Chris Colfer: I eat Kurt's drama up like candy

WARNING: SPOILERS IN THE INTERVIEW!

By this point, I no longer have to cite reasons why Chris Colfer continues to be the most emotionally resonant part of "Glee" -- he's got an Emmy nomination and a bucket of my tears that speak for themselves. But after last week's tear-fest, it looks like we're headed for happier Hummel pastures now that Kurt has left New Directions to join (boyfriend?) Blaine as one of Dalton Academy's Warblers.

But the actor is holding out hope that McKinley turns its hallways into a safe space sooner rather than later since New Directions without Kurt isn't the same glee club we fell in love with many moons ago.

In anticipation of 2010's penultimate episode, I rang up Chris to reflect on the issue-filled season and find out what lies ahead for Kurt & Blaine.

PopWrap: When you were originally hired to star on this musical comedy did you have any idea that there'd be so much drama involved?
Chris Colfer: [laughs] No, not at all – in the original script Kurt was such a small factor, so I never anticipated this at all. But you know, I really enjoy the drama. I eat it up like candy. So every time I see that Kurt breaks down I think “YES” because I love it so much. Those scenes definitely take it out of you.

PW: What's your replenishment secret after a long day of filming emotional scenes?
Chris: Let me tell you, frozen yogurt helps. Or a cookie. They always have cookies on set and I will eat all of them if it’s a particularly dramatic scene.

PW: A lot of Kurt's drama this year has been a result of bullying, as someone who has very vocally talked about their own experiences with that growing up, how important was tackling this to you?
Chris: Oh, very. It’s interesting that this issue had never been brought up before since it’s an issue that’s been around since the 50’s. It’s kind of unreal that we’re only talking about it now. For me, it’s all about bringing truth to the work and even though Kurt was the victim, I didn’t want him to be so victimized by Karofsky. It’s a terrible situation but I’m glad we’re talking about it.

PW: Karofsky's return to McKinley saw Kurt defect to Dalton Academy, what was your first thought when Ryan Murphy laid that out for you?
Chris: I was terrified that he was writing me off the show [laughs] “Oh god, am I really that bad? Sorry! I can improve, swear!” No, but I really love it. I love exploring another tolerant world and am happy that Kurt found acceptance somewhere. It kinda goes to show that if the world you live in doesn’t make sense, find one that does. But I really hope McKinley becomes more accepting so he can come back.

PW: Now Kurt is with The Warblers, who performed that incredible rendition of "Teenage Dream." Did you have any inkling that song was going to blow up like it has?
Chris: Oh, absolutely. They played a demo for us long before Darren [Criss] had been cast and I got chills the first time I heard it. That is one of the best songs we’ve ever done and I was so excited for everyone to see it. I knew it would be huge, I listen to it almost every day.

PW: I know that everyone is trying to find out if Blaine will be Kurt's boyfriend, but what I'm wondering is if you feel like Kurt is already acting like Blaine's his boyfriend.
Chris: I think Kurt is so lonely and just wants someone to connect to. I think the closest he can get to that is a boyfriend, so I think he’s trying to find that in any way shape or form possible. But we haven’t filmed anything where Blaine becomes Kurt’s boyfriend yet, so who knows – it could end up being someone else.

PW: Well, a lot of people are looking to next week's "Baby It's Cold Outside" duet as an indication of where their relationship is going. Are you excited for people to see that performance?
Chris: I’m anxious to see how people respond to it because it’s one of the first classic duets that has been sung by two guys ... if you get my drift. I will be interested to hear the next day what people think. Over Thanksgiving break I had to convince my grandmother it was actually me on the track. She said, “oh, that makes the song a little different.” And it certainly does [laughs].
PW: When we spoke last you talked about how much "Glee" was pushing you vocally. Tonight Kurt tackles "Don't Cry For Me Argentina," that's kind of the ultimate vocal challenge, no?
Chris: It is, but I’m always compared next to Lea [Michele], which sucks.

PW: I think you more than hold your own.
Chris: I disagree and I get comments on Twitter that do as well, saying, “Oh Lea sang that better.” I always think, “of course she sings it better, she’s a girl!”

PW: A lot of people have been surprised by how much Rachel & Kurt's relationship has grown this season -- have you?
Chris: I think like it or not, Rachel and Kurt are very much alike. And for him the sparks was when she told him, “just because you’re lonely doesn’t mean you’re alone.” They just need to come to terms with it and be friends [laughs]. They definitely have each other’s back …when they’re not trying to stab it!

PW: Both Lea and Matt [Morrison] are working on solo CD's -- would you ever want to release one?
Chris: You know, I love to sing when there’s a story and emotion behind it, so I think stage or film is the way to go. I’ve never really been interested in becoming a recording artist. Also, the way I sing isn’t really valued these days – I’ve got a more traditional theater voice, and these days it’s all about the runs. I don’t see myself in that world ... but everyone seems to want me to. Who knows, if I end up doing that it’ll be for the fans, not me.

PW: The fans have really turned this show into juggernaut -- seeing as how "in it" you all are, can you remove yourself from that to recognize how massive it's become?
Chris: You know, we’re so involved in it and it’s so much a part of our day to day lives, so I don't think we’ll never fully comprehend just how huge it is. It’s already so much of who we are, I don’t think we’ll be able to know how big it is in other people’s lives. But I'm so thrilled that people love it. That's the best part.

source: nypost.com