20 years on, ‘High School Musical’ magic still thrives in Utah
deseret.com • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Twenty years after its 2006 debut, "High School Musical" remains a cultural phenomenon, with fans from around the world visiting East High School in Salt Lake City, where the film was shot, to take tours of the iconic filming locations.
- The film's success was unexpected; originally a low-budget Disney Channel movie with no major stars or special marketing, it broke records with 7.7 million U.S. viewers on its premiere and launched the careers of stars like Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens.
- Director and choreographer Kenny Ortega played a crucial role in the film's success by fostering a collaborative, supportive environment and casting local Utah talent, which made up about 90% of the dancers and crew, highlighting Utah's
