Kate Reinders — Exclusive Portraits

By:

Elissa Anderson

November 22, 2019 10:07AM EST

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Kate Reinders

Kate Reinders — Broadway star Kate Reinders stopped by HollywoodLife to talk about her role as Miss Jenn in the new, hit show ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.’ During the shoot, Kate opened up about being a mega Disney fan, the joy of being in the next installment of the mega franchise, and what’s on the horizon for the hit Disney+ show,

Kate’s character, Miss Jenn, is an enthusiastic yet mysterious new drama teacher who arrives to East High on a mission to put on the most elaborate production of ‘High School Musical’ to date. Though the show is only 3 episodes deep, fans are already deeply invested in the multiple storylines, including Miss Jenn’s, as she navigates giving a voice to her students, all the while having a target on her back by fellow teacher Mr. Mazzaro, who resents her for taking funding from his own group.

Check out the rest of the gallery for highlights from our EXCLUSIVE interview.

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Her first connection to HSM franchise:

Her first connection to HSM franchise: — “I had seen it because when I was in ‘Wicked’ on Broadway playing Glinda, they were actually turning the movies into the stage version of the show. They had some of the Broadway kids at that time to do the workshop for them. So, I was playing Sharpay by day and Glinda by night! Really living the dream in pink!”

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On The Show’s Instant Success

On The Show’s Instant Success — “It’s a dream come true, and I still kind of can’t believe it’s happening! We made this thing in Salt Lake City that felt so great and magical and special … I am still pinching myself!”

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On Her Audition, Where She Surprisingly Played The Flute

On Her Audition, Where She Surprisingly Played The Flute — “I was like if I don’t get the part, I can’t say I didn’t try everything. All my tricks literally pulling them out of my bag.”

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On The Show Snagging A S2 Renewal

On The Show Snagging A S2 Renewal — “We are very excited. I, of course, am not surprised because the kids are so talented. There’s no way they could keep that locked in a box for long, and it needs more than one season.”

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On Her Connection To Miss Jenn

On Her Connection To Miss Jenn — “The way Miss Jenn is written is you can go kind of any way with it. Really, she could be anybody. But when I read her, I was like, ‘Well, she’s me. I mean, clearly, [creator] Tim Federle has written me.'”

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On Miss Jenn’s Connection With Her Students

On Miss Jenn’s Connection With Her Students — “Miss Jenn, she may be the teacher, but they’re teaching her too. And, if anything, maybe [the show] can be one of those things that teaches kids that adults are just human.”

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Kate Reinders

Kate Reinders — Kate Reinders is a celebrated Broadway star and actress who has been in notable roles include Glinda in Wicket on Broadway, Portia in Something Rotten, and Cynthia in Beautiful:The Carole King Musical. Her TV credits include Ugly Betty, Sherry, and, of course, ‘High School Musical:The Musical:The Series’

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