'Glee' Inspired By Indiana School

It inspired the singing, the dancing, and made it a pop-culture phenomenon: FOX's hit show ‘Glee”…it all started in good ole' Indiana.

‘Glee’ creator Ryan Murphy grew up in Indianapolis. As a teenager, each day he walked through the doors, down this hallway and onto this stage at Warren Central High School.

"This guy went to the same high school, in the same room that we sing in today” says Dustin Podgorski, Warren Central Choral Director.

"This is about Warren. This guy went to Warren” says Warren Central Senior Jacob Lafever

Show Choir though was his ultimate passion. His on-stage experiences inspired this small screen drama. Murphy graduated in '83. Teachers that taught him then say he's alot different than what he's like today."

"I remember that he was a more or less quiet student, that he was a cooperative student, and that he got along with people in class” Ryan’s former English teacher Rick Reed told FOX Fort Wayne.

Reed says "he (Murphy) couldn't have helped but bring in characters, teachers and students that he knew when he was here."

When asked if he knows who he based Sue Sylvester off of, Reed responded with a smile

"I think so, but I’m not going to tell you because I’d like to continue with good relationships with my colleagues.”

If you pay attention to the show you may have noticed some Midwest references. Reed explains.

"William McKinley High, W.M.H.S, we're W.C.H.S. vocal adrenaline sings for Carmel High School and when Ryan was here in the ‘80s Carmel High School we regarded as our major rival” says Reed.

Students say the show and warren's show choir have other similarities.

"We've only broken into song in the middle of the hallway a few times” says Warren Central Senior Show Choir Member Elysia Rohn.

And members show a similarity to the cast as well. Rohn shows a striking resemblance to character Rachel Berry. When asked if people consider her a Rachel Berry, she laughed and said "goodness I hope not.”

"I was actually just told that I can't dance as well as Mister Schuster, so that dream is now done for me” says Podgorski.

The school inspired the show. But it seems the show has also inspired the school.

“It really gives me hope that I can go on and do great things like he did” says Lafever.

Reed admits it's an ego boost. “You feel like you have made some small contribution to someone who's made it big” he says.

"Living in Indiana, you can still get out there and make it; you can do it if you work at it” says Rohn.

Catch ‘Glee’ Tuesdays at 8PM on FOX Fort Wayne!