CAST OF "GLEE" APPEAR AT COMIC-CON 2011

Cast of Glee in Toronto - June 2011

The Cast of Glee hit-up Comic-Con in San Diego earlier today and it's safe to say that some fears have been alleviated, namely the possible exit of Lea Michele, Chris Colfer and Cory Monteith upon their impending Graduation.

"Just because they're graduating, doesn't mean they are leaving the show," Glee Writer/Co-creator/Producer Brad Falchuk told conference attendees. "It is not our intention to let them go ... they are not done with the show."

Other revelations were made about the forthcoming season of Glee, including a new love interest for Amber Riley's Mercedes.  In addition, Jane Lynch's Sue Sylvester will be running for Congress possibly to put an end to all Glee clubs altogether.  We will also be seeing more of a focus on the relationship between Klaine (Darren Criss' Blaine and Colfer's Kurt) and a continuation of the love story between Artina (Jenna Ushkowitz's Tina and Kevin McHale's Artie).

"GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE" SOUNDTRACK TRACK LIST

Glee the 3D Concert Movie Motion Picture Soundtrack

If you had a blast at Glee Live! In Concert! like me, soon you'll be able to re-live the magic as Glee the 3D Concert Movie hits theatres on August 12, 2011! Preceding its release is the Motion Picture Soundtrack for the Movie, in-stores on August 9, 2011, featuring all tracks performed on the Tour.  To read my Review of one of their four Toronto Shows, click here.

The Track List for Glee The 3D Concert Movie (Motion Picture Soundtrack) is as follows:

"GLEE LIVE! IN CONCERT!" AT TORONTO'S AIR CANADA CENTRE - REVIEW, PICS & VIDEO

Glee Live! In Concert! at Toronto's Air Canada Centre

At last, Torontonians have had a chance to witness the greatness that is the Glee Live! In Concert! Tour tonight at Air Canada Centre and it is everything I hoped it would be ...and more!  The 90-minute Show is a high-energy spectacle without a lull to be found. Taking the stage at 9:00 PM to roaring cheers, the Set began with The New Directions appearing on-stage performing what is now known as one of the Cast's signature tunes, Don't Stop Believin' (Journey).

Bridged by brief Video Montages of Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) hilariously expressing her distaste for the New Directions, an endless array of spirited Covers were delivered like Dog Days are Over (Florence & The Machine) by Jenna Ushkowitz & Amber Riley; a sultry delivery of I'm a Slave 4 U (Britney Spears) by Heather Morris; a soulful Ain't No Way (Aretha Franklin) by Riley; a Katy Perry one-two of Firework and Teenage Dream - the former sung by Lea Michele and the latter by Darren Criss & The Warblers; River Deep, Mountain High (Tina Turner) by Naya Rivera and Riley; Kevin McHale's wheelchair-free performance of Safety Dance (Men Without Hats); and group deliveries of songs like Born this Way (Lady Gaga) and Somebody to Love (Queen).

The Synergy felt from this extremely-talented Cast simply was magical. Although this evening's Setlist stuck mostly to Pop, steering away from some of the more Showtunesque moments found in the Musical Sitcom itself, this choice in Musical Direction was a right one considering the young demographic of the Audience.  Everything from the Singing to Choreography to Stage Production was tight and I contemplate myself wanting to see it allover again.  

DARREN CRISS & JENNA USHKOWITZ MEET TORONTO "GLEE" FANS

Darren Criss, Mr. Will-W. & Jenna Ushkowitz

As part of my Glee Live! In Concert! Ultimate Fan Package, I got to meet two stars from the Musical Sitcom prior to tonight's Show at Air Canada Centre!  I was v. pleased with the two selected Stars I was granted a chance to meet: Darren Criss and Jenna Ushkowitz.  Both were v. friendly (although you might not be able to see that in Ushkowitz's face above!) at the Meet & Greet and assured me I'd have a blast at the Show.  We even exchanged hugs.

Although Criss arrived in Toronto yesterday and had a chance to enjoy the City, Ushkowitz flew in from New York City this Morning with some of her fellow Cast members before heading straight to the venue.

The opportunity to meet Criss and Ushkowitz was a pleasure (at last!).  The most amazing thing about my Ultimate Fan Package was that mine and my friend Ryan's seats were amazing!  We literally were at the edge of the stage, placed within a Pit where we can see the Cast perform from a 360-degree view!

To read my Review of the Show, click here.

WHY SOME EPISODES OF "GLEE" ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS

Lea Michele (Rachel) and Kurt (Chris
Colfer) on Duets episode of Glee

You're going to think I'm all sorts of crazy, but I think I've finally pin-pointed the reason behind the quality inconsistencies from episode to episode of Glee.  This topic came up yesterday in a conversation I had with fellow Gleeks who also noted the same, so I decided to delve into this a little further. 

For those of you who have followed my Blog for a while, you'll know how I feel about its increasing dependency on celebrity-themed episodes and cameos. So much of late that I feel the plot lines have been sacrificed significantly. Case in point, the Power of Madonna episode had resorted to slapping on a gospel number at the end to showcase Like a Prayer, thematically having nothing to do with the episode. In the Britney/Brittany episode, we are forced to believe that the music of Britney Spears has caused the students of William McKinley High School to have a Sex Riot. Seriously?

After perusing the show's Writing Credits, we see that each episode is delegated to a different Writer and Director. Even though this shouldn't have too drastic an impact overall considering that Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan are a team, the discrepancies are becoming noticable. I was shocked to discover that Producer/Writer/Director Ryan Murphy - gotta love him - is actually responsible for some of my least-liked episodes (i.e. the Madonna and Britney episodes). Brad Falchuk who also shares in the Directing responsibilities, claims the honour of writing the gem that was the emotional Season One Finale, culminating in The New Directions' show-stopping albeit uncelebrated performance at The Regionals.