Glee revives the classics, again

[Editor's note] I'd like to say a couple of things: First, Chris Colfer has the best gay job in the whole world and I'm green with envy. Secondly, Ryan Murphy has become a great success peddling ALL the stuff that I've loved for years-- Gypsy, Funny Girl, A Chorus Line. And while I'm glad to see him bringing classics to the masses, I'm bitter that he beat me to the punch.

Bitterness and raving jealousy aside, I have no choice but to discuss last night's episode of Glee. Or rather, the numbers in last night's episode.

Dubbed the Duets episode, it featured classic musical partnerships like Elton John and Kiki Dee, Ike and Tina Turner, and a beautiful number from Victor/Victoria(!) performed by Colfer's character Kurt.

Admittedly though, the showstopper for me was Rachel and Kurt's rendition of Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland's haunting classic, "Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy." On every level, from Rachel's sailor top to Kurt's shiny suit, that number was an homage to the original one performed on the Judy Garland Show in 1963. Back then, Barbra was 21 years old and about to film Funny Girl. For her part, Judy was just beginning her show, hating life at CBS, but giving America some of the finest vocal performances ever recorded.

This moment is seen by many as a proverbial passing of the baton. As one legendary star faded, a new one was born. (Someone please catch the connection there...). Anyway, please enjoy Glee's version below and the original from 1963 below that:


Comments

Anonymous said…
connection made, noted and makes me love you more - oh man that got away.
October 13, 2010 at 10:59 AM
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