The ‘High School Musical’ Cast—Including Zac Efron—Are Reuniting, and People Are Very Excited
If you’re trying to find some positive news amid this difficult time, look no further than all the pop-culture reunions happening. Next up: High School Musical. That’s right, all your favorites from East High School are getting back together, and they’re going to sing for you. And yes, that does include Zac Efron.
Deadline reports Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, and Lucas Grabeel have all agreed to participate “in one way or another” in The Disney Family Singalong, a star-studded music special to raise awareness for Feeding America amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which will air April 16 on ABC.
“I wanted to find something I can do to participate, and it was so great to be given the call and invited by ABC to join,” High School Musical director Kenny Ortega told Deadline. “It gave me a purpose to get up every morning. I feel really good that we have an opportunity to do something like this—it’s good medicine.”
Members of the HSM cast will perform (virtually and while practicing social distancing, obvi) “We’re All in This Together,” which is sure to be an internet favorite with fans. “We couldn’t reach Zac until late, but when we did, he immediately jumped in, of course,” Ortega said. “Everyone we reached out to was quick—and you’ll see it in their spirit and the way they come together from their homes. They recognize this is an opportunity to strengthen spirits for those joining us for the broadcast.”
Ortega said that the song choice was definitely intentional given the current state of the country and world. “You’re hearing those words chanted out—I’ve been sent videos from doctors, orderlies, nurses, and medical professionals in masks and hospital gowns singing ‘We’re All in This Together’ in the hallways of hospitals,” he said. “It’s a really nice, fun coming-together of a lot of young people that are banding together under the lyrics of this song for the show.”
Ortega continued, “These artists that have come together are heroes. There are young people out there that look up to these people and have for a long time. To see them in their own living rooms and in their sweatpants hanging out with their families helps everyone realize there’s truth behind these words—we’re all in this together in various circumstances. We need to feel that company.”
Fans are very excited to see the gang back together again, even if it’s virtual.
The Disney Family Singalong, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, airs on ABC at 8 p.m. ET on April 16.