High School Musical: Lucas Grabeel, Kenny Ortega and Bart Johnson talk about their favorite songs and moments

First released in the United States on January 20, 2006, the film High School Musical quickly became a real phenomenon. 16 years later, the franchise can still count on the support of its fans around the world as the convention proved Back To The Musical World organized by Dream It Conventions. An event where it was possible to meet Kenny Ortega, Lucas Grabeel (Ryan Evans) et Bart Johnson (Coach Bolton). On this occasion, the three friends returned to their favorite songs and their favorite moments.

The songs of High School Musical: a worldwide success

Start of Something New, Get’Cha Head In The Game, Breaking Free, What Time is It?, Fabulous, Can I Have This Dance? are some of the songs that made the success of the franchise and which notably allowed the first two films High School Musical to monopolize the first places of the Billboard ranking as recalled Kenny Ortega. But among all these songs, which are their favorites?

For Lucas Grabeel, without hesitation, this is the song I don’t Dance. The actor confessed that he grew up playing baseball, so he was especially thrilled when Kenny Ortega submitted the idea to him. He also confided that it was particularly funny to shoot, because even if Corbin Blue is a very good dancer, he is a very bad baseball player. But, according to him, it doesn’t show on screen thanks to the magic of Kenny Ortega behind the camera who managed to make it look realistic.

On his side, Bart Johnson indicated that he liked all the songs and recalled that he is one of the only ones who does not have the right to his song. However, it was one of his greatest wishes, because in real life he is above all a dancer and a singer and not a basketball expert. Kenny Ortega will specify that he would have liked a song between coach Bolton and Miss Darbus (Alyson Reed) but Disney wouldn’t let him.

For Kenny Ortega, it is difficult to choose a favorite song but he quoted one which has a very particular emotion for him. This is the song High School Musical at the end of the 3rd movie when the main cast sings. The team knew at that moment that it was the ultimate song and that it meant the end of this incredible adventure which brought a lot to each of them. The director also thanked the fans several times during the event, because they are the ones who have changed their lives forever.

Their favorite moments in High School Musical

For Lucas Grabeel, his favorite moment is the first movie as a whole because no one knew at the time what was going to happen after the movie ended. However, he confessed that there was something special about Kenny. He remembered the shooting for the choreography of the last song (We’re All In This Together) with the many extras present on the set and the speech held by Kenny Ortega, like a coach for his team. The director reminded them that what was important was not to focus too much on the choreography and to dance with the heart so that it could touch those who would watch the film afterwards.

As for Kenny Ortega, he confessed that he has many favorite moments but if he had to remember one, it’s the first day of rehearsal. He remembers that looking Bonnie Story and Charles Kaplow, the two other choreographers in the film, teaching the different dance steps to the team, he felt an incredible energy and deep dedication from the cast. That’s when he knew deep in his heart that they were doing something special and unique. And history proved him right.

Bart Johnson picked up on the director’s remarks and indicated that it was no accident that the film touched so many people. He highlighted the involvement of Kenny Ortega who created this universe, who chose the actors, the city, who rewrote the songs and the dialogues until the result that we know. A sentiment shared by Lucas Grabeel which indicated that if High School Musical was such a special experience for all the cast members it was thanks to Kenny Ortega who put all his heart and passion into this project.