High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 2 Embraces Disney Magic with “Beauty and the Beast”
Get ready, Wildcats! The highly anticipated second season of Disney+’s beloved series, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (HSMTMTS), is set to dazzle audiences with a new, enchanting stage production. Following the triumphs and emotional journeys of East High’s drama club in their inaugural season, the students are now preparing to take on a tale as old as time: Disney’s iconic musical, Beauty and the Beast. This exciting announcement has sent waves of anticipation through the fanbase, promising an unforgettable season filled with captivating performances, heartfelt narratives, and, of course, plenty of new music.
Production for the second season has officially resumed in Salt Lake City, the very heart of the High School Musical universe, where the East High drama students are diligently preparing for their spring musical. The choice of Beauty and the Beast is a monumental one, setting the stage for a season rich in classic Disney charm and the unique, contemporary twist that HSMTMTS is known for. Fans can look forward to a spectacular blend of musical numbers, including reimagined fan-favorites from both the original High School Musical movies and the timeless stage production of Beauty and the Beast. Beyond these beloved melodies, Season 2 will also introduce brand-new, original songs, much like the breakout hits “Born to Be Brave” and “Just for a Moment” from the first season, further enriching the show’s vibrant soundtrack and narrative arcs. This combination ensures that while the show honors its roots, it also carves out new territory for its talented cast.
To celebrate this thrilling news and offer a tantalizing glimpse into what’s to come, Disney+ released an exclusive video featuring the incredibly talented cast of HSMTMTS performing the legendary *Beauty and the Beast* anthem, “Tale As Old As Time.” The performance showcases the impeccable vocal talents and harmonious chemistry of the ensemble, featuring stars such as Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Matt Cornett, and Joe Serafini. Their perfect harmonization in this iconic duet provided just a taste of the magic awaiting viewers. Interestingly, the selection of *Beauty and the Beast* almost feels like destiny for Season 2. Back in 2019, HollywoodLife had the opportunity to speak with the cast about their dream musical choices for the upcoming season. Matt Cornett, who plays E.J. Caswell, prophetically told HL EXCLUSIVELY, “I like the idea of *Beauty and the Beast*. I think that’d be cool.” This serendipitous choice adds an extra layer of excitement, suggesting a deep connection between the cast’s desires and the creative direction of the show.
The overwhelming success and outpouring of love for Season 1 undoubtedly played a significant role in fueling the anticipation for what comes next, and the creative team behind the series is just as thrilled. Creator and executive producer Tim Federle shared his enthusiasm in a statement, expressing gratitude for the show’s reception: “The outpouring of love and support for season one has been incredibly exciting, and I’m thrilled that the Wildcats are putting on *Beauty and the Beast* in season two.” Federle’s personal connection to the musical further highlights the thoughtful consideration behind its selection, revealing a deeply personal resonance: “It was one of the first Broadway shows I ever saw, when I was 14, and it’s got all the perfect metaphors for the high school experience: Do people judge me for how I look? What is true love? Will I achieve the future I dream of? And, perhaps most importantly, it’s got dancing forks.” His insight perfectly encapsulates how the timeless themes of *Beauty and the Beast* — questions of identity, outward appearances versus inner character, the quest for genuine connection, and the pursuit of dreams — align seamlessly with the quintessential high school experience, promising a season that is both entertaining and deeply resonant for its young audience.
The choice of *Beauty and the Beast* is particularly fitting for the East High drama club, known for its passionate students and their evolving personal journeys. The musical’s themes of acceptance, looking beyond superficial judgments, and finding courage within oneself will provide rich ground for the characters to explore and develop. Will Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) embrace her Belle-like kindness and intelligence? Will Ricky (Joshua Bassett) find his inner strength and learn to overcome his fears, perhaps as the Beast? How will E.J. (Matt Cornett) navigate the challenges of portraying a character like Gaston, who struggles with arrogance and misunderstanding? These character pairings and the dramatic potential they hold are precisely what makes *Beauty and the Beast* an inspired choice for Season 2, allowing the talented young cast to delve into complex emotions and expand their acting repertoire.
Beyond the core themes, *Beauty and the Beast* offers a vibrant and visually spectacular world, from enchanted castles to bustling village squares. This provides ample opportunity for the East High drama department to showcase their creative talents in set design, costumes, and choreography, pushing the boundaries of what they achieved with *High School Musical* in their first season. The beloved songs, ranging from the majestic “Beauty and the Beast” to the lively “Be Our Guest” and the heartfelt “Something There,” will undoubtedly be given a fresh, contemporary spin by the HSMTMTS cast, promising new arrangements and unforgettable performances that will captivate both long-time fans of the original musical and newcomers alike. The integration of these classic songs with new original numbers will create a dynamic soundtrack that reflects both the timeless appeal of Disney and the modern voice of the series.
The mockumentary style of HSMTMTS, which offers intimate glimpses into the characters’ thoughts and feelings through direct-to-camera interviews, will undoubtedly add another layer of depth to their exploration of *Beauty and the Beast*. Viewers will get to witness the students’ personal struggles and triumphs as they rehearse, grapple with their roles, and perhaps even find parallels between the musical’s story and their own lives. This unique format allows the series to tackle serious themes with authenticity and humor, making the journey of putting on a high school musical feel incredibly real and relatable. The show’s ability to blend heartfelt drama with catchy musical numbers and comedic moments is what has truly set it apart, and Season 2 is poised to continue this winning formula with even greater ambition.
In an exciting development for the ensemble, Joe Serafini, who portrays the lovable and earnest Seb Matthew-Smith, has been promoted to a series regular for Season 2. This is fantastic news for fans of his character, who brings a unique warmth and perspective to the drama club. Seb’s journey, particularly his relationship with Carlos and his contributions to the musical, promises to be a significant highlight of the upcoming season. The series also continues to star the talented Mark St. Cyr as Mr. Mazzara and Kate Reinders as Miss Jenn, whose guidance and eccentricities are integral to the East High drama department’s identity. Their interactions with the students and their efforts to stage a successful production will continue to provide both comedic relief and poignant moments, underscoring the vital role of dedicated mentors in fostering young talent. With a strong ensemble cast and an inspiring production choice, *High School Musical: The Musical: The Series* is slated for a late 2020 debut on Disney+, poised to build upon the immense success and critical acclaim of its inaugural season.
The first season captivated audiences with its fresh take on the beloved *High School Musical* franchise, introducing a new generation of characters who navigated the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and ambition through the lens of a school musical. The show’s ability to create relatable characters and situations, combined with its high-energy musical performances, quickly made it a flagship series for Disney+. The decision to stage *Beauty and the Beast* for Season 2 demonstrates the show’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries while staying true to its musical roots. This classic story provides a perfect vehicle for the characters to delve into deeper emotional territory, exploring themes that resonate universally with viewers of all ages, from the importance of empathy to the courage it takes to be true to oneself.
As the East High students embark on this new theatrical adventure, audiences can anticipate not only breathtaking musical numbers and impressive stagecraft but also significant character development and compelling narrative arcs. The challenges of putting on a large-scale musical like *Beauty and the Beast* will inevitably lead to conflicts, friendships being tested, and personal growth for each member of the cast and crew. Whether it’s navigating romantic entanglements, dealing with stage fright, or finding their voice both on and off stage, the Wildcats’ journey promises to be as engaging and heartwarming as ever. The anticipation for *High School Musical: The Musical: The Series* Season 2 is palpable, as fans eagerly await the return of their favorite East High students to witness them transform into the beloved characters of *Beauty and the Beast* and bring another magical story to life.