10 Years of ‘High School Musical’: The Cast Reunites for a Special Tribute (VIDEO)
Believe it or not, it’s been 10 years since the original High School Musical aired on the Disney Channel and Troy, Gabriella and the rest of the Wildcats danced their way onto TV.
To celebrate the decade-long milestone, the movie will air on its anniversary date, Wednesday, Jan. 20, along with a special telecast of original cast members, including Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman, who reunited to share their nostalgic thoughts. A pretaped message with Zac Efron will also air during the segment.
And on Thursday, Jan. 21, Radio Disney’s Ernie D will present a “Radio Disney Insider” segment of more cast interviews, which can be seen on the Disney Channel and the Radio Disney app. And the sequel, High School Musical 2, will also air on Thursday, Jan. 21 and Sunday, Jan. 24.
The original HSM—which inspired two more sequels, a national tour, and a show on ice—received 7.7 million viewers, the highest for Disney Channel at the time, and even garnered two Emmys (for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Children’s Program). Director Kenny Ortega also received various accolades, including an ALMA Award and two Director’s Guild of America awards.
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“We’re all in this together!”
Speaking about HSM, Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “Seeing the cast of High School Musical back together again reaffirms what made it special 10 years ago. It’s their optimism, their dedication and their extraordinary talent—as a group—that made this such an exceptional movie and cultural phenomenon.” Marsh also praised the Disney movie for “its universal themes that continue to resonate with fans everywhere—express yourself, believe in yourself and always follow your dreams.”
Watch a special sneak peek video of the HSM cast reunion below, and see how some of the cast tweeted their excitement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c7Ja2bk2-Y
High School Musical special telecast, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 8/7c, Disney Channel
Reairs Saturday, Jan. 23, 4:30/3:30c, Freeform and Sunday, Jan. 24, 2/1c, Freeform
High School Musical 2, Thursday, Jan. 21, 8/7c, and Sunday, Jan. 24, Time TBD, Disney Channel
It happened!! A little HSM reunion… 10 years later. Crazy!!! #hsmreunion pic.twitter.com/SWYJWJhtME
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 18, 2016
Beautiful ladies. @_moniquecoleman @gimmemotalk @VanessaHudgens @ashleytisdale pic.twitter.com/u8EOre9IzT
— Lucas Grabeel (@MrGrabeel) January 17, 2016
Wearing our #HSM class rings to celebrate the 10th anniversary. @corbinbleu. pic.twitter.com/Je6roHkobz
— Lucas Grabeel (@MrGrabeel) January 17, 2016
