In my opinion, however, the trend really took off with the hit Fox television series, American Idol (2002- ). Following American Idol's success, many more networks jumpstarted their own talent-based reality show competitions. Today we have shows like Dancing with the Stars (2005-), So You Think You Can Dance (2005-), and America's Got Talent (2006-). Even as I am literally writing this blog entry, Paul Abdul's new show, Live to Dance is premiering in the background. What stands out the most to me, however, is television's most unique creation. The year 2009 launched what I consider to be the epitome of the performing arts trend in America, the hit Fox television series, Glee. Recently, a new competition show, The Sing Off (2009-), featured acapella groups from around

the country competing for the winning title. Even American Idol has become more Glee-esque in recent years, when Adam Lambert-AI's most theatrical contestant-became a fan favorite and a successful recording artist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The performing arts trend has not missed the big screen, either. Movies have been sprouting more and more popular musicals each year, reminiscent of the golden age of musical film of the 30's, 40's, and 50's. Many of today's screen musicals have won awards and critical praise too, demonstrating their popularity and value among viewers. Some of the musicals of the last decade include Moulin Rouge! (2001), Chicago (2003), Phantom of the Opera (2004), The Producers (2005), Rent (2005), Dreamgirls (2006), Hairspray (2007), Sweeney Todd (2007), High School Musical 3 (2008), Mama Mia! (2008), Nine (2009), and most recently, Burlesque (2010). Even animated films have begun producing musical styles once again with Disney's The Princess and the Frog (2009).

 

 

What all this says to me is that the arts are gaining more and more recognition by the American public. These films and television series bring in millions of viewers, thousands of hopeful artists, and millions of voters tuning in and voting for their favorite dancer/singer/ventriloquist, etc.

The ultimate example of this theatrical trend is Glee. Glee combines all that we love about American Idol, High School Musical, and other talent-based media shows. Glee has come at exactly the right time. Not only does it celebrate the arts, but it highlights the numerous benefits of being part of an artistic organization: accepting differences, celebrating uniqueness, courage, tolerance, dealing with rejection, friendship, connectivity, emotional management, breaking boundaries (think "Defying Gravity" sung by Kurt Hummel), etc. Not to mention plain old fun and entertainment!

Although I was not in the Glee club in high school, I definitely was considered a "theatre geek." I spent most of my time in the theatre hallway hanging out, painting sets, rehearsing, or listening to Broadway showtunes. We were a real life Glee-with valedictorians, star quarterbacks, and cheerleaders-all sharing the same stage. AND getting along. Oh, and I cannot forget to mention that a fellow high school theatre classmate is actually one of the stars of Glee (Jenna Ushkowitz). Fortunately, I attended a school where the arts were greatly supported and encouraged by the administration, teachers, and the general student body.

My experience was the exception, however. Glee highlights (and perhaps exaggerates) the problems with the state of the arts in most schools today. The Glee kids and their fearless leader, Will Schuester, face numerous barriers and restrictions including lack of administrator and community support and their arch nemesis, Sue Sylvester, who relentlessly searches for ways to destroy the Glee club and maintain the financial and social status of her precious Cheerios cheerleaders. It is a constant uphill battle of disappointment, aggravation, and slushie facials.

Reality, however, paints quite a different picture. In real life the Glee kids are damn cool. Fans are calling themselves "Gleeks." The show won almost every award out there last year and is again leading television shows in nominations for the upcoming Golden Globes. Their national tour sold out in minutes. Their remakes of popular songs and musical numbers regularly hit #1 spots on iTunes. Their first few albums were instant best sellers. What does this tell me?? It's cool to be a Gleek! Glee's popularity along with the other host of musical, dance, and artistic media out there tells us that AMERICANS WANT MORE ARTS!!!

Television is sprouting more and more performing arts-based programs. The musical movie genre is gaining popularity once again. Glee is a nation-wide phenomenon about performing arts in schools. The puzzling question remains...when is the government and education going to listen and catch up to the rest of the country and self-proclaim themselves a Gleek??? I think it's time. Or did Sue Sylvester infiltrate the powers-that-be? Hmm...