More than 17 million people tuned in to the premiere of Disney Channel's High School Musical 2 on August 17. In the sequel to last year's smash hit, the Wildcats get summer jobs at Ryan and Sharpay's country club. Sharpay, played by ASHLEY TISDALE, sets her scheming sights on Troy, played by ZAC EFRON. She wants the ambitious athlete to perform with her in the club's annual talent show. To lure Troy in, Sharpay uses her father's powerful connections to try to get him a college scholarship.
The actors gave TFK the inside scoop on their roles. "Sharpay feels like she's the popular girl and (Troy's) the popular guy, so they should be together," explains Tisdale. "Troy is balancing a lot of temptations," Efron says. "He's very goal-oriented, almost to a fault. It was fun to play the other side of him. He gets lured to the dark side." For more cast interviews, go to www.timeforkids.com/HSM2