From left to right: Sharpay, Chad, Troy, Gabriella, Taylor, and Ryan during “We’re All in This Together,” the final number of High School Musical (2006). Sharpay is wearing a white tank top and white jeans. Chad is wearing a white East High basketball uniform. Troy is wearing a white East High basketball track suit. Gabriella is wearing a red dress that falls just above the knee. Taylor is wearing a white button-up with a red and white striped tie and a white pleated skirt. Ryan is wearing a red fedora, red button up, and black pants. Red and white ballons surround their feet and confetti fills the air. Behind them, the rest of the student body of East High is cheering.

Celebrating 20 Years of High School Musical

By Devorah Burgess and Lindsey Gregory, Walt Disney Archives

Hey Wildcats, can you believe it’s been 20 years since we were “soarin’, flyin’” and “breaking free” with the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical? To celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’re looking back at the impact and legacy of the cultural phenomenon that had us all exclaiming “G-O D-R-A-M-A C-L-U-B!”

Premiering on January 20, 2006, High School Musical—directed and choreographed by Disney Legend Kenny Ortega—marked the “start of something new” when Troy Bolton, a popular high school basketball star (played by Zac Efron), and Gabriella Montez, a shy, academically gifted newcomer (played by Vanessa Hudgens), discover their shared secret passion for singing. After signing up to audition for the lead roles in the school musical, their secret threatens to destroy East High’s rigid social order. Though their friend groups try to keep Troy and Gabriella away from the musical, their courage inspires the students of East High to go public with some of their most surprising hidden talents and, in turn, encourages them to embrace their individuality.

Filled with unforgettable songs, quotable moments, iconic choreography, and memorable costumes, High School Musical made an impact on society with very clear messages at its core: never judge a book by its cover and celebrate who you are, even if it doesn’t “stick to the status quo.” Two characters who especially embody the tone of celebrating individualism are basketball captain Troy and East High’s resident drama star, Sharpay Evans.

Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) sits in a personalized director’s chair in her dressing room before performing the song “Bop to the Top.” She is in a pink robe with a bedazzled collar. The background of the picture features Sharpay’s clothes, accessories, and makeup desk.
A publicity photograph of Sharpay Evans’ (Ashley Tisdale) dressing room in High School Musical (2006).

Sharpay (played by Ashley Tisdale) expresses her individualism in High School Musical primarily through bold, colorful, and attention-grabbing fashion choices that set her apart from everyone else at East High. Her clothes function like a visual extension of her desire for the spotlight and personality—dramatic, confident, and unapologetically ambitious. Her clothing reinforces her persona as a diva and aspiring star, emphasizing individuality through bold visual storytelling.

Sharpay’s outfit is displayed on a mannequin. Her shirt is a short-sleeve white button-up with faux pink snakeskin along the top of the shoulders. Along the edge of the snakeskin are large pink rhinestone buttons. Her pleated skirt is made of the same pink snakeskin and is mid-thigh length. A chunky black accent belt sits on the left side of the skirt. Her knee-high stiletto boots are made of the same pink snakeskin and feature long pink tassels on the side. Her necklace features alternating pink and white chunky bedazzled hearts and a gold chain.
One of the fabulous outfits worn by Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) in High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008), now part of the Walt Disney Archives collection.

Sharpay is almost always dressed in vibrant pinks, sparkles, and metallics: less-than-subtle choices that boldly announce her presence. Feathers, sequins, rhinestones, faux fur, and big sunglasses communicate luxury and drama. These theatrical elements highlight her love of performing, both on stage and in her daily life. While most East High students gravitate towards casual clothing, Sharpay chooses outfits that demand attention, signaling that she sees herself as the star.

In a publicity photo for High School Musical, Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) is wearing a red and black basketball jersey with white lettering that reads “Wildcats” and a number 14 on the center of his chest. He is holding a basketball in front of the camera and is
A publicity photograph of Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) in High School Musical (2006).

In contrast to Sharpay, Troy attempts to fit in and dress for his social group. Frequently seen wearing athletic clothing or his basketball uniform, his wardrobe choices play a starring role in his internal conflict. Although Troy discovered a new side of himself with Gabriella, he was unable to immediately accept this new facet. Troy continues to don his athletic wear...

With the championship game and final audition approaching, we see Troy’s courage shine through as he steps onstage to perform in his basketball uniform, defying the status quo. Together, Troy and Gabriella deliver an electric performance, hitting all the right notes and reminding us “there’s not a star in heaven that we can’t reach” if we embrace our individuality.

High School Musical fever spread quickly after its initial airing. The film’s soundtrack became the No. 1 selling album of 2006 and the first TV movie soundtrack to make it to No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200. On March 14, 2006, High School Musical became the first TV movie available on the iTunes Music Store. The popularity of the franchise led to the creation of two sequels—High School Musical 2 (2007) and the theatrically released High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)—the stage show Disney’s High School Musical, High School Musical: The Concert, High School Musical: The Ice Tour, and, most recently, the hit Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

Dancers perform in front of the 100-foot-tall Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey hat icon at Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) at Walt Disney World. The dancers are wearing various black, red, and white outfits and have pom-poms in their hands. They are in front of a float with the title High School Musical 3 in large text.
Left to right: the High School Musical Pep Rally at Disney California Adventure Park in 2007 (left) and High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now! street show at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2008.

The franchise’s popularity also led to the addition of a live High School Musical show at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. As part of Disney Parks’ Year of a Million Dreams, the High School Musical Pep Rally debuted at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney California Adventure Park in fall 2006. East High’s Spirit Committee spread Wildcat fever and school spirit to guests with high-energy, popular hits from the franchise. With messages of diversity, individual courage, teamwork, loyalty, and respect, guests of all ages could walk away with the inspiration they needed to make their dreams come true. In 2007, the High School Musical Pep Rally at Walt Disney World moved to Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and was updated with the airing of High School Musical 2 and again with the release of High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this iconic film franchise and its powerful legacy, we must always remember, “High School Musical / Who says we have to let it go? / It’s the best part we’ve ever known / Step into the future / But hold on to High School Musical.”