Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with High School Musical: The Musical – The Series’ Dara Renee

Leading lady Dara Renee is putting all of her talents on display in the highly anticipated new series High School Musical: The Musical – The Series. Set at East High, where the original films took place, the series follows a group of high school students putting on a production of the iconic franchise.

Dara’s character, Kourtney, is an outspoken feminist and costume designer who’s not afraid to “spill a little tea.” She’s portrayed exquisitely by the dynamic performer. Pop Culturalist caught up with this fast-rising star who’s quickly bopping her way to the top.

PC: Tell us about High School Musical: The Musical – The Series and your character.
Dara: High School Musical: The Musical – The Series is about a group of teenagers who go to the high school where the original High School Musical was filmed. They put on a production of High School Musical. You get to see the drama and all the tea. It’s everything that real high school students go through while growing into their adolescence.

My character is the costume designer. She’s a feminist. She speaks her mind while also looking fabulous. She really cares about all her friends. She wants to make sure that everybody is okay.

PC: What attracted you to this project?
Dara: Well, I’ve been a fan of High School Musical since I was four. As soon as it came out, I was like, “Oh my gosh! They’re in school and they sing. I love it.” It had all my favorite things: teenagers, cute boys, and music.

PC: Did you feel any pressure heading into this project, given how iconic the franchise is and that it’s one of the first shows launching on Disney+?
Dara: Yeah! Before we started filming, I was so nervous. I was like, “Y’all, we only have one shot at this.” [laughs] But the writers and the creators have really taken the time to make sure it’s perfect. I really appreciate how much time and effort they put into it. I really connect with the show, and it’s hard to connect with me, so I feel like it will connect with a lot of kids and adults.

PC: You grew up doing musical theater. How helpful was that in your preparation?
Dara: Oh my gosh. It was very helpful! Especially because Tim, our creator, really wanted a cast that could perform live. At first, I was a little scared. But I really appreciate how they helped us with dance classes, singing lessons, piano lessons—they really made sure we were prepared. Everything we do on the show that revolves around music is done live. It really helped that I was able to do the plays that I did in Baltimore and in L.A. and had that training.

PC: You sing, dance, and act. Is there one that comes more natural than the other? Is there one that’s more challenging?
Dara: That’s a good question! Wow. I would say that they’re all equal. I don’t want to toot my own horn [laughs], but I feel like I’m good at all three. But I also feel like I can work on all three equally. I can keep pushing and bettering my craft. There’s always work to be done, and I feel like I have a lot of work to do.

PC: That’s a great answer. What I love about the series is that the cast is getting to revisit these classics, but there are also new originals. Is there a song that you’re excited for fans to see?
Dara: There are two songs that I’m really excited for fans to see, but I can’t say anything yet. [laughs] You’re going to be shook because I was shook.

PC: How would you say this series differentiates itself from the films?
Dara: Well, the series takes place in 2019. There are different issues, problems, personalities, and resolutions. We’re in a different era. We pay great tribute to the original, but we have a lot of differences that I feel like a lot of people will relate to, especially in this climate.

PC: Which of Kourtney’s relationships was your favorite to explore? What can you tease about her arc this season?
Dara: I love how Kourtney is able to spill a little tea about everyone. [laughs] She spills tea on everyone equally. She’s a good chick. I feel like I really relate to her. She has her flaws. We get to see that. No one is perfect. Everyone has their own insecurities. I feel like you’ll see that with Kourtney throughout the season.

PC: You’re no stranger to adapting iconic films for a new generation. What was the biggest takeaway from the set of Freaky Friday that you brought over to High School Musical: The Musical – The Series?
Dara: That’s a good question. The biggest takeaway is always to stay humble, remember where you came from, and never lose sight of who you are. Be yourself! Do what you do and what you’re passionate about. Not everyone is going to like it, but if you like it, that’s what’s up.

PC: If you had to summarize Season 1 in one sentence, what would it be?
Dara: [laughs] I want to use something in the trailer, but that’s so cliché. “Buckle up, Wildcats. Things get real.” That’s how I would summarize the show. It’s about to go down. A lot of stuff happens in the first season. Even I was like, “What are we going to do now?”

Who in the Cast Is…

PC: The best dancer?
Dara: Sofia [Wylie]! But everyone can dance. Sofia is trained though.

PC: The best singer?
Dara: The entire cast! Everyone is musically gifted. Everyone can sing their booties off.

PC: Most likely to break into song?
Dara: [laughs] Frankie [Rodriguez] will unintentionally break down into Whitney Houston, but in a comedic way. And Olivia [Rodrigo] and Josh [Bassett]!

PC: Most like their character? 

Dara: I would say I’m most like my character. Wait, Olivia is like her character too.

PC: Most unlike their character?
Dara: Matt [Cornett] is so goofy. He’s nowhere near EJ, but he’s handsome though. I’m not going to lie. He’s so nice. Sofia is not like her character. She’s the sweetest person alive.

PC: Can nail a scene in one take?
Dara: I’m going to say everybody. I’m not even trying to brag on my cast, but everyone is so naturally gifted. I’ve never seen so many young actors get it together. When they yell “action,” everyone gets into character. They’re singing those high notes!

To keep up with Dara, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Catch High School Musical: The Musical – The Series on Disney+.

Photo Credit: Disney