CHENNAI: It seems the Glee bug is set to give Chennai music enthusiasts the flu very soon. After the hit series on television, theatre director, Freddy Koikaran in association with ShowStoppers Inc is gearing up to discover fresh talent for the city’s first official Glee Club. Freddy says, “I always thought the show was phenomenal, especially considering that they performed to some popular contemporary songs. The last time I saw something like this was Fame, back in the 80s.”For those who are in the dark about the series, which is now airing its second season on national television, Glee circles around a bunch of teenage misfits at the fictitious West McKinley High School, who despite being the targets of uber cool jokes, set out to win a national singing trophy under the tutelage of their teacher, Will Schuester. However, for ‘gleeks’ (Glee freaks) interested in giving their vocals or dancing skills a shot at the auditions, come this weekend, the age bar is not restricted to high school.Another interesting prospect, inspired from the show is the concept of a ‘mashup routine’, serving up a blend of two or more songs that may overlap or flow seamlessly, one into another. Freddy recalls, “I once caught an episode that had a combination of Umbrella (Rihanna) and Singing in the Rain (Gene Kelly), that came out in the early 50s!” Now that kind of cocktail could really target a wide group of people, breaking through barriers of age in music, not to mention genre preferences as well. The big question though is, will such a club work right here in Chennai? Jayanthi Prabhakar, who sings with both the Octet Cantabile and the MMA choirs is hesitant with her answer. She says, “I’ve noticed that in this city there are two extremes, those interested in western classical music and those who prefer rock and pop. So, I’m not sure how this will pan out. While I think it’s an exciting idea, the novelty of anything new does wear off quickly.”On the other hand, Saroop Oomen, manager at the Unwind School of Music, which started in 1997, is testament to the fact that a passion for music is sustainable just about anywhere. “With a little thought behind the fun and some commitment, I think this can fly,” he states.(A three-hour workshop towards Chennai’s first Glee Club will be held on July 16 for those in the age group of 15-30 years at 105, Kaveri Complex, Nungambakkam High Road. For details, call 9840487198)
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