Giddy Over "Glee"

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

filed under: entertainment logic

Diane Mizota: I know what you're thinking. "If I have to watch another 'High School Musical,' I'm going to stab my eyes out with hot forks." Before you relegate "Glee" to the tween set, I BEG you to check it out. Singing comparisons aside, it's like the movie "Election" in "HSM" clothing. It's funny, smart, and has a lot of heart without being cheesy.

"Glee" is the underdog story of a rag-tag high school glee club. Set in the brutal caste system of high school, we find that the adult dynamics of the teachers haven't evolved much beyond their students', and that the rules of high school still apply. Creator Ryan Murphy strikes a tone that is irreverent and quirky, and transforms tried and true high school stereotypes into deliciously flawed characters.

Rarely do I catch myself smiling ear to ear while watching television, but "Glee" got me. A show you can watch with your kids that's both edgy and sweet, with a genius pop soundtrack. ("Don't Worry, Be Happy" on steel drums? A high school choir singing "Rehab"? "I Kissed a Girl" as an audition song?) BRILLIANT.

In an age when everyone feels entitled to be a judge of talent, this show is perfectly poised to tap into that, but slyly invites you in to what being an artist is all about: passion. It's not about money or being cool, it's about expression and doing what you love. What makes you feel alive. OK, now my inner theater geek is showing, but it is that good. Seriously, come this fall, watch this show!!! You won't regret it.

Diane Mizota is an accomplished TV host, actor, writer and producer who began her career as a professional dancer. She is a first-time mom who currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and toddler son.