Courtesy of Hollywood Reporter

It’s a question that fans of Disney’s original hit series “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” are most likely asking themselves and everyone they know: Why will the show’s second season feature the Wildcats’ performance of the musical “Beauty and the Beast”?

In a press release announcing the show’s second season, creator Tim Federle revealed that “Beauty and the Beast” has an incredibly special place in his heart. He recalled, “It was one of the first Broadway shows I ever saw, when I was 14, and it’s got all the perfect metaphors for the high school experience: Do people judge me for how I look? What is true love? Will I achieve the future I dream of?” Federle’s personal connection to the musical is one reason why the second season of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” will feature the cast performing the Disney classic. 

“Beauty and the Beast” also provides a great representation of an outsider who then finds their place in the world. In an interview with Playbill, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” star Olivia Rodrigo  described how musical theater and shows like “High School Musical” have “been a safe haven for people who have felt like outcasts or felt weird or different.” Similar to the way Belle finally feels a sense of belonging in “Beauty and the Beast,” theater gives many people a voice and an outlet that they can feel comfortable and shine in. “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” aims to encapsulate the welcoming community of theater, and “Beauty and the Beast” is a wonderful show to continue the accepting, loving story of modern East High students from all different walks of life coming together to put on a show.