ARTICLES & INTERVIEWS

'High School Musical' Stars Talk Back

Newsweek
Monday, July 24, 2006

Two ‘High School Musical’ stars answer e-mail from fans

When we asked Ashley Tisdale and Zac Efron to respond to a few fan letters exclusively for NEWSWEEK online, we got a little more than we bargained for. Our editors received more than 500 e-mails, many with something unusual to ask one or both of the stars. Unfortunately they weren’t able to answer all of them. But here’s a look at a few representative (and a couple not-so-representative) e-mails from fans across the continent.

What is the biggest change/shock that you experienced in your life since the immediate fame of “High School Musical?”
Zac: I think the biggest change is the recognition. It’s easier to get spotted nowadays—especially running around with another cast member. To be honest, I think Corbin [Bleu] gets the worst of it. I just put on some shades and I’m relatively safe; but Corbin’s hair can’t be hidden. Other than the occasional autograph, life is very much the same.

When will your new movies “The Derby Stallion” and “Hairspray” be hitting theaters?
Zac: I think Derby Stallion is still looking for distribution. And Hairspray has just begun! We’re a few weeks into rehearsal and it’s looking great. Should be out next year sometime.

Why didn't Troy and Gabriella kiss at the end of "HSM"?
Zac: When I first saw the movie, I didn’t even notice there wasn’t a kiss! I guess it’s implied. To tell you the truth, the whole thing was kind of an accident. I don’t know what you’ve heard, but Troy and Gabriella DID kiss at the end of the movie. However, leaving it out of the final movie left some intrigue. Now you’ll just have to watch the sequel to find out what happens ;-)

Was your high school anything like the high school in High School Musical? Do you have and tips on helping me get by the sophomore year without a whole lot of stress?
Zac: My school was very similar to East High. For instance, every lunch break all the kids would break into a perfectly synchronized song/dance routine, we never wore clothing with logos, and the skateboarders all talk like Sean Penn in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Seriously, I WISH high school was more like East High. As for tips... here’s a saying that used in all the way through school: “keep your friends close, but keep your TEACHERS closer.” Teachers are people too. Get to know them. Well. Don’t “suck up,” but develop a relationship with each one individually. If you do a good job, the teachers feel morally obligated to give you every possible advantage in their class… oh come on. Everyone knows it; I’m just saying it;-)

How are you going to fit in both college and your career?
Zac: Because I’m going straight from “Hairspray” to HSM2, I deferred my first year of college. That means they’ll allow me to wait a year before starting next fall. Thankfully I still have a spot at USC.

The article says that HSM is almost a "religious" movie. Do you agree with that statement? Are you religious in any way and feel that your work should express your faith?
Zac: Religious? Well, some people watch it religiously! HAHA! HA! Cricket … cricket … Lucas told me some girl came up to him in New York and said she watched the movie so much that she decided to give it up for Lent. I think this is a movie everyone can enjoy regardless of their religion. When I go for auditions or read a script, I am looking for material that I, myself, would watch. Religion has little bearing on what I choose to take part in.

Do you like Chunky or Smooth peanut butter?
Zac: I like my peanut butter like I like my women … chunky ;-)

Do you like fingerpainting? And I heard you moved from San Luis Obispo, how's that treating you?
Zac: JEEZ. Ash gets ALL the easy questions. Yes … I like finger-painting. And actually, to be more specific, I moved from San Luis Obispo’s sister town, Arroyo Grande, CA! Lived there for 16 years. Its tough being away from my friends and family, but I try get home every chance I get. LA is VERY different from home, so it's cool being in a new area.

Do you think you are a lot like your character Troy?
Zac: People say we look alike. Troy is definitely cooler than me. I was not the most popular guy in school and I most certainly am not a star jock. However, we both work hard to accomplish our goals.

First, is it hard being in a movie like learning the script and the dances and where to stand and stuff. Second, do you ever feel self-conscious to do some of the things the director asks you to do on camera like any of the dances or feel sort of embarrassed to say any of the lines and really give it your all and if so how do you get over it?
Zac: It’s tricky. There is definitely an element of self-consciousness in acting. If your character has a strange line or an awkward stage direction, people tend to get embarrassed. Just remember, it’s the character. Not you. Stick with it and after a little while, you’ll forget that feeling all together. You’ll have to ;-) The only time I felt self-conscious during HSM was in the dances. I was always ten steps behind. So eventually I just put in the extra hours and forced myself to get better. Now I’m experiencing the entire thing over again in “Hairspray.” And these dances are on a complete different level. I’m going INSANE!!! Wish me luck.

Please guys, what's really up with the two of you? Are you a couple?! As far as the musical goes, Troy and Gabriella are the perfect dream couple—in real life are there any true feelings for each other? Also, I am really into singing, acting and dancing...what would your suggestions be for me to get into the loop of my life-long dream?
Zac: Ok, fine. You win! I guess I HAVE to tell you the truth about Ash and I … WE’RE GOOD FRIENDS lol! Our story isn’t changing. If you want to get into acting (or anything), get involved. Be a part of a school production—whether it's set decorating, acting or lighting. Start in your community and get as much experience as possible. Being an actor sounds glamorous but its hard work and lots of rejection. You have to really love it to be in this business.
Ashley: We are just friends! I have known Zac for a long time and he is one of my best friends. I am very comfortable with him and I think that’s what people see so they always assume we are dating. But we are just really close friends. With following your dream, I would say taking classes! Join the theater program and learn, and definitely believe in yourself, because if you don’t, no one else will.

Are you concerned that your squeaky clean Disney image will negatively impact your career in the long-run?
Zac: Not horribly. Hairspray will be more edgy.

How long did it take to make the movie?
Zac: We rehearsed for two weeks and then filmed for five weeks (five days/week) so all in all, seven weeks. So much different than "Hairspray," I am rehearsing for two months and then filming for four!

What is the wildest rumor you ever read or heard about yourself?
Zac: I read somewhere online that I had died. That was really wild! And to set the record straight – I am very much alive.
Ashley: That I am dating Zac. Hahaha

My question is: if you had to pick a CD that would be the soundtrack to your life, what would it be, and why?
Zac: Wow. That’s a hard question, Lauren! You stumped me. My soundtrack would be like 100 songs because I have so many favorites – and depending on my mood, the songs would be forever changing.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose and why? Any romantic interests at this time? What's the craziest fan experience you've ever had? With all of HSM's success, you've kind of been catapulted into fame. What do you miss most from the "life-before-High-School-Musical"?
Zac: Hmmm… Kangaroo; no; got mobbed at SPARKS game; and simplicity ;-)

How long have you guys been friends? What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Zac: A long, long, time ago, at a friend’s house far, far away I met Ashley. We’ve been friends for … hmm … 3 years? Wow, time flies. My most embarrassing moment? Well, I was the worst kid on my 6th grade basketball team. I passed the ball to wrong team and they scored at the buzzer in double over time to win the championship. Its one of those memories that STILL makes you squirm when you think about it lol!

Who was your biggest influence, music-wise, as a child (like it could be singer or television show with music, etc.)?
Zac: It’s impossible to say there’s one person who influenced me more than anyone else. I learned about music from all over the place. I have accomplished some of my goals and have a whole new set to conquer. I would like to work behind the camera—producing or directing.

Assuming you have heard a bit about the next HSM plot What is it about the plot that you are looking forward to? And my other question is for Zac. I’m really excited to see you in Hairspray (and we can see you showcase your singing abilities)! What are you most looking forward to about it, and has High School Musical taught you anything that you can bring with you to Hairspray? Thank you!
Zac: I think it would be great if we had superpowers. LOL. I am really looking forward to working with John Travolta and being in such a great musical. I saw "Hairspray" on Broadway which was really cool. HSM and Kenny Ortega taught me to be a better dancer and singer; he allowed us to contribute suggestions on everything to how real kids talk to the dance moves—what felt natural for the character (and us). I definitely can take some of those moves and apply them to my new role.

Will you (the cast of HSM) ever go on tour? Like where you go to different places and sing and do meet and greets and things like that?
Zac: I don't think so. Touring is a lot of time away from future acting projects. Plus, I have traveled to New York, Orlando, Atlanta, Australia and next London for HSM and am in Canada for "Hairspray" so I do get to see a lot of different places and meet different people. That's one of the great things about being an actor.

I know you don't want to keep your Disney image forever. What do you plan to do to 'jump off the train,' so to speak? Will you do edgier roles despite your younger fans who are used to seeing you doing children's television?
Zac: I am playing Link in "Hairspray" next. I would love to do edgier roles but it needs to be the right project with a good story. In a few years, when I do more adult projects, my fans also will be a little more mature so it’ll be fun to grow up with the fans.

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