Top 10 High School Musical The Musical: The Series Performances
#10: “In a Heartbeat” “The Transformation”
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As much as we love Ricky, we’re alright with him taking on a backup role in favor of putting the spotlight on one of the most underrated characters from this series, Carlos Rodriguez. This sweet serenade is Carlos’ first ever solo on the show, and it perfectly captures his feelings about his boyfriend Seb. The performance is more than just heartwarming, it’s historic: “In a Heartbeat” is Disney’s first ever LGBTQ+ love song. It’s pretty perfect that this groundbreaking song is shared between two actors whose romance we watched develop both on and offscreen, as it’s obvious that confirmed couple Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini care for each other just as much as their characters do.
#9: “The Rose Song” “Yes, And…”
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2021 is truly Olivia Rodrigo’s year, from her work on “HSMTMTS” to her outstanding debut album “Sour.” In the show’s second season, Nini is cast as the rose in Beauty and the Beast and tasked with creating an original song for her character to perform. The song was written by Rodrigo herself, and it doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. “The Rose Song” is sung from the perspective of the Beast’s rose, but also clearly has a lot of meaning for Nini as well, as she struggles to find herself amidst the complexities that romantic relationships can bring in one’s life. It’s always a treat to hear new music from Olivia Rodrigo, and “The Rose Song” was definitely a welcome surprise.
#8: “I Think I Kinda, You Know (Nini Version)” “The Auditions”
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The first original song in this popular Disney series is this adorable ukulele number from Nini as she tells her boyfriend Ricky she loves him through song. Listening to this song is simultaneously a reminder of how talented Olivia Rodrigo has been since the beginning, but also shows how much she has grown as an actress and a singer in just two short seasons. Two alternate versions of the same song were recorded by Joshua Bassett as Ricky and by both actors as a duet, but our favorite is definitely the original. The song truly feels like something a teenager would write and record in her bedroom, which is no surprise coming from a series that pretty authentically captures high school life today.
#7: “Wondering” “The Read-Through”
This song puts the spotlight on the overlooked but completely iconic character of Ms. Darbus, the drama teacher from High School Musical. Ashlyn wrote this original song to perform during the show that expresses Darbus’ doubts about giving up her dreams of stardom to become a drama teacher. The song features a really lovely emotional build, allowing actor Juia Lester to show off both her vocal and performance chops. Nini then joins in with Ashlyn at the end, resulting in some gorgeous harmonies that really complete the song, inspiring Nini to write a new piece of her own. It’s lovely to see such a beautiful moment like this dedicated to a truly underappreciated Disney character that could only come from this unique series.
#6: “Something in the Air” “New Year’s Eve”
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After over a year of waiting for season two, the first episode of the season opened with great fanfare by launching into this high energy, festive song. The entire cast performs an elaborately choreographed musical number that takes them through the entire East High campus and seems to be filmed in just one impressive take. The song also appeared in the holiday special, but with context in the actual episode it feels even more powerful as the students express their excitement at the theater being restored. It helps...set the stage, as it were, for the audience as we anticipate a new season filled with on-and-offstage drama. This is a fantastic start to a fantastic season and it truly leaves you wanting even more.
#5: “Truth, Justice, and Songs in Our Key” “What Team?”
When Miss Jenn is suspended from her job for having lied about her teaching credentials, the students band together with an original song in defense of their beloved director. Performed in the original cafeteria from the first “High School Musical,” this song has total “Stick to the Status Quo” vibes, which is always a bonus. Plus, the lyrics are filled with niche jokes anyone who participated in high school theater can relate to. It might seem a little cheesy to some, but this catchy song has an undeniable appeal all the same. It truly captures the appreciation students have for the teachers that really put in the effort to make a difference in their lives.
#4: “Stick to the Status Quo” “Opening Night”
We all know and love this high energy group number from the original “High School Musical” movie, but this version is a totally updated and genuinely impressive performance on par with the original. Gina’s dance solo with the trays is definitely a highlight, but Seb as Sharpay is without a doubt the best part of this song. No disrespect to the talented Ashley Tisdale, but hearing Seb belt out those lines was awe-inspiring in ways we never expected, especially when he’s being spun in circles by his Ryan. Along with the talented ensemble, Gina and Seb delivered a truly magnificent performance of a Disney Channel fan favorite song.
#3: “Breaking Free” “Act Two”
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This song sees Ricky’s triumphant return to the stage as Troy after temporarily bailing and giving his role to EJ. Though it took a little encouragement from Nini, and EJ finally letting go of his desire to play Troy, we finally got to see the original Troy and Gabriella casting as Miss Jenn intended. The students of East High are finally “breaking free” of the differences and disagreements that divided them and have come together as a family to support one another. This performance is filled with as much drama as the original song, and we went about as wild as the audience did when watching it for the first time.
#2: “All I Want” “Blocking”
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Remember when this was the only Olivia Rodrigo song we couldn’t get out of our heads? This original song was written by the young actress and expresses her character’s feelings for both EJ and Ricky as she navigates the complex realities of teenage romance. The song went viral on Tik Tok and, in hindsight, serves as foreshadowing for the massive impact Rodrigo would go on to have in the music industry less than two years after this song came out. A full length version of the song and a corresponding music video were also released that are as beautiful and grandiose as Rodrigo’s writing, but this scene of Nini composing in her bedroom will always be powerful in its own right. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “A Billion Sorrys,” “The Wonderstudies” “Bet On It,” “New Years Eve” “Born to Be Brave,” “Homecoming” “Just For a Moment,” “Opening Night” “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’,” “Spring Break”
#1: “We’re All in This Together” “Act Two”
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The cast of this Disney+ series had big shoes to fill when they performed this classic song most of us know all too well, choreography included. The students take their bows during this song, including those who stepped into new roles, like Kourtney, who briefly took over for Gina as Taylor. Miss Jenn even gets her moment in the spotlight, one that’s been a long time coming. It all adds up to the perfect sendoff for this hit series’ first season. The joyful and celebratory energy of this performance is so infectious you can’t help but smile throughout, as all the drama of the previous ten episodes finally subsides and the characters can just enjoy everything they’ve worked so hard for.
