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TechnoratiAfter months of anticipation, High School Musical 3 has finally hit theaters nationwide and is expected to rack up some big numbers in the days and weeks to come.
(Photo: Disney Enterprises, Inc. / John Bramley, Pool)(L to R center) Olesya Rulin, Vanessa Hudgens, Monique Coleman, KayCee Stroh
And while the franchise’s characters have grown up and are blasting on to the big screen for the first time, High School Musical remains family-friendly, keeping away the violence and smut that often appears in media geared toward youth today.
Its wholesomeness and familiar characters, according to one of the movie’s stars, are part of the highly successful formula that has drawn millions and created a sensation that very few saw coming.
“It really is the American dream for all of us,” says KayCee Stroh, who plays smart girl Martha Cox in all three High School Musical installments.
“We were all shocked with how well it (High School Musical) did,” she adds.
In an interview with The Christian Post, Stroh shared the initial feelings she had when she first joined “the little movie that could” and offered her take on how the franchise became such a smash.
The following is an edited transcript of the interview:
CP: In your own personal opinion, what made High School Musical (HSM) the sensation that it is today?
Stroh: Well, I think there’re two reasons why HSM has been such a phenomenon. And I think it’s because, first of all, our characters are very relatable. There’s one of us in every school. And not only can the kids relate but every parent can go back to their high school days and be like, ‘Oh, I remember a girl in my school that was so much like her, or a guy that was so much like him. I think it’s fun and kids have long been waiting for characters that they can actually relate to and learn from.
And I think the second reason is that this generation is on overload of violence and drugs. And everything on TV is so negative. And I think this generation was ready for a little bit of positivity, and to use their imaginations again, and to have that happy-go-lucky story in their life. So I think the combination of the two really made it a great success.
CP: Building on that last comment, what is your take on the “overload of violence and drugs” that is prevalent in entertainment today?
Stroh: Truthfully, I’m kind of sad about it. I understand that the point of acting is to have it true to life. And there are [negative] things going on more often in our lives. However, I don’t think that’s the only thing that’s going on in our lives. And I’m saddened that we seem to only portray those negative things that are going on.
We need to be more careful what we set our children in front of.
(spoiler warning: Next question discusses a scene in HSM3. Click here to skip.)
CP: While HSM has been touted for being a lot more wholesome than many other films and programs out there today, there is a perhaps-longer-than-necessary kissing scene in HSM3 that some conservatives may not be comfortable with seeing in the movie. What are your feelings on that particular scene?
Stroh: [Laughs] Well, I think that with the third movie, Disney’s smart. They realized that their fan base has grown along with us. I think, overall, this process has been about four years, so the boys and girls that were 14 or 15 that enjoyed it are now 17 or 18. And I think they’re trying to still be a movie that is relatable. And I think obviously when you’re a senior in high school, it is appropriate. At that time, you’ve probably had a boyfriend or girlfriend or have been dating someone, and a kiss is not so over the top. So in a way, yes, I think we’re safe because our fan base has grown up a lot and I’m comfortable with it. Compared to the other things that are out there … thank goodness, it’s amazing that it’s just a kiss compared to the other things that are on TV. So I’m good with it. And I think it’s appropriate enough that the really little fans aren’t going to feel too uncomfortable. Continue »
