Disney theme parks all over the world may be closed temporarily caused by the prevalent COVID-19 virus; but the 'happiest place on earth' has found a way to spread fun and joy through music to families in the comfort of their homes. ABC will bring "The Disney Family Singalong" special on April 16, Thursday at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT. 

The original East High Wildcats with Zac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens
(Photo: Facebook/@HighSchoolMusical)
The original East High Wildcats with Zac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens

The line-up of superstars will now include Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Alan Menken, Josh Groban, Elle Fanning, Tori Kelly, Darren Criss, and Marcus Scribner. They will join the party with previously announced celebrities of Christina Aguilera, Luke Evans, Erin Andrews, Kristin Chenoweth, Bobby Bones, Jordan Fisher, Auli'i Cravalho, Donny Osmond, Josh Gad, Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Amber Riley, Carrie Ann Inaba, and John Stamos. Ryan Seacrest is hosting the hour-long special.

The classic High School Musical (HSM) theme song, "We're All In This Together,"  will be performed by the casts of HSM, "The Descendants" and more with director Kenny Ortega.

ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said for the past weeks in quarantine, it is important to cherish each moment and be connected through stories, laughter, or music. "We hope that we can create some new unforgettable moments in everyone's home in a way that only the magic of Disney can," she stressed.  

Songs from hit movies Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Toy Story, Moana, and The Little Mermaid, among others will be showcased in "Disney Family Singalong." 

Ari will be singing "I Won't Say I'm In Love" from Hercules, while Demi will do a duet with Michael Buble for "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes." Christina will swoon with "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." "I Wan'na Be Like You" from Jungle Book will be rendered by Criss, and Tori Kelly will perform her Pocahontas cover of "Colors of the Wind." Moana star Auli'i will join with "How Far I'll Go." James Monroe Iglehart will reunite with Broadway Company of Disney's Aladdin for "Friend Like Me."

To keep the karaoke-style, an animated character will serve as the guide of the onscreen lyrics. 

The event will include PSAs to promote awareness about Feeding America's work to support struggling and hungry individuals affected by COVID-19.

High School Musical Homecoming

What is even more exciting is the reunion of the cast of High School Musical, through the efforts of Kenny Ortega. In an interview with Deadline, the director got excited when ABC asked him to join "Disney Family Singalong."

Finding it as an opportunity to lift spirits, he asked actors and artists to participate in the event by performing virtually the iconic "We're All In This Together." Five of the six from the original cast hopped in at once - Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman, Corbin Bleu, and Lucas Grabeel. Zac Efron was a last-minute addition as he cannot be reached immediately. He agreed to send a special message during the broadcast.  

Cast members from :The Descendants," "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series," and "Zombies" will also be coming together for the ensemble performance. 

"We're All In This Together" is the battle cry during the ongoing crisis, particularly from front liners and health workers. Videos of medical professionals wearing their full gear while singing the anthem were forwarded to Ortega. He also had seen videos from other parts of the world singing the song.

Join the Discussion