Will “Senior Year” re-energize Disney’s “High School Musical” franchise ?

Jim Hill

16 years ago

For “High School Musical” fans, tomorrow’s the big day.

Starting on Friday, September 26th, advance tickets to “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” will be available for purchase over at this Walt Disney Pictures release’s official website.

And you can bet that Mouse House executives will be closely monitoring how well these tickets sell. In the wake of “High School Musical: Get in the Picture” ‘s dismal ratings last month and the disappointing sales for Vanessa Hudgens’ most recent CD, there are those in Burbank who are growing concerned that the HSM franchise may be losing some steam.

And what with their $30 million “High School Musical” theatrical film hitting theaters on October 24th, that stage version of “High School Musical 2” which debuts in Atlanta on November 6th in addition to “High School Musical 4” already being in development — the concept that the HSM phenomenon may be fading is just not something that the Mouse is willing to embrace at this time.

Which is why Disney has really cranked up its HSM PR machine over the past few months. Staging high profile events like that Ultimate Pep Rally which was held at the El Capitan back in August. Where the cast of HSM3 was cheered by a thousand hardcore HSM fans, who were then treated to screenings of the sing-along versions of “High School Musical” & “High School Musical 2” as well as getting a sneak peek at “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”

The cast of “High School Musical 3” waves from the stage of the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Photo by Eric Charbonneau

Meanwhile over at the Disney Channel, music videos featuring footage from “HSM3” have been appearing since July. While over at Radio Disney, singles from the soundtrack of this Walt Disney Pictures’ release have been bowing there on a monthly basis. With the very next tune — “A Night to Remember” — due to debut tomorrow at 4 p.m. PST / 7 p.m. EST.

With the hope that a new HSM DVD might also help get the word out about HSM3, this past Tuesday Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released a deluxe dance edition of “High School Musical 2.” With a free ticket to “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” included as part of this 2-disc set.

Disney also made use of its promotional partners on this picture, convincing the folks at Sara Lee to come sponsor a sweepstakes wherein someone would win a lunchtime screening of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” hosted by Corbin Bleu.

Speaking of giveaways, those who purchase their HSM3 tickets in advance through the film’s official website will also get a free iTunes download. Which is yet another song from “Senior Year” ‘s soundtrack, “Can I Have This Dance.”

All this … Plus Amazon.com‘s “High School Musical 3 Private Movie Screening Sweepstakes. Which (provided that you win, of course) would then allow you treat a hundred of your closest friends to a private screening of this Kenny Ortega film.

As to why Disney is working this hard to help keep the “High School Musical” phenomenon alive … Well, it’s not just because this is a billion dollar franchise for the Walt Disney Company. The real reason that the Mouse is putting this much effort into promoting HSM3 is that the Studio already has what it thinks is a great idea for HSM4. One that actually picks on a loose story thread from “Senior Year.” Where — toward the end of that film (SPOILERS AHEAD !!) — Ms. Darbus (Alyson Reed) suddenly announces that she’s going on sabbatical for the next school year and then names Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) as her temporary successor.

And given that Ms. Evans will have already bumped heads with Tiara (Jemma McKenzie-Brown), a new transfer student to East High who’ll be introduced in “High School Musical 3.” This beautiful Brit will — at first, anyway — appear to be nice. But Tiara eventually reveals herself to be just as big a schemer as Sharpay is.

And that’s pretty much the set-up for “High School Musical 4.” East High now has dueling Divas. With Sharpay (Who’s putting off college for a while) calling the shots in the school’s drama department while Tiara (Who’s determined to come out on top) does everything she can to try & get back into her former mentor’s good graces.

As to whether anyone else from “High School Musical 1, 2 & 3” would be willing to return for a fourth installment of this series … Given that Zac Efron reportedly got $3 million to reprise his role as Troy Bolton in HSM3 (With Ms. Hudgens only allegedly receiving $2 million to play Gabriella again), Disney would have to write some awfully big checks in order to get these two to revisit the halls of East High. Which isn’t very likely. Particularly given that — when it comes to sharing that truly impressive amount of dough that the HSM franchise regularly generates for the Walt Disney Company — Mickey seems to have trouble getting into that old “We’re All in This Together” team spirit. So what about you folks? Will you be buying your HSM3 tickets in advance (as Walt Disney Pictures executives hope & pray you will)? Or have you already had your fill of Troy, Gabriella and the gang? Your thoughts?