Continue to Hollywoodlife () SKIP AD
Hollywood Life Logo Image

Hollywood Life

Today's Top Stories

  • Megan Fox & Machine Gun Kelly
    See Pics

    Megan Fox Holds Hands With Machine Gun Kelly While Rocking A Crop Top On Date Night

  • Watch

    RHOD's Dr. Tiffany Moon Reveals Why She Confronted Brandi Redmond Over Video

  • ciara
    SHOP

    5 Sexy Cutout Swimsuits Under $100 To Rock This Summer Just Like Ciara

Hollywood Life
  • Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Celebrity Bios
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Shopping
  • Celebrity News
  • World News
  • Exclusives
  • Politics
  • Celebrity Babies
  • Opinions
ALL NEWS
  • Bella Murphy

    Bella Murphy: 5 Things To Know About Eddie Murphy’s Daughter, 19, & ‘Coming 2 America’ Star

  • Angelina Jolie Sells Off $11.5 Million Painting Brad Pitt Gifted Her While They Were Together

  • Paris Hilton Accuses David Letterman Of ‘Purposely’ Humiliating Her In 2007 Interview

  • Award Shows
  • At The Movies
  • TV
  • Music
  • Sports
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Holidays
  • Entertainment Features
  • Podcast
  • Oscar Contenders
ALL ENTERTAINMENT
  • best apple airpods deal

    Apple AirPods Are Secretly On Sale For Under $200 & You Can Shop Them Here

  • ‘Parenthood’ Cast: Where Are They Now? Mae Whitman, Lauren Graham & More

  • ‘The Bachelor: Women Tell All’: Brittany Accepts Anna’s Apology For Starting Escort Rumor

  • Taylor Swift
  • Rihanna
  • Selena Gomez
  • Kim Kardashian
  • Kylie Jenner
  • Kendall Jenner
  • Justin Bieber
  • Miley Cyrus
  • Gigi Hadid
  • Khloe Kardashian
  • Jennifer Lopez
  • Angelina Jolie
  • Harry Styles
  • Kourtney Kardashian
ALL CELEBRITY BIOS
  • Bella Murphy

    Bella Murphy: 5 Things To Know About Eddie Murphy’s Daughter, 19, & ‘Coming 2 America’ Star

  • Angelina Jolie Sells Off $11.5 Million Painting Brad Pitt Gifted Her While They Were Together

  • Paris Hilton Accuses David Letterman Of ‘Purposely’ Humiliating Her In 2007 Interview

  • Fragrance
  • Hair Care
  • Health
  • Makeup
  • Nails
  • Beauty Features
  • Skincare
  • Makeover
  • Diet & Fitness
ALL BEAUTY
  • demi lovato

    Demi Lovato Reveals ‘Accidental’ Weight Loss After Ditching ‘Diet Culture’: ‘I Feel Full’ – Watch

  • Rebel Wilson’s Weight Loss Journey: See Her Transformation In Before & After Photos, Plus Workout Tips

  • Sarah Hyland Used Drugstore Makeup To Achieve Her Golden Globes Look & You Can Shop The Exact Products

  • Red Carpet
  • Weddings
  • Fashion Features
  • Shopping
ALL FASHION
  • kim kardsahian

    Kim Kardashian, January Jones & More Stun In Sexy Black Looks For Virtual Dolce & Gabbana Show

  • 19 Stars Casually Wearing Sports Bras Out On The Town: Olivia Culpo & More

  • Stars Wearing Head To Toe Denim: Bella Hadid, Lori Harvey, Vanessa Hudgens & More — See Pics

  • Share This Article
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email
  • Print
  • Talk
Next Up

Jennifer Lopez’s Hair Makeover: Debuts Sexy New Shoulder Length Blonde Hair – Before & After Pics

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Newsletters
  • Search Close

Trending

  • Bonnie Says
  • Celeb Babies
  • TV
  • Celeb Galleries
Search

NewsExpand Menu

  • Celebrity News
  • World News
  • Exclusives
  • Politics
  • Celebrity Babies
  • Opinions
  • Rock The Vote

EntertainmentExpand Menu

  • Entertainment Features
  • TV
  • Award Shows
  • At The Movies
  • Music
  • Sports
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Podcast
  • At Home With...

BeautyExpand Menu

  • Fragrance
  • Hair Care
  • Health
  • Makeup
  • Nails
  • Skincare
  • Beauty Features
  • Diet & Fitness
  • Shopping

FashionExpand Menu

  • Red Carpet
  • Weddings
  • Fashion Features
  • Shopping

TrendingExpand Menu

  • Bonnie Says
  • TV
  • Celeb Galleries

About UsExpand Menu

  • About Us
  • Writer Bios
  • Scoops, Tips & Corrections
  • Subscribe To Newsletter
  • Contact Us

Celebrity ProfilesExpand Menu

  • Kim Kardashian
  • Kylie Jenner
  • Justin Bieber
  • Selena Gomez
  • Taylor Swift
  • Rihanna
  • Kendall Jenner
  • Miley Cyrus
  • Gigi Hadid
  • Jennifer Lopez
  • Angelina Jolie
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Newsletters
Alerts & Newsletters
  • Jobs
  • Scoops & Corrections
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Rights
  • AdChoices
  • Data Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
© 2021 Hollywoodlife.com, LLC.
  • Entertainment
  • TV
Exclusive Interview
November 12, 2019 10:42AM EST

‘High School Musical’ Series Cast Talks Shocking Twists, Season 2, & Taking The Show On Tour

high school musical series
Paige Kindlick
Joshua Bassett & The Cast of 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' visit HollywoodLife's NYC studio ahead of the show's Disney+ premiere.
Joshua Bassett & The Cast of 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' visit HollywoodLife's NYC studio ahead of the show's Disney+ premiere.
Joshua Bassett & The Cast of 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' visit HollywoodLife's NYC studio ahead of the show's Disney+ premiere.
Joshua Bassett & The Cast of 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' visit HollywoodLife's NYC studio ahead of the show's Disney+ premiere. View Gallery View Gallery 10 Photos.
Dina Sartore-Bodo
Managing Editor
  • Share This Article
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email
  • Print
  • Talk

The cast of ‘High School Musical: The Musical : The Series’ stopped by our NYC studio for an EXCLUSIVE photoshoot & conversation about the most talked about series out of Disney+ !

It really is the start of something new. It’s been thirteen years since the world was introduced to East High and eleven since Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and the rest of the High School Musical franchise stars took their final bows as the characters that launched them into superstardom. Yet every day since then, HSM fans have fantasized, campaigned, and quite literally begged for another set of Wildcats to fall in love with. Today, Disney+ has delivered. 

Very quickly, once you start to watch High School Musical: The Musical : The Series on the new streaming service, you realize that this is not the same East High you remember. HSMTMTS isn’t a continuation of the movies; it is a meta, mockumentary-style look at the DCOM phenomenon through the lives of relatable teens in high school today. Confused? You’re not alone.

“People just need to see it,” Kate Reinders shared on the set of our EXCLUSIVE shoot with the cast. “People are still like, ‘So, you play Ms. Darbus?’ ” The answer, in fact, is no.  Kate plays Miss Jenn, the newly appointed drama teacher to the “real” East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Upon her arrival, she announces her plans to put on the school’s first live production of High School Musical and invites any student with interest to audition. That’s when we get to meet the bright, rising stars behind the highly-anticipated series. 

Joshua Bassett plays Ricky, a junior who hopes to win back his ex by auditioning for the musical. Her name is Nini, played by Olivia Rodrigo, who fans will remember from the Disney series Bizaardvark.  Nini is now dating school hunk EJ (Matt Cornett) and is friends with confident Kourtney (Dara Renee) and EJ’s cousin, Ashlyn (Julia Lester). Ricky looks for help in getting through the show from his best friend, Big Red (Larry Saperstein), show choreographer, Carlos (Frankie Rodriguez), and Nini’s rival, Gina (Sofia Wylie).  And all of this goes down under the watchful eyes of Miss Jenn and the skeptical, musical-loathing Mr. Mazzara (Mark St. Cyr). 

High School Musical Series
Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Renee, Frankie Rodriguez, Mark St. Cyr & Kate Reinders, shot by Paige Kindlick

After watching the first episode, it’s clear this is not the cookie-cutter Disney series fans are used too. Students are cursing, Olivia’s character has two moms, and there’s a male student cast in the female role of Sharpay.  “That actually was a huge draw for me, when I realized that [the creators] were going to those deeper places,” Josh explained. “We’re able to do a lot more and show more of why people are the way that they are.” In Josh’s case, the means tackling what it’s like for a teen caught in the middle of his parents’ divorce. “It’s really awesome the way they show how Ricky’s home life affects his relationships and his friendships,” Josh added. “You see him at rehearsal and he’s super stressed out. Then it pulls back the curtain and you see that at home, I don’t want to spoil anything, but his life is falling apart.”

But his story isn’t the only one told; every student in the production has the curtain pulled back on the difficulties they are facing at school or at home.  “It’s really cool having a series you’re able to go more in depth with our characters and it’s not just, ‘Oh, the two leads,’” Dara explained. “ We have our own storylines, we have our own issues, and we have our own lives, which, I really appreciate, because not a lot of shows do that.” What’s more, the series in some instances reimagines certain characters from the original series that never quite got the chance to shine on their own. At first glance, Ashlyn is very reminiscent of Kelsi, the timid, piano-playing composer played by Olesya Rulin in the films. But Ashlyn plays a much bigger part in the arch of this series.  “I think it’s really exciting that we are playing different characters,” Julia explained. “We get to create these new characters that are very 2019 and that you would find in your normal high school in this day and age.”  

Still, some of the issues the new set of Wildcats face are tales as old as time. A love triangle emerges between Ricky, Nini, and EJ almost instantly, made only more complicated with Ricky and Nini are cast as Troy and Gabriella in the show. Of course, drama ensues when the exes are forced to work together, which lends itself for Matt to play a very jealous side to his seemingly sweet and lovable character. “The thing with EJ is he genuinely is a good person, but he does the wrong things for the right reasons,” Matt explained. “He’s very wholehearted, he’s very passionate, but whenever he goes about doing things to get the things that he loves, he kind of does things wrong and gets himself in trouble.”

But romance isn’t just blooming for the show’s leads. In the latest trailer for the first season, Frankie’s character Carlos seems to be falling for the aforementioned boy playing Sharpay in the production.  Showcasing a romance between two young men would be a first for a Disney series, but for now, the storyline remains under wraps. “I’m so excited for people to see where it goes,” Frankie says, careful not to share any major spoilers. Still, he he can confirm one thing: “Unfortunately, it’s not Zac Efron.  I’m trying to get over that, but you know, it’s just the first season. There’s still another season!”

And that’s the icing on the cake. Without even airing a single episode, Disney was so confident with the series, HSMTMTS was picked up for a second season. While a start date hasn’t been nailed down, the cast is already brainstorming what production they might put on in season 2, as the first season ends with opening night of High School Musical. 

“I like the idea of Beauty and the Beast. I think that’d be cool,” Matt said, joking that he could play anyone from ‘Beauty’ to ‘a candlestick’.  “I think that Into The Woods would be really fun,” Julia said. “There’s so many different characters that we could gender bend and do something fun with that show.” Dara chooses Pippin, while Frankie adds Footloose to the mix. Mark proposes Grease and Larry suggests Sound of Music. But Josh comes in with group’s favorite. 

“I think East High is long overdue for a production of Shrek,” he suggests. “I just like the idea of one of us having to dress like an ogre.” “As long as it’s you, Josh,” Matt teases. 

And what about taking the show on the road? The original High School Musical cast famously went on tour after the first movie. Is the gang interested in doing the same? “Yes!” Josh exclaimed, with resounding agreement from his friends and castmates. “ Everyone here’s the real deal. This cast, every single freaking one of them is insanely talented and can bring it to the table, and do bring it to the table every time we sing live in the show. So yes, let’s do it.”

“As long as they have a chaperone,” Kate sneaks in. 

‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ is streaming on Disney+ now.  Read more from our interview in the gallery above. 

Click to Subscribe to Our HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter to get more celeb news.
  • Share This Article
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email
  • Print
  • Talk
Disney+ High School Musical Portrait Series

More Disney News:

  • 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' -- Exclusive Photos
  • Vanessa Hudgens Sings Drunk Karaoke Version Of ‘Breaking Free’ 13 Years After ‘High School Musical'
  • Disney Channel Starts Then & Now: Miley, Selena, & More -- PICS

Most Read

Demi Moore, 58, Shares New Makeup-Free Selfie 1 Month After Runway Pic Goes Viral

Demi Moore

Melanie Griffith’s Daughter & Dakota Johnson’s Sister Stella Banderas, 24, Wears Crop Top In Rare Pic

Stella Banderas

Jennifer Aniston Shows Inside Of Her Mansion As Jason Bateman Attends Golden Globes From Her Home

Jennifer Aniston & Jason Bateman

Donald & Melania Trump Face Backlash For Getting COVID Vaccine After Claiming Virus ‘Isn’t That Bad’

How Ireland Baldwin, 25, Feels About Being A Big Sister Again After Dad Alec Welcomes Baby No. 7

Ireland Baldwin, Alec Baldwin

Have news, pics or video on a breaking news story?

Send us your Tip

Have news, pics or video on a breaking news story?

Send us your Tip

More From Our Brands

  • Britney Spears Finally Got Her Kids' Permission to Post a Picture — & Wow, Her Sons Are So Tall!
    SheKnows

    Britney Spears Finally Got Her Kids' Permission to Post a Picture — & Wow, Her Sons Are So Tall!

  • Here’s the Order Matt’s ‘Bachelor’ Contestants Are Eliminated—Including Who Wins
    StyleCaster

    Here’s the Order Matt’s ‘Bachelor’ Contestants Are Eliminated—Including Who Wins

  • Ratings: Voice Premiere Ties Bachelor for Monday Win, Debris Has OK Start
    TVLine

    Ratings: Voice Premiere Ties Bachelor for Monday Win, Debris Has OK Start

  • Reggae Icon Bunny Wailer — Founding Member of the Wailers — Has Died at 73
    Rolling Stone

    Reggae Icon Bunny Wailer — Founding Member of the Wailers — Has Died at 73

  • Saweetie Is Edgy in a Mesh Banage Dress & Towering Stilettos for Dolce & Gabbana
    FootwearNews

    Saweetie Is Edgy in a Mesh Banage Dress & Towering Stilettos for Dolce & Gabbana

    HollywoodLife

    • About Us
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Advertise With Us
    • Careers
    • Scoops & Corrections
    • Contact Us

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • California Privacy Rights
    • AdChoices
    • Terms of Use
    • Data Policy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    News

    • Celebrity News
    • World News
    • Exclusives
    • Celebrity Babies

    Connect

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
© Copyright 2021 Hollywoodlife.com, LLC.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP
ad