Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini discuss delivering their romantic and groundbreaking ballad “In a Heartbeat.”
For the past almost 100 years, all romantic Disney songs have been sung between heterosexual couples only.
FRANKIE RODRIGUEZ:Oh my gosh!
Frankie A. Rodriguez and Joe Serafini on ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’.Fred Hayes/Disney
RODRIGUEZ:I was so happy.
It’s very special and I hope that people are able to connect with it.
To be the first, it’s kind of crazy!
I just love that we actually got to see them as a couple this year.
RODRIGUEZ:With an onscreen kiss!
That was so sweet.
What inspires Carlos to sing “In a Heartbeat” to Seb?
Do you actually like me or is this all just because I’m your only option?"
It’s a beautiful moment of Carlos expressing, “It’s you; I choose you.
You make me feel like myself.
You are the person I adore.”
What was it like getting to explore this more serious and deeper side of Carlos and Seb’s relationship?
RODRIGUEZ:It was very different for us.
These are emotions!"
[Laughs] To get the challenge as an actor to play that was a lot of fun.
He did such a beautiful job!
This whole scene was definitely giving me flashbacks to that Homecoming scene so that makes a lot of sense.
SERAFINI:I think that was actually her idea [to bring those suits back for this scene].
How does this moment affect Carlos and Seb moving forward?
To move forward, something had to happen.
SERAFINI:And they solidified their relationship.
Part of what makes relationships stronger is getting through those hard times together.
So I think, if anything, they’re just coming out stronger.
RODRIGUEZ:Oh my gosh, it feels amazing and obviously it’s so needed.
There’s someone to look towards.
It’s going to be okay, and hopefully, it will get better.
I hope people take away some sort of hope and feelings of support from watching it.
SERAFINI:And validation.
How did portraying this onscreen couple bring you two together as a real couple?
I toss the ball knowing how he’s going to respond back.
They’re younger, they’re not as comfortable with each other as we might be.
What do you want to see for your characters in future seasons?
SERAFINI:I would love that!
New episodes ofHigh School Musical: The Musical: The Seriesstream Fridays on Disney+.
