As Disney and ABC Network announced the upcoming special called “The Disney Family Singalong”, which will be aired on April 16, it didn’t take much from Bob Iger to get Kenny Ortega on board.
The High School Musical Director reportedly agreed immediately, and managed to secure appearances from the show’s original cast.
“I wanted to find something I can do to participate and it was so great to be given the call and invited by ABC to join,” Ortega said in an interview, “It gave me a purpose to get up every morning. I feel really good that we have an opportunity to do something like this — it’s good medicine. “
Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel and Zac Efron all agreed to appear on the special “in one way or another” as they adhere to social distancing measures.
Efron is reported to send a message during the anticipated special performance.
When asked about Efron’s last minute participation, Ortega said, “We couldn’t reach Zac until late but when we did, he immediately jumped in, of course.”
Everyone we reached out to was quick — and you’ll see it in their spirit and the way they come together from their homes. They recognize this is an opportunity to strengthen spirits for those joining us for the broadcast.”
Apart from the original High School Musical cast, Ortega signed up artists from the Disney family from different projects.
They are set to perform “We’re All In This Together” – the phrase used as a motto in the current coronavirus pandemic.
“You’re hearing those words chanted out — I’ve been sent videos from doctors, orderlies, nurses and medical professionals in masks and hospital gowns singing ‘We’re All In This Together’ in the hallways of hospitals,” Ortega said.
“It’s a really nice fun coming together of a lot of young people that are banding together under the lyrics of this song for the show.”