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Corbin Bleu Talks ‘High School Musical’ In SPA Day Lecture

Nittany Lions Wildcats in the house.

“High School Musical” legend Corbin Bleu spoke to Penn State students in the HUB’s Heritage Hall Friday night as part of this year’s SPA Day.

Bleu is perhaps best known for his role as basketball player Chad Danforth in Disney Channel’s “High School Musical,” but he has also spent time on Broadway, with credits in “Kiss Me, Kate,” “In the Heights,” “Hairspray,” and “Mamma Mia!”

Before the lecture, Onward State got the opportunity to participate in a press conference with Bleu to ask him a few questions. The star told us a little bit about himself, including his favorite gigs, dream roles, and his pre-performance rituals.

When talking about roles, Bleu said his favorite was playing Usnavi in “In The Heights,” despite being labeled as the “Disney Kid” by Broadway fans. Bleu believes that it was the best performance he’s ever done. The star also told us that his dream role is Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” He was proud to share that he can dance pretty well in heels.

Of course, we had to ask Bleu if he has a favorite Berkey Creamery flavor. Unfortunately, he said he hasn’t been to the creamery as this is his first time in Happy Valley…and he’s lactose intolerant. However, he said he’s open to grabbing a pint of vanilla before he leaves.

Next, we headed over to Heritage Hall for the moderated lecture. The former Disney star got the crowd of Nittany Lions fired up by opening up with a loud “We Are” chant. He said it reminded him of the famous Wildcats chant in “High School Musical.”

Bleu then discussed how he got his start in the entertainment industry. He said he was exposed to the industry from a very young age since his father, actor David Reivers, would take him along to his own auditions. Bleu said he was never into sports as a kid, aside from dance, and fell in love with performing after his parents gifted him his very first pair of tap shoes.

The star then gave the crowd some insight into working in the entertainment industry, living on the East Coast vs. the West Coast, and working alongside well-known actors.

The lecture wrapped up with an audience Q&A, with questions ranging from character development to working on Broadway to “High School Musical” memories.

Bleu capped off the event with some words of wisdom, encouraging students to take the time to focus on themselves.

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About the Author

Nina Jeffries

Nina Jeffries is a senior secondary education English major, minoring in English from Uniontown, PA. If you don't know where that is, you're not alone. She's a Pittsburgh girl at heart, has an unhealthy obsession with "The Office", and still is in denial about One Direction breaking up. You can follow her on Twitter @njeffries06 and reach out to her email [email protected].

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