23 Questions with Ashley Tisdale

A new interview with Ashley from Disney’s D23 in honor of (AKA: to promote sales of) the new Sharpay movie.

04.21.11 – It’s a Sharpay world, and we’re just lucky to live in it — according to Sharpay, that is. D23 sits down with Sharpay herself, actress Ashley Tisdale, to talk about her new movie, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure.

When we first met this Broadway-bound blonde in High School Musical, she was stirring up trouble as East High School’s resident drama queen. But there’s more to this aspiring actress than pranks, pink and high school plays. In her new movie, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, Sharpay finds out what she’s made of as she takes on conniving divas and canine competition in hopes of scoring the role of a lifetime. D23 sat down with Sharpay herself, actress Ashley Tisdale, to talk High School Musical memories, her multiple Disney roles, and, of course, all things Sharpay.

You’ve played Sharpay now four times. How would you say this character has evolved since the first High School Musical (HSM) film? In the first three movies, she was the one who stirred up the trouble. She was the drama queen. She was good for the one-liners, but you never got to dive into her story. With this movie, you get to know why Sharpay is the way she is, and then you get to see her evolve and grow. She’s used to getting what she wants, but now she’s out of high school and out on her own in New York City. It’s a whole big adventure.

Do you have anything in common with Sharpay?
I can relate to how driven she is. We also both love to perform.

Why do you think so many people love Sharpay?
I’ve always wondered that. While testing one of the movies, the fans said the reason why they love Sharpay is “she knows what she wants and she goes out and gets it.” They could see that she’s driven, which I think is a very good quality.

In this movie, Sharpay has a very special relationship with her dog, Boi. What was it like working with animal actors?
It’s definitely a challenge working with dogs because they really don’t understand what’s going on. They’re so cute though. Howie and Herby were awesome to work with.

You have a dog of your own, right? What’s her name?
Yes. I have a teacup Maltipoo and her name is Maui.

Sharpay is determined to make it as a Broadway star. What’s your favorite Broadway show?
Wicked!

Is there a current Broadway musical you’d like to star in?
Right now I want to do more movies. Maybe in the future.

You grew up on movie sets. Do you ever wish you had a “normal” childhood?
I went to a regular school growing up and graduated from high school, so I got to have all those experiences. I love what I do and wouldn’t give it up for anything!

You’re the executive producer on Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure. Do you have other projects you’re planning to produce?
All the projects I’m producing are in development right now. The network Bravo just picked up one of my reality shows called Miss Advised. I’m super excited about that one (again, I’m not in the project, just producing).

Any other upcoming projects?
I’m doing a TV show right now on CW called Hellcats.

What is the best part of being an actor?
For me it’s watching the finished product and seeing it all come together.

If you could only act or sing for the rest of your life, which would you choose?
I can’t choose. I love both. I would have to say I’ve been acting the longest, so that’s my number one.

How can you keep in touch with your fans?
Twitter! It’s so easy and I love staying connected to all of the fans.

What is the nicest thing a fan has said?
That I inspire them.

For a lot of young people today, you’re their introduction to the Disney universe because of High School Musical, Suite Life, and Phineas and Ferb. What was your first Disney experience?
I would have to say one of the first movies I remember watching was The Little Mermaid. I was a really big fan of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and all the animated Disney movies.

Favorite Disney movie?
Right now I have to say Tangled is one of my favorite movies. It’s so good! It reminds me of all those movies back in the day, like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.

What Disneyland attraction do you always have to go on?
Definitely Pirates of the Caribbean, because that’s my dad’s favorite ride. Also, I do like California Adventure. I love going to Soarin’ over California. Tower of Terror is also one of my favorites.

What’s been your favorite Disney moment now that you’ve been part of the Disney family for awhile?
When we did HSM2, we got to do a premiere at Disneyland. There was a parade that we did before, and I think the only premiere prior to that at Disneyland was Pirates of the Caribbean. So the whole cast felt super special, and it was the best day ever because we got to be at Disneyland and be with the fans. The Beckhams were actually there with us, and we were like, ‘This is insane!’ It was pretty cool.

What was it like making a Sharpay movie without your old HSM co-stars?
It was nerve wrecking. Luckily I had a whole new cast and new characters that were awesome, so they helped me out.

Do you keep in touch with the HSM cast?
Of course! I was actually just with Zac Efron, and Vanessa Hudgens is promoting her movie right now, but we’re always keeping in touch. We love to go shopping together.

You’ve been involved with a lot of different Disney projects. You’ve played mean characters (HSM), nice characters (The Suite Life) and even animated characters (Phineas and Ferb). What has been your favorite character to play to date?
Definitely Sharpay. That’s why I did another movie. This type of character doesn’t really come around that often — she’s larger than life. I just enjoyed everything about her and the HSM series. It’s just been such an amazing ride.

Did you get to keep any props or costumes from the film?
I have Sharpay’s full wardrobe from the first HSM movie. I also have a perfume ad from HSM3, Manipulation by Sharpay, and it’s a big picture of me and a perfume bottle. It’s the funniest thing. It’s from the “I Want It All” musical number. I have this huge wall in my bathroom, so I put it there. It’s like a giant ode to Sharpay.

What do you hope audiences take away from this film?
I hope they enjoy it. I know that they like Sharpay from the other movies, but I hope that they like her story in Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure. I feel like this movie has a lot of life lessons. It’s very true to someone who is trying to make it in any business, but especially the entertainment business. You just have to believe in yourself and keep going.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment’s latest release, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, is now available on Disney Blu-ray combo pack, DVD and movie download.

By D23’s Sarah Smith.