“We’re all in this together”: A review of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”

BY ARIELLE KRAUS

“High School Musical / Who says we have to let it go?” 

As these lyrics were sung in “High School Musical 3” back in 2008, fans watched the incredible High School Musical trilogy draw to a close and truly felt that they had to let these movies go. Although there was always a slight hope that this cast would reunite once again, this unfortunately never happened.

However, only 11 years after the final release of this trilogy, fans got what they wished for– but in a completely different form. Streamed only as a Disney+ original series, Disney released a brand new ten-episode series: “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (‘HSMTMTS’).”

“HSMTMTS” does not feature the original cast of the trilogy, but is rather about a group of high school students who attend East High School, where the movies take place. In this series, the students are tasked with putting on their own production of “High School Musical” based on the original and entitled “High School Musical: The Musical.” 

One would think that a new cast would make the show less appealing to its already existing fanbase, but the new cast has brought a new meaning to this trilogy and are all incredible actors and actresses. 

One would think that a new cast would make the show less appealing to its already existing fanbase, but the new cast has brought a new meaning to this trilogy and are all incredible actors and actresses. 

The cast of this show is very young, consisting of both individuals from the generation who grew up watching the movies as well as younger individuals who did not grow up with these movies. This cast helped make “HSMTMTS” more relatable to its audience, 

The show features two main characters, Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) and Ricky (Joshua Bassett), who previously dated, but broke up right before school started in the series. Nini finds a new boyfriend, E.J. (Matt Cornett), but throughout the series, it is evident that she does not belong with him, and rather belongs with Ricky.

Although the storylines on the show are very simplistic, “HSMTMTS” makes it very easy to become attached to these characters, as one is always curious about what will happen next. 

One of the most incredible and entertaining actresses in this series is Kate Reinders, who plays the high school’s drama teacher, Ms. Jenn. With a background on Broadway, Reinders brings a truly “musical” element to the show. Ms. Jenn’s personality is all over the place and she never fails to make the audience laugh in each scene where she appears.

Every actor on this show is excellent and goes above and beyond at all times. Sharpay Evans is played by the character, Seb (Joe Serafini). Having this character played by a male makes the role even more iconic. When Seb sings “Stick to the Status Quo,” he plays the role of Sharpay perfectly and does not shy away from going over the top with insane choreography. 

Every actor on this show is excellent and goes above and beyond at all times.

The series takes viewers on a roller coaster of events, and finally concludes with what the viewers have all been waiting for: reuniting the relationship of Nini and Ricky. 

Nostalgia is something that many individuals feel very attached to. This show does a great job of making viewers feel nostalgic, as it includes numerous songs and scenes from the original movie. Not to mention, the iconic character Ryan Evans (Lucas Graabel) makes a guest appearance in episode eight of the series. Additionally, an original character, Martha Cox (Kaycee Stroh), also made an appearance in episode six as a school board member. 

Along with the nostalgic songs and scenes this show includes from the original movies, “HSMTMTS” includes its own original songs and scenes. Bassett and Rodrigo wrote their own original song for the series titled, “Just for a Moment.” 

Although “HSMTMTS” is only a ten-epsiode long series, it truly has left its mark on pop culture. The series has been renewed for a second season and will feature a different musical as the school production. After an amazing season one, there are only high expectations for what the series can do next. 

Photo courtesy of the Hollywood Reporter