GLEE: Bonding Time for Theater Folk

For most any actor, there is nothing better than performing on Broadway night after night alongside some of the industry's most celebrated talent. Tell that to the teens currently performing in the current Roundabout Revival of Bye Bye Birdie, who frequently rush off the stage following their final bows to collectively gather in their pajamas in front of the television to watch the latest GLEE episode.

The New York Times reports on one recent experience shared by the Birdie youth: 

"Having taken their final bows, more than a dozen cast members, many cozily outfitted in pajamas, crowded this past week into the studio apartment of Natalie Hill (a nonteen actress in "Birdie") to watch a recording of the latest episode.

'He's not in a wheelchair in real life?" someone asked about Kevin McHale, who plays Artie, a disabled character. Giggles. The answer was no. The round-robin commentary continued.

'He's 17.'

'He's 17?'

'Pass the pretzels.'"

These "GLEE parties" are reflective of an especial brand of obsession with GLEE amongst thespians and theater enthusiasts.  Of the 7-8 million views GLEE draws a week, theater enthusiasts have been polled to be among the most fervent followers, due in part no doubt, to the personal connection many have to stars Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison, both of whom starred on Broadway and are deeply rooted in the community.  And, of course, there are the guest appearances by Broadway favorites such as Kristin Chenoweth who particularly sweeten the deal for theater folk.

To read the full report in the New York Times, click here.

GLEE, the genre-defying new musical comedy series, follows an optimistic teacher who - against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach - attempts to save McKinley High's Glee Club from obscurity while helping a group of aspiring underdogs realize their true star potential.

The show stars Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Amber Riley, Mark Salling and Jenna Ushkowitz, GLEE is produced by Ryan Murphy Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan are co-creators of the series. Murphy, Falchuk and Dante di Loreto serve as executive producers, while Ian Brennan serves as co-executive producer.

GLEE airs Wednesday nights (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Columbia Records and Twentieth Century Fox Television released "Glee: The Music, Volume 1," the first in a series of soundtracks that feature music heard in the first season of the critically acclaimed series on FOX. "Glee: The Music, Volume 1" will feature spectacular renditions of several chart-topping hits and debuted at #4 on the Billboard Charts.