Lucas Grabeel Reflects on 20 Years of ‘High School Musical’ and the Evolution of Ryan Evans
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Two decades after the release of the beloved Disney Channel hit High School Musical, Lucas Grabeel, who brought to life the character Ryan Evans, opened up about the journey that shaped the film’s memorable moments and his own career. In a recent interview, Grabeel recalled how he initially auditioned for the role of Troy Bolton, only to be redirected toward Ryan — a role that would become iconic for its blend of humor, heart, and showmanship.
Grabeel described the audition process as a rigorous, seven-hour Broadway-style marathon involving singing, dancing, and acting alongside dozens of hopefuls vying for the parts of Ryan, Sharpay, Troy, and Gabriella. “It was down to me and two other guys at the end for Ryan,” he said. After a suspenseful wait, he was offered the role and soon found himself recording the soundtrack and stepping into the shoes of Ryan Evans.
One of the most revealing parts of Grabeel’s reflection was his candid account of his early relationship with co-star Ashley Tisdale, who played Sharpay Evans. Initially, the pair did not see eye to eye, but their dynamic on screen was electric. “Ashley is the reason I got the job,” Grabeel said. Their chemistry was palpable from the audition stage, where Tisdale’s embodiment of Sharpay helped Grabeel settle into Ryan’s character. Over time, the two forged a sibling-like bond that mirrored their characters’ relationship, underscoring the importance of casting in the film’s enduring success.
Grabeel also shed light on the creative process behind some of the franchise’s most iconic choreography. Working closely with choreographers Bonnie Story, Chucky Klapow, and director Kenny Ortega, Grabeel and Tisdale helped develop the dance routines for “What I’ve Been Looking For” and “Bop to the Top.” The actors were encouraged to improvise and contribute their own ideas, with Grabeel famously incorporating jazz squares — a dance move he had performed in high school theater — into Ryan’s signature style. “I kept just hamming it up, putting jazz squares every five seconds,” he recalled. Ortega loved the idea and added it to the choreography, illustrating the collaborative spirit that defined the production.
Beyond the dance moves and performances, Grabeel reflected on the deeper layers of Ryan’s character, emphasizing the joy and vulnerability that made him relatable. He and Ortega often discussed how Ryan was not meant to be a stereotypical flamboyant character but rather a young performer discovering his identity. “That’s the beauty of Ryan: his inner joy in just wanting to perform and trying to figure out who he is,” Grabeel said. This nuanced portrayal helped the character resonate with audiences and contributed to the film’s lasting appeal.
Grabeel also shared some personal mementos from the set, revealing that he kept several key items including his suit from “Bop to the Top,” hats from various scenes, and notably, the real class ring from the third movie, engraved with “East High” and “Ryan.” These keepsakes serve as tangible reminders of a formative time in his life and career.
The cultural impact of High School Musical is well documented, having launched the careers of several young actors and influencing a generation of musical fans. The film’s success also highlights the importance of dedicated creative teams, such as director Kenny Ortega, whose work on the franchise has been recognized for its innovation and heart.
As Grabeel reflects on Ryan Evans’ place in pop culture two decades later, he envisions the character continuing to embrace performance and self-expression, much like the actor himself. The journey from a hopeful auditionee singing “Lean On Me” to an emblematic figure in musical theater on screen is a testament to the enduring magic of collaboration, passion, and perseverance.
For fans and newcomers alike, Grabeel’s stories offer a rare glimpse behind the curtain of a phenomenon that continues to inspire, entertain, and bring joy to audiences worldwide.
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