The High School Musical season four cast opens up about LGBTQ+ representation and the end of an era!
In a recent interview with Gayety, editor Caitlynn McDaniel caught up with the incredible cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, including Joshua Bassett, Sofia Wylie, Frankie Rodriguez, Julia Lester, and Dara Renée. The excitement was palpable as they discussed the new season and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the beloved franchise.
What is the Last Season of HSMTMTS All About?
As Season 4 unfolds, a new year dawns upon the Wildcats, casting them in the wake of the docuseries aftermath. Gina (Sofia Wylie) and Ricky (Joshua Bassett) may be the new “it” couple, yet their budding romance remains shrouded in secrecy. Ashlyn (Julia Lester) embarks on a journey of self-discovery after her awakening at Camp Shallow Lake, questioning her identity and desires.
Kourtney (Dara Reneé) revels in her fleeting fame post-documentary while simultaneously embarking on an accelerated path toward college applications. Carlos (Frankie A. Rodriguez) and Seb (Joe Serafini) grapple with the reverberations of a deceptive docuseries trailer, which falsely paints Carlos as a summer-break cheater.
Best of all! The new season will show the return of Lucas Grabeel (and his new partner), Monique Coleman, Corbin Bleu, Bart Johnson, Kaycee Stroh and Alyson Reed. Liamani Segura, Saylor Bell Curda, and Adrian Lyles from season three will also return.
What Team? WILDCATS
Frankie Rodriguez, portraying Carlos, couldn’t contain his joy about the inclusivity of the show, saying, “It means so much to be a part of the franchise in my own personal way and to share that story with the fans.”
Sofia Wylie, who plays Gina, spoke passionately about her character’s growth and development throughout the seasons, especially in season four. “She’s able to fully thrive within this newer version of herself and settle into her place within East High.”
Julia Lester, portraying Ashlyn, emphasized the rapid character growth and self-discoveries in previous seasons and hinted at even more exploration in the upcoming episodes. “She gets to take all of these self-discoveries and bring them into a full new semester of school and back to East High,” she shared.
We noticed in the trailer for the series, Reneé’s Kourtney can’t help but wear an entire ensemble of pink, similar to the OG Sharpay Evans. Is this on purpose?
“It’s our senior year, so we had to bring it,” she teased, keeping her lips sealed on the real secrets of the season.
The Impact of HSM
This heartwarming interview showcases not only the camaraderie among the cast but also the profound impact of High School Musical on their lives. Sofia shared her journey of finding acceptance and support among her co-stars, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s family.
With season four poised to deliver more heartwarming moments, self-discoveries, and LGBTQ+ representation, fans are on the edge of their seats.
This is the last season of HSMTMTS, AND it is also many of the Wildcats final year at East High. So, of course, we had to ask the cast for their senior quotes. Watch the full interview here to find out.
And tune in to the series finale of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series now on Disney+.
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