to pump up and engage the crowd and overall looked humbled to be there at a fourth sold out show in Toronto.

I look forward to seeing what they come up with next as their third season hits the airwaves sometime in the fall!

- Taryn

(P.S. Ms. Lea Michele is SUPER tiny. I mean, she was always tiny on the show, but she looks so miniature next to Mark Salling and Corey Monteith!)

*all photos are copyrighted to me, if you'd like to use them just email me and I'll give you permission!