Chris Alexander, a 20th Century Fox TV spokesman, told Variety, "We are very careful and deliberate when contemplating brand extensions of our franchises and are mystified why Music Theater International would claim there have been any such discussions about a live theatrical version of 'Glee.'" MTI chairman Freddie Gershon had told Playbill.com March 18 that "The 'Glee' deal is in negotiations. We're exploring a collaborative venture with FOX and 'Glee.' We just think it's a natural."

MTI has had great success licensing Disney's High School Musical and its sequel, as well as the Broadway hit Rent. The company also holds the rights to Wicked, Hairspray and Spring Awakening, which will be available for license in the future.

The "Glee" pilot premiered in May 19, 2009, and was seen by 9.6 million viewers. The Sept. 9 season premiere of "Glee," which was viewed by 7.3 million people, was the highest original series premiere for FOX in three years. The franchise continues to grow with CDs, DVDs, sheet music, choral arrangements and a live concert tour that will play Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix and Chicago.

Ryan Murphy ("Nip/Tuck"), Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan created the series that explores a group of misfit high school performers and their teachers. "Glee" will air the remainder of its first season beginning April 13 on FOX. Broadway's Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison star.