Kenny Ortega Talks “High School Musical” Reunion For The Disney Family Singalong Concert
Have you heard the news? The gang from East High are “All in this together.” when it comes to The Disney Family Singalong slated to premiere on Thursday night (April 16th.)
In a recent interview with Deadline, Ortega said of the upcoming concert, “I wanted to find something I can do to participate and it was so great to be given the call and invited by ABC to join,” He added, “It gave me a purpose to get up every morning. I feel really good that we have an opportunity to do something like this — it’s good medicine. “
Photo: Fred Hayes/Disney Channel
A highlight of the concert which promises to be choc-a-bloc with your favorite Disney friends, is an epic performance featuring cast members from the original High School Musical. Those returning to the stage includes Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel and (drum roll please)…Zac Efron!
Ortega had this to say about the last-minute announcement regarding Efron’s appearance, “We couldn’t reach Zac until late but when we did, he immediately jumped in, of course.” Ortega continued. “Everyone we reached out to was quick — and you’ll see it in their spirit and the way they come together from their homes. They recognize this is an opportunity to strengthen spirits for those joining us for the broadcast.”
Other artists slated to participate include Raven-Symone who worked with Cheetah Girls as well as cast members from The Descendants, Zombies and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Most of the guest stars will be performing “We’re All In This Together’ which has become a bit of an anthem for Disney during the COVID-19 crisis. It’s also the title of the public service announcements Disney has been doing on its TV channels. The song title has also become a motto of sorts for healthcare workers serving on the frontlines during the crisis. Ortega told Deadline, “You’re hearing those words chanted out — I’ve been sent videos from doctors, orderlies, nurses and medical professionals in masks and hospital gowns singing ‘We’re All In This Together’ in the hallways of hospitals.” Some of those medical professionals will be featuring during the Sing-along event as well as fans all over the world.
Ortega attributes this to Ashley Tisdale who sent out a home video singing the song which quickly went viral.
“These artists that have come together are heroes,” he continued. “There are young people out there that look up to these people and have for a long time. To see them in their own living rooms and in their sweatpants hanging out with their families helps everyone realize there’s truth behind these words — we’re all in this together in various circumstances. We need to feel that company.”
The Disney Family Singalong will take place on Thursday, April 16 at 8pm ET. Other acts taking part in the event include:
- Christina Aguilera
- Michael Bublé
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Auliʻi Cravalho
- Amber Riley
- John Stamos
- Ariana Grande
- Demi Lovato
- Alan Menken
- Elle Fanning
- Josh Groban
- Darren Criss
- Tori Kelly and more.
As a special treat and a tip-of-the-hat to Disney on Broadway, James Monroe Iglehart and the Broadway Company of Disney’s Aladdin will also be performing Friend Like Me.
So start doing your vocal warm-ups and join us for an incredible night of banding together and belting our hearts out Disney style!
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Source: Deadline
