When most people think of Glee, the first thing that comes to mind is a bunch of high schoolers singing songs that range from musicals, to what was on the radio in the early 2000’s. However, it’s hard to keep a TV series with six seasons alive when it stops airing. Despite this, Glee has continued to fill its audience with comedy, high school drama and most of all: show choir competitions.
Throughout my childhood, I slowly started to realize my affinity for drama and musical theatre. So, when I came across Glee before turning double digits, it quickly became something I could confide in. Glee became the show I could turn on the TV and immediately be immersed in. All of my troubles would wash away, and that remains true to this day. In particular, Heather Morris and Naya Rivera’s characters, Brittany Pierce and Santana Lopez, became favorites of mine when I first started watching it. The two were a part of the cheerleading team, otherwise known as the “Cheerios,” and soon joined the Glee Club later in the first season. In addition, Rachel Berry, played by Lea Michele, was a character I also looked up to. She is sometimes perky and irritating, but her talent is incredible and extremely difficult to ignore.
By the end of my eighth grade year, 2022 auditions took place for the Groves Performing Arts Company (GPAC) production of Chicago. I was surrounded by many unfamiliar people, and I had a sense of nervousness and discomfort. Still, it was heartwarming to see how much talent there is and the enormous amount of people who loved to perform like me. After officially starting high school months after the audition, I found my place in GPAC. It quickly became an environment where I could flourish among many other musical theatre admirers— just like how the Glee Club became a safe space during my childhood. It was easy for me to compare my life in GPAC to what Glee was about; finding what you love to do and doing it. From there on out, I grew and added many skills to acting and performing, and I continue to do so.
After a long couple of months, GPAC has just recently closed its production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a musical based on the original novel written by Roald Dahl. Despite having gone through this melancholic conclusion to another show for at least two years, it was the hardest this year. The combination of saying goodbye to this year’s seniors and realizing that I would be taking that position in less than a year shook me. Although the year is still in the works, it feels as though it’s already over. It was then that I realized the true meaning of appreciating being in high school and having the opportunity to perform with so many people who share the same passion as yourself.
The reason I love Glee is because this message has become a central part of the show. It has taught so many kids to stay young as long as possible, and to not take your talent for granted. It wasn’t until this year that I realized that my time in high school is limited, and I need to utilize every last minute that I have left doing what I love before college, and eventually, life.