East High fans know Larry Saperstein as best bud Big Red in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Before the show returns for its second season on Disney+, fans are getting a Christmas special! (Click here for more on the HSMTMTS Christmas special). To get us in the spirit, YEM spoke with Larry Saperstein about his dazzling performance of “White Christmas” and much more. In fact, Larry Saperstein is even going to take over YEM’s Instagram on Friday for the premiere! Be sure to follow along and read YEM’s interview with Larry Saperstein below. Find out what he loves most about being a part of the High School Musical world.
Young Entertainment Mag: In the Christmas special for Disney+ you performed “White Christmas” and gave the audience that Old Hollywood feeling! What was it like to film such a scene, especially on such a large stage (which theater was that?)?
Larry Saperstein: It was so fun! Of course, we filmed The Holiday Special during the pandemic this year, and it was just really special to know that we were going to be releasing something that would make fans and people who have had a difficult year happy. I was happy to be performing a number that was so exciting, and that I knew I could do well! We filmed not too far from where I was living in Brooklyn at the time, so that was also incredibly meaningful! I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
Photo credit: Disney+ / Eric Liebowtiz
YEM: Are you excited to take on Beauty and the Beast? Will you be stuck on lighting again or will you be part of the cast. (And are you happy with the role you got for BATB if you got one?)
Larry: Beauty and the Beast was actually my very first high school musical, and I played Lumiere! So doing Beauty and the Beast this season is incredibly special to me. I can’t say much about Big Red’s role in the production just yet, but I think fans are going to be very pleased! Season 2 is just all about bigger and better. And I think I can say that each character goes through something that makes them continue to grow in some way.
YEM: What is the COVID process like on set before filming a scene and does it change the way scenes are now filmed?
Larry: Filming during this time is all about consistent testing, mask wearing, and social distance. We have been able to find ways to make filming safe for the entire cast and crew. And there are company-wide protocols in place that we all follow. The most important part is making sure that we take proper precautions in our daily lives, inside and outside of work, to create a safe environment for everyone and not spread this virus.
YEM: If you could pick one musical for East High to put on for a future season, what would it be and why?
Larry: I think Into The Woods would be a great future production! There’s just so many great roles and I think each character could have a stand out moment in a musical like that!
Photo credit: Disney+ / Eric Liebowtiz
YEM: You work in so many creative lanes as an actor, singer, dancer, and a director. What kind of projects do you want to work on in the future?
Larry: I love being an actor, and I want to be able to continue to act as long as possible. I would also love to one day write and produce a TV show or direct a film. I haven’t been on Broadway yet, either, and I’d love to continue working toward that goal! Just keeping all of the options open at the moment!
YEM: I just have to say one last thing on a personal note. Last week I watched you, Frankie and Joe do your nails on Instagram. And I genuinely cried, it truly warmed my heart. We really have come a long way and I wish I had role models like you when I was growing up.
Larry: Thank you! I think it’s important for boys to see that they are allowed to be sensitive and express themselves however they want. Regardless of their sexuality or sexual orientation. It’s one of the things I pride myself in with the portrayal of Big Red, as well! We just are trying to have fun! 🙂
