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Will Glee Work Live?

Date: 27 February 2011

With the hit TV series Glee not showing any signs of fatigue for Gleeks or newcomers, you can see why a touring stage show featuring the kids is a great idea. It's not a new concept as anyone who remembers The Kids From Fame will testify. But, without auto tune and a narrative, will the live show work as a concept?

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After all, without the window dressing - the Glee Live Tour simply features the stars from the show singing cover versions of well known songs from musical theatre, mash ups and telling us how much "We love you guys." Looking at the sales for the arena sales in the UK, there is certainly the appetite for such a show.

Without Sue Sylvester (the wonderful Jane Lynch) - the live version will surely lack the bite that keeps viewers of the E4 Smash hit coming back for more? But if you forget Sue and Mr Shu (his rapping and embarrassing topless appearance in one episode make this easy to do!) - Glee has something that can be captured on a stage with ease. It's the celebration of the outsider that has captured viewers' imaginations.

If you have a look on you tube at the live clips of the tour, one thing that stands out are the vocals and production values of the show. Sure, for many seeing the likes of Corey Monteith, Lea Michelle, Amber Riley and Chris Colfer in the flesh will make their hearts sing as they love the characters. But it's what the producers do with the songs and they way these performers sing them that counts.

With copycat shows like G*Mania disappointing paying customers, the time is right to see Glee Live, whilst the show is still a talking point.

Call me a Gleek but I'll be there singing along and I'm hoping to feel like a "Billionaire" but not as much as the producers who are touring this feelgood show so that fans "Don't Stop Believing."

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Glee Live is at the MEN Arena on 22 - 23 June

- by Glenn Meads

Any opinions expressed above do not represent the view of Whatsonstage.com nor any of its staff or contributors beyond the bylined author.

Glenn has covered the Manchester theatre scene for Whatsonstage.com since 2001. Since then he has edited whatsonstage.com/manchester and he currently edits the North West site, as well as providing news, reviews, features and competitions.

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	Has the Jukebox musical found its niche with Soul Sister? - 3rd Mar 2013 blog
	Get a Taste of the West End in the North West - 2nd Mar 2013 blog
	Why I Cannot Wait for Book of Mormon - 26th Feb 2013 blog
	Does Smash Need to Change? - 31st Jan 2013 blog
	Bring on the Broadway Performers: Welcome Kristin Chenoweth - 27th Jan 2013 blog
	Why Sheffield's My Fair Lady Should transfer to the West End - 22nd Jan 2013 blog
	Les Miserables - Is the film any good? - 10th Jan 2013 blog
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Internal Links
	Can't Stop the Glee - 12th Jan 2010 Blog
	Are you still full of Glee? - 6th Apr 2010 Blog
	Glee Tours Concerts to London & Manchester - 19th Nov 2010 News
	G*Mania brings Glee to NW - 14th Jan 2011 News
	G*Mania (Tour - Manchester) - 16th Feb 2011 Reviews

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