LOS ANGELES -- Just how successful is “Glee”?
Last Tuesday morning, we were in the brand-new theater set built specifically for the hit show on Soundstage 16 at the Paramount Studios lot. As we entered to interview the main cast, it looked like any typical back lot structure. But after emerging from a wooden ramp, we were suddenly inside a theater, complete with a stage, orchestra pit, lights and rows of seats.
“We don’t have to go to Long Beach anymore,” chirped Lea Michele, referring to the city where they used to shoot scenes on an actual campus. Lea, who was not filming this morning, was one of the first among the cast to walk in. Thanks to its phenomenal success, “Glee” now has two and a half soundstages, one of which houses this theater set built to match the auditorium in Long Beach. Like proud new homeowners, the actress who plays Rachel Berry and the rest of the cast and staff welcomed us to their choir arena, saying that we were the first from the outside world to step into this set where they shot the much-awaited “Rocky Horror Picture Show” tribute episode earlier.
Favorite label
Lea told us that for exterior shots, they now shoot at a nearby school. As Lea said, with a smile, that they no longer have to commute, our wife Janet noticed that the actress’ short dress looked familiar. “The label is Burlapp,” Lea replied when asked who she was wearing, adding that it is one of her favorite labels. Burlapp just happens to be a line by Alan del Rosario, a Los Angeles-based Filipino-American designer whose awards include California’s “Designer of the Year” and was one of the finalists in the first Oscars Designer Challenge. Alan’s Burlapp dresses are sold in top stores and boutiques in the United States.
When we told Lea that in our recent interview with “American Idiot” director Michael Mayer in New York, he proudly said that he cast her in “Spring Awakening” when she was only 14 years old, she felt glad. She excitedly said, “My boyfriend (Theo Stockman) is on ‘American Idiot!’ ”
Ryan Murphy, “Glee’s” cocreator/producer/writer/director (whew!), happily related things discovered by coproducer Ian Brennan—that the show is inspiring students to take part in music programs, learn to play instruments and sing, join choirs and theater groups. Ryan, who also directed Julia Roberts’ “Eat Pray Love,” announced that they will hold an auction in which winning bidders will have their names inscribed on the seats in this theater, with proceeds going to arts programs in California and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ryan then presented a mini show, introducing Matthew Morrison and teasing him about their similar black and white gingham shirts. Mr. Schue, backed by a pianist, was coolness personified in his rendition of “On the Street Where You Live.” Amber Riley electrified the house with her stirring version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Lea sang the title song from “Funny Girl” with quiet confidence.
Choreographed number
The curtains closed and then opened with the sight of Chris Colfer and 10 dancers (which included Harry Shum Jr., who plays Mike Chang), in top hats and full costumes. In a fully choreographed number, Chris sang “Le Jazz Hot” from “Victor/Victoria,” a grand finale to the short show. This piece will be in a duet-themed episode airing the first week of November.
The interviews followed with the cast divided into two panels. Cory Monteith, Lea, Kevin McHale, Amber and Matthew made up the first group. The second panel was comprised of Mark Salling, Dianna Agron, Jenna Ushkowitz, Heather Morris and Chris Colfer. Jane Lynch was absent at McKinley High this morning. Only the main cast was included in these interviews so Charice Pempengco was not around. But we asked Ryan and the cast about her. We’ll be writing about the interviews in coming columns. Here are just some of our random notes:
Ryan disclosed that his “Eat Pray Love” scene-stealer, Javier Bardem, will guest and play a Spanish rock star in “Glee.”
Charice has already shot some scenes where she sang ballads, including hits by Celine Dion. We’ll see more of the Filipina in later episodes, especially in the Vocal Adrenaline-New Directions choir battles.
Concert film
Even Dot Jones, the new female football team coach, will sing. Ryan firmly said “no” to a “Glee” narrative movie , but maybe “yes” to a concert film.
Lea remembered growing up in a town where many girls were having nose jobs. The actress’ mom reminded her that Barbra Streisand, her idol, never had one.
Lea also recalled a music teacher who was “awful” to her. She was watching a TV news show recently and saw that teacher being interviewed and describing Lea as her best student. “I was never so livid in my whole life,” Lea admitted. “She was not very nice.”
She also revealed that the cast’s second tour will include shows outside of the United States. For the cast, the surprising sight of Ryan, in a yellow robe, dancing and joining them in the finale of their last tour’s final night, was memorable.
Kevin, who wore shorts (as Ryan did, amid LA’s heat wave), is still not used to reading his friends’ Facebook status updates like “I can’t wait to watch ‘Glee!’” “I’m on that show!” He expressed amazement that he is part of a popular show. He appreciates that this is what kids dream of doing and yet, he and the cast get to do it “every single day.”
Amber is similarly amused that her friends are Gleeks and hold “Glee” viewing parties. But they tell her, “It’s not because you are in the show. We just like it.” According to her, one benefit of the show’s popularity is that she is able to help raise funds for charity, like aiding the homeless.
No belter?
The singer-actress, believe it or not, does not consider herself a belter. But her numbers on the show are tapping the belting power in her.
Dianna, lovely and fashionably dressed as usual in a black and white number, also noted that, “suddenly, people want to listen to you.”
Cory is moved by how the show is influencing kids to be involved in arts and music courses.
Mark quipped that despite the show’s success, he’s still living in his cheap “ghetto” apartment. He joked that he makes sure his grandma watches every “Glee” episode even if a few minutes after the telecast, she has forgotten everything about the show.
He has been told by folks that he resembles that “guy from ‘Glee.’”
Matthew likes to croon “Singing in the Rain” in the shower. The choir coach will sing that classic song in a future episode.
Hostage
Chris laughingly recounted that he has been held hostage in an elevator by screaming girl fans. They wanted pictures with him in exchange for his release but the girls were too excited to remember that detail. He was amused. “How can you get mad at people who love you?” he remarked.
Heather thinks it would be cool if her dad is played by Justin Timberlake. Jenna’s dream mom? Sandra Oh. Dianna’s dream father? Christopher Walken. Mark simply wants any episode with Amy Winehouse. We love all these dream guest stars of theirs. We hope they all come true.
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