The sequel to Disney's hit made-for-television movie,
High School Musical, is set to premiere this Friday, and actress
Monique Coleman, who plays science geek Taylor McKessie, believes the upcoming production is better than the original.
“Everyone is just a little smarter with their approach to this one because of the success of the other,” Coleman told
The State. “[The sequel] has more ups and downs. The [musical] numbers are so huge and just bigger and better. This is not a remake of the first movie. In my opinion, it's more like a continuation of the story, like
Harry Potter or
Lord of the Rings."
She also said that fans can expect to see more of her character in
High School Musical 2, as she becomes more involved with the made-for-television movie's major storylines.
“In the first movie, I was just in the classroom,” Monique Coleman said. “I was totally one-sided. Now I'm like the eyes and ears of the club, and I can step in to help protect my best friend.”
While
High School Musical was set mostly inside the walls of East High in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the sequel will take the teenagers to the Lava Springs Country Club, where they sign up for summer jobs. Coincidentally, the club is owned by the family of Sharpay (
Ashley Tisdale) and Ryan Evans (Luas Grabeel), the sister-brother duo who lost the lead roles in the school play to Troy Bolton (
Zac Efron) and Gabrielle Montez (
Vanessa Anne Hudgens). As revenge, Sharpay tries to get in-between the new couple.
After filming
High School Musical and going on a worldwide concert tour, the cast developed a tighter bond, which proved well for both the performers and the production of the sequel.
“I think the kids are really friends by and large,” said Michael Healy, senior vice president of original movies at Disney. “There was no tension. They came back together like they'd never been apart.”
Although many will still have to wait until this Friday to truly gauge whether or not the sequel surpasses the original, Coleman claims that she is just happy and grateful to be part of the production.
“I feel very fortunate,” she said. “I'm going to be careful about the projects I choose. Right now I'm just enjoying this experience.”
-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: The State
(Image Courtesy of TVGuide)