In this emotional tribute, former Glee stars Lea Michele, Darren Criss and Dianna Agron reunited on Broadway in 2023. These teachers’ artistic impressions of their amazing experience at fictional William McKinley High School. The trio rocketed to superstardom with their performances in the legendary television show. While lifting each other up throughout the show, an abundance of smiles and warm memories circulated between the four.
Glee, which aired from 2009 to 2015. It focused on a misfit crew of students in the school’s glee club that was directed by the idealistic — and often delusional — Mr. Schue, a role made famous by Matthew Morrison. Throughout its six-season run, the show found both record-breaking popularity and critical acclaim, winning six Emmy Awards. Audiences fell in love with the series and its moving musical performances and soul-stirring, heartfelt stories. It unflinchingly dived into issues of friendship, judgement, acceptance and the rollercoaster of teen life.
The emotional impact of Glee lasted well beyond its final episode in March of 2015. Unfortunately, the show experienced the tragic and heartbreaking loss of several cast members. Cory Monteith, actor for the beloved character Finn Hudson, died of a drug overdose in 2013. Behind him, Mark Salling, who had played Puck, died by suicide in 2018. Naya Rivera, who played Santana Lopez, died in July 2020 in a tragic boating accident at California’s Lake Piru.
Even within all the heartache that has come to shape the show’s legacy, Michele, Criss, and Agron are still able to celebrate those shared experiences. Michele expressed her joy at the reunion, stating, “Night out with my beautiful friend from high school to see our former classmate perform on Broadway.” This was a very familiar sentiment indeed, one felt by many of the fans who have loved and nurtured the friendships the show inspired for so long.
In a social media post reflecting on their time together, Agron shared her excitement: “WMHS FOREVER. Completely & utterly heartwarming all around – another huge round of applause for you, Darren.” This caption is a glowing testament to the camaraderie of the cast. Above all, though, it shows their mutual appreciation for the deep impact Glee had on their lives and careers.
Glee is still summer’s biggest hit, charming audiences with bright reunions and dazzling song-and-dance numbers. These events prove that we are still living in the long shadow of its music and messages. The show’s legacy is defined by the friendships forged on set and the ongoing support among its cast members, even as they navigate the complexities of life beyond their high school days.
