Original High School Musical cast reunites for a virtual performance

Jaylen Heady, staff writer

Amid the COVID-19 lockdowns around the world, television networks and personalities have been providing content in hopes to lighten spirits and increase charitable donations to organizations such as Feeding America. The latest morale boosting program that took place aired on ABC network and included very familiar faces as celebrities united to sing classic Disney tunes in a special sing-a-long show hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Many household names were included on the setlist from Ariana Grande to Michael Bublé to Thomas Rhett. 

The standout performance of the night for kids and teenagers everywhere proved to be the special compilation put together by the iconic director and choreographer of Hocus Pocus, Descendants, and most importantly High School Musical, Kenny Ortega. Ortega contacted the original six stars of the movie series to each sing the very popular song “We’re All In This Together” respectively in their homes. Fortunately, all of the stars agreed to take part including Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, and Zac Efron. 

Unfortunately, Efron was contacted much later than the rest of the crew and only contributed an introduction of the cast, much to many fans’ dismay. However, the excitement remained high as the performance proved to be much more than anyone expected. Each star added their own fun twist to their rendition as Tisdale and Hudgens performed the original choreography as well. Among the original six castmates were other members of the cast such as fan favorite Kaycee Stroh who played Martha Cox in the movies. 

The appearances were not limited to those original cast members either. Castmates of the Disney Plus original series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series got in on the fun as well. Of course, the compilation would not be complete without Ortega’s other friends. The stars of Disney’s Descendants made appearances as well. Even Raven Symone took part in the fun which came as a major surprise to die hard Disney fans. 

The entire performance was incredibly nostalgic and tons of fun which was exactly what families everywhere needed right now. The essence of unity the celebrities displayed in not just that reunion performance, but in the other celebrity contributions throughout the show was heartwarming and beautiful to see.