Glee

During the summer months it’s easy to spend more time outside because the sun is up past 8pm and the television is usually chalk-full of reruns. However, over the past couple of years TV stations have begun to premiere new series, such as the widely successful Mad Men two seasons ago. With “American Idol”, “Gossip Girl”, “90210”, and many other teen-driven shows going on hiatus, you may be wondering what to watch on those summer evenings when you feel like staying indoors. Tonight on Fox after Chris Ryan and Adam Lambert duke it out for the “American Idol” Season 8 crown, Glee will premiere in all of its much-hyped glory.

Glee, created by Ryan Murphy (“Nip/Tuck” and “Popular”), may be television’s answer to the “High School Musical” phenomenon. The show follows an enthusiastic high school teacher, Mr. Schuester, as he tries to organize a rag-a-muffin group of students into a high-performance singing super-ensemble. (We’re talking more than just jazz hands, people.) Members of the glee club are social outcasts ridiculed by the popular crowd and hide within the solace of the group to avoid being picked on by their fellow students. Mr. Schuester’s dream to compete at the national singing competition ruffles feathers, especially after he convinces the football quarterback to join the glee club. The students, along with Schuester, struggle in the face of adversity to achieve their dreams and put the glee club back on top.

The cast is full of talented faces, including several up-and-coming Broadway elite. Mr. Schuester is played by Matthew Morrison from “Hairspray,” and a few cast members from the Tony Award-winning musical, “Spring Awakening” play glee club members. Jane Lynch, from “Best in Show” and “Role Models,” provides comic relief as Coach Sue Sylvester. Other familiar faces from “Kyle X/Y,” “Nip/Tuck,” and “Ugly Betty” should provide a talented, comedic cast.

If you enjoy Glee, you should check out this Glee-like material available at Moore Memorial Public Library:
Books
Ball Don’t Lie by Matt de la Pena
Can’t Stop the Shine by Joyce Davis
Choir Boy by Charlie Anders
Diamond (The Divas Series) by Victoria Christopher Murray
High School Musical: the essential guide by Catherine Saunders
I Love you, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn
Rebound by Bob Krech
Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar
Street Love by Walter Dean Myers
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga

DVDs
Hairspray
High School Musical
High School Musical 2
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Mad Hot Ballroom
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
The Cheetah Girls: one world
Save the Last Dance
Save the Last Dance 2
Step up
Step Up 2: the streets
Stomp the Yard