"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.  

A RESPONSE TO GLEEKS FROM A GLEEK

Wow.  It seems my last Post about the Toronto arrivals of Kevin McHale, Mark Salling, Heather Morris and Darren Criss have caused quite a stir among the most ardent of Gleeks and even some of the Cast members themselves.

Firstly, I thank you for taking the time to read and to have an opinion.  Secondly, I want you to know it is never my intention to upset Readers or even the Talent themselves.  If you're just visiting Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven for the first time, you'll quickly understand through a quick look through previous entries that this is a Blog which tries to spread a positive energy and celebrate the Fan and Celebrity dynamic.

I have no reason to alter facts or make others' lives difficult.  Neither do I claim to be foolproof in accuracy - I do however report what is observed and verify to the best of my ability.  I have been a die-hard Gleek since its Pilot episode Spring 2009 and own every DVD and CD released thus far, plus having paid $500 for a Meet & Greet which apparently "entitles" Fans and myself either to meet one or two of the Cast members; I'm not even permitted to bring my Camera along also I'm told. I side with the Gleeks but simply cannot report much positive based on yesterday's observations and surely could find at least a dozen people to substantiate those observations.

I fail to see how being given false excuses one moment outside their Hotel and then later on seeing Criss and Salling make exceptions for a few Fans inside their Hotel isn't contradictory?   Or in the least bit, dishonest?  I totally get that Celebrities can't make time for everyone.  That goes without saying.

DARREN CRISS, MARK SALLING, HEATHER MORRIS & KEVIN MCHALE ARRIVE IN TORONTO FOR "GLEE" TOUR

Darren Criss in Toronto for Glee Live! In Concert! Tour

Despite starring in a bold and outrageous Musical Sitcom, some Cast members of Fox's Glee appear to be rather Fan-shy off-Camera.  Arriving in Toronto earlier today, Heather Morris, Kevin McHale, Darren Criss and Mark Salling, plus recent Cast additions Titus Makin Jr., Riker Lynch and Curt Mega had adventures of their own in Toronto.

McHale and Morris enjoyed their afternoon shopping in Yorkville, perusing the Fashions of Holt Renfrew, H&M, Roots, Aritzia and many more.  Catching them on their way back to their Hotel, I was able to get them to sign my Season 1 DVD but when other Fans asked kindly for Photos, Morris replied "We're five minutes later for Dinner.  We're not doing Photos today...", walking away mid-sentence.  Almost an hour later she and some Friends left her Hotel, telling eager and excited Fans, "We don't appreciate you taking our Photo", before rushing into a private SUV.  Click here to see a Photo from Photographer Todd Gillis who snapped Morris out-and-about earlier today.

Meanwhile, Criss, Makin, Lynch and Hall - also known as the Dalton Academy Warblers - rented Bixi Bikes and went on a Bike Ride through the City, winding-up in trendy Queen St. West.  Arriving back to their Hotel separately, Criss took a moment to greet Fans from a distance, telling them "I'm really tired and have to go to bed.  See you guys at the Show?".  It was 8:00 PM.  The remaining Warblers who arrived back a little later however were delightfully friendly, taking time to greet Fans, posing for Photographs.  It was learned that Makin was celebrating his Birthday in the City later this evening.

GLEE LIVE! IN CONCERT! TO HIT TORONTO ON JUNE 11, 2011

Cast of Glee

Best news all year! Fox has announced today that the Cast of Glee will be heading out on the road again with their Glee Live! In Concert! Tour. And Toronto's Air Canada Centre will be one of their stop-offs on June 11, 2011! Yes!!!   Justice is served at last!

The Tour will be running from May 21 to June 18, 2011. Ticket prices have not yet been announced, but I will pay anything for these. ANYTHING.

Cast members who have committed to the Tour include: Lea Michele (Rachel), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Chris Colfer (Kurt), Kevin McHale (Artie), Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Mark Salling (Puck), Dianna Agron (Quinn), Naya Rivera (Santana), Heather Morris (Brittany), Harry Shum, Jr. (Mike), Chord Overstreet (Sam) and Darren Criss (Blaine).