As soon as Glee started getting wonderful musical guest stars, fans of the brilliant and hilarious Neil Patrick Harris were wondering if he'd ever show his handsome mug on the show. Then he not only agreed to sign on for an appearance, but in an episode directed by Joss Whedon, a man known for his love of musicals, his sense of humor, and who had worked with Neil before on a little project called Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. If you haven't heard of that, stop reading this right now and check it out. See you in 45 minutes.
All set? Great. So NPH is Bryan Ryan, Will's former rival from high school who now hates everything to do with musical theater. He followed his dreams after Glee club and it all amounted to nothing. He's on the school board and wants to cut Glee out of the budget, but first he wants to tell the kids about how their dreams will never happen. Everyone does look pretty devastated, which is sad and all, but if they do want to be in the musical arts, they have to toughen up! Rejection is often and hard in that world, as Bryan Ryan obviously learned and couldn't take himself.
Will asks him to go out drinking that night, and Bryan admits he misses musical theater. He sneaks out to see musicals, and they sing "Piano Man" together. It must be said that it is wonderful to have the two sounding like they really are just sitting around singing together. All the music on Glee is recorded, and that means it sounds good, but sometimes it would be nice to have such natural moments. That's when you hear how talented the singers actually are, before people edit their voice and Auto-Tune.
Will persuades Bryan to try out for Les Miserables, and they both go out for the same part. They're fighting so the director tells them to sing a duet. They sing "Dream On" and it is a fantastic duet. Seriously, they both not only tear up the song but dance around the stage too. Girls watching this might have to fan themselves off afterward. When NPH does that high note at the end, it's bone-chilling. Bryan is excited about singing again and decides to cut Sue's budget instead. They have angry sex, which is hilarious, but Bryan gets furious when Will gets the part instead of him. Will gives him the part because Glee is more important to him, and the club is safe ... for now.
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Article comments
1 - Nancy
I have to wonder if Sue persuaded the dry cleaner/director to switch parts so Bryan got stuck with the one line. She cannot have been happy with the budget cut, and it sounds like something she'd do. I read somewhere 'Piano Man' was really them. Thought Les Mis number didn't work that well for Michele.
2 - Jess
The Bar sceney favorite. And im pretty sure they did not pre-record it.
3 - Jess
I meant to say the Bar scene was my favorite. I had to stop myself from screaming during that awesome Dream On duet too.