Olivia Rodrigo
If you’re a millennial and haven’t watched High School Musical, you might not be a proper millennial. Everything about the movie series was iconic, from the catchy song numbers to Troy Bolton and his dreamy eyes. The all-new streaming service, Disney+, has brought back the iconic series not as movies, but as a television series. The show is called High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Olivia Rodrigo stars as the female lead, Nini. We chatted with Rodrigo about being her personal experience on set, pioneering a series on a new streaming service, and her feeling of writing music.
Photography: Anthony Giovanni
Creative Direction / Styling: Edwin J. Ortega
Words by: Will Heffernan
MOOD: With High School Musical being embedded into pop culture how familiar were you with the franchise before your audition?
Olivia: I think that my generation grew up on High School Musical and I’m no exception. I remember having all the High School Musical stuff; High School Musical shirts and barbies and I was just a big fan of the movies. It's just an amazing franchise! Somebody told me once that High School Musical made musicals cool again and they kind of opened the door for Glee and La-La Land. I think that’s a really true and special part about the franchise and I’m so excited to be part of it!
MOOD: you guys have done an amazing job because Disney announced that the show has been renewed for a second season. What are your feelings about getting such great responses from fans and knowing that Disney gave the green light for more episodes before airing the first season?
Olivia: Yeah, it’s insane. It’s always so nice to know that you’re being supported. And Disney is just an amazing company. So, [knowing there will be a second season] is really- it’s a nice feeling. Yeah, I am so excited to go back to season two. I’m excited to see what the writers come up with. I have no idea what the plot is going to be for season 2, so the audience is going to find out with us! And yeah, I’m just so excited to spend 6 more months with my best friends honestly. The whole cast is a dream to work with. So, yeah, I think it’s going to be a lot of fun and we’re going to have a lot of laughs.
MOOD: Are there any memories or anecdotes you can tell us about your time spent filming with the entire cast?
Olivia: Oh yeah, we had so much fun. I think my favorite memory with all of us was my birthday. I turned 16 on set and so everybody took me to go roller-skating in Utah. My best friend actually flew out from LA to come and surprise me in Utah at the roller-skating rink. We all just skated around, had so much fun, and the DJ at the rollerring played my favorite music and it was just a ball. I remember feeling in the moment. I was where I belonged which was a really nice feeling.
Photography: Anthony Giovanni
Creative Direction / Styling: Edwin J. Ortega
Makeup: Elie Maalouf At TMG - LA using Tarte Cosmetics
Hair Stylist: Clayton Hawkins with SWA using Luxy Hair
Interview by: Will Heffernan
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