Glee!

Glee is my third favorite word of all time.  The very sound of the word evokes the emotion it references in my chest.  Tonight, on Fox, premieres a brand new show, and glee does not cover the amount of joy and anticipation I have for the this show.

Some of you, like my sister Rosanna, may be saying to yourselves, “Where have you been, Joseph?  I saw the preview in May!”  Well, I’m not really into television.  I have a handful of shows I watch – most of them DVRed so I don’t have to watch commercials.  Needless to say it is by luck, the art of advertising/word of mouth, and a little magic which brought this perfect show to my attention.

Let’s get one thing straight – this is NO “High School Musical.”  I’ll admit, the first movie was alright, creative, I loved it, but only watched it once.  “Glee” is a show I could watch again and again.  I’ve already acquired the available music from the show.  This is a show about Show Choir.  What’s a Show Choir?  We used to say, “we’re cheerleaders with talent,” and that is totally played out in this show.  If you’ve ever been part of a Show Choir, you’ll fall in love with this show as I did.

There’s no use putting it into words.  Just watch this; this is what a Show Choir is made of:

Excited yet?  The pilot episode also featured a fair version of “On My Own,” sung by the fabulous Dianna Agron.  This girl is like a mini Idina Menzel, but her quirkie, insanity reminds me of Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30.

What’s the plot, you may wonder?  Honestly, does the plot really matter when it’s a show about Show Choir?  I suppose, to some of you, it does.  Will Schuester is a dreamer, Spanish teacher, and new director of the high school glee club.  The club is made up of a motely group of “losers,” and they suck at what they do.  The good ole Schuester gives them an injection of hope and you got a show about “the underdog in all of us.”

That, and it’s chock-a-block full of music!  The pilot ends with a nifty rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” which is enjoying a nice revival in popularity since Rock of Ages became a success at this year’s Tonys.  It was the perfect song to begin a show that is sure to be about hope with a certain amount of creativity.

So, if you haven’t seen the pilot yet, zoom over to Fox onDemand and watch it!  Then get ready for the season premiere, tonight at 9pm EST.  Oh yeah, and don’t be afraid to sing along with the show.  I couldn’t resist.

Magic?

One final note on magic.  As I was watching this show last night, I realized something.  Long ago I read in a book on philosophy that the universe is likened to a giant mirror, and merely reflects back what you send out.  I’m beginning to feel that is how the world is to me.  This show is evidence to that.

Now I can hear some of you skeptics out there groaning.  Rhiannon used to be one of you! (Imagine THAT!)  This past year of mine has been entirely about hope.  Hope Rhiannon and I have for our grand project.  I’ve seen these hope reflected back to me all over the place.  We, in the U.S, have a president who’s message is hope – and he’s fueling the country with it.  Books are finding their way into my room that I’ve never imagined could exist.

Whether it’s because I’m not noticing it until now, or served up to me because I’ve requested it from the universe at large, I don’t think it matters.  All people have some degree of faith in them, and faith is also a key in magic.  Faith that you’ll get what you send out for.  I’m getting it.  It’s all around me.  I’m so very grateful for all the hope, love and joy which made it into my life this passed year.

As for singing – I never stop singing.  I’ve burst out in song multiple times while writing this article!  If you only watch the show for it’s music, then fair enough.  It’s wonderful.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store.