Kenny Ortega to Helm HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 10th Anniversary Special in 2016?

By: Jul. 25, 2015
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Kenny Ortega might have a new HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL performance in mind for next year.

In a recent interview promoting the Disney Channel's latest musical movie, DESCENDANTS, the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL director revealed that he wants to do produce some kind of commemorative show in honor of the successful movie's 10th anniversary.

"It's really given me a voice, support and really allowed me to do everything that I've ever wanted to do. I'm ready for another 10 years," the Emmy Award-winner told Variety. "I'm hoping that next year we can do another big-time celebration for 'High School Musical.'"

What kind of show might he be planning? Maybe a 10-year East High reunion? Keep checking back with BroadwayWorld as we update you on this exciting news!

High School Musical is a 2006 American teen/children's romantic comedy musical television film and the first installment in the High School Musical trilogy. Upon its release on January 20, 2006, it became the most successful film that Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) ever produced, with a television sequel High School Musical 2 released in 2007 and the feature film High School Musical 3: Senior Year released to theaters in October 2008. It is the first Disney Channel Original Movie to have a theatrical sequel. The film's soundtrack was the best-selling album in the United States for 2006.

High School Musical was Disney Channel's most watched film that year with 7.7 million viewers in its premiere broadcast in the US, until August's premiere of The Cheetah Girls 2, which achieved 8.1 million viewers. In the UK, it received 789,000 viewers for its premiere (and 1.2 million viewers overall during the first week), making it the second most watched program for the Disney Channel (UK) of 2006. On December 29, 2006, it became the first DCOM to be broadcast on the BBC.Globally, High School Musical has been seen by over 225 million viewers.

With a plot described by the author and numerous critics as a modern adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, High School Musical is a story about two high school juniors from rival cliques - Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), a shy transfer student who excels in mathematics and science. Together, they try out for the lead parts in their high school musical, and as a result, divide the school. Despite other students' attempts to thwart their dreams, Troy and Gabriella resist peer pressure and rivalry, inspiring others along the way not to "stick to the status quo". High school diva Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) will do anything to sabotage the friendship between Troy and Gabriella and also get a lead in the school musical, assisted by her brother Ryan (Lucas Grabeel).

In DESCENDANTS, Prince Ben, son of Beast and Belle, declares that he will offer a chance at redemption to Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay, the teenage sons and daughters of Disney's MOST INFAMOUS villains -- Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil and Jafar. But are these villainous descendants rotten to the core? Tune in to Disney Channel on Friday, July 31 at 8p to find out!

The notable cast also includes Mitchell Hope, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Maz Jobrani, Kathy Najimy and the Tony Award-winning Chenoweth.

The Emmy Award-winning Ortega ("High School Musical") directs, choreographs and executive-produces, with Wendy Japhet ("An Education," "The Italian Job") also as an executive producer. Paul Becker ("So You Think You Can Dance Canada") is the co-choreographer. The script was written by Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott (creators and Emmy and WGA Award-nominated writers on "The Starter Wife"; writers of "Runaway Bride"), who are also co-producers. Mark Hofeling ("Teen Beach Movie," "High School Musical") is the production designer and Kara Saun ("Project Runway") is the costume designer.


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