Drew Seeley tells Another Cinderella Story

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Even at a young age, Drew Seeley showed great interest in entertaining via singing and acting.

In Ottawa, Ontario, Drew Seeley was born April 30, 1982. During his time at Lake Brantley High School in Orlando, Florida, he had leads in mainstage productions of Into the Woods, Gypsy, Once Upon A Matress, The Miracle Worker, and The Merchant of Venice.

In 1999, Seeley entered the Florida State Thespian Competition. Performing a scene from The Judas Kiss, he and Ben Pelteson were awarded “best of show” for duet acting. From 1999-2002, Seeley also fronted the national R&B act Nu Ground. While touring, the group opened for such artists as Mya, K-Ci & Jojo, Tyrese and the Baha Men.

In 2000, Seeley joined the soap opera Guiding Light for three episodes. Subsequent roles involved the television series Dawson’s Creek (2002) and two episodes of One Tree Hill (2003-2004). Seeley had a brief part in the Disney Channel movie Stuck in the Suburbs (2004), before appearing in the unaired television series The Cheetah Girls (2004).

In 2006, Seeley found his fame increased, courtesy of High School Musical. In the Disney Channel picture, he provided the singing voice for the film’s lead character, Troy Bolton, as played by Zac Efron. Seeley shot to the top of the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart, thanks to the High School Musical soundtrack. Meanwhile, he was nominated in the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards race for co-writing Musical’s track “Get’cha Head in the Game.” From 2006-2007, Seeley also took over the role of Troy in High School Musical: The Concert.

Seeley’s career was then supplemented by further Disney Channel work. Contributing songs and vocals to the telemovie The Cheetah Girls 2, Seeley likewise wrote the tune “Gotta Lotta” and performed “I’m Ready” for Jump In. He sang “This is Our Year” in the Kim Possible episode “Graduation: Part II,” before guest starring in the “Romancing the Phone” episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.

Seeley’s latest projects include the romantic comedy Another Cinderella Story, the fantasy drama Soulmates, and the thriller Shortcut from Adam Sandler’s Scary Madison Productions. While Another Cinderella Story will not be released on DVD until September 4, 2008, the movie’s soundtrack enters stores today, August 26.

Drew Seeley was recently kind enough to participate in a brief Q&A with Armstrong Interviews, regarding his involvement with Another Cinderella Story. In addition, the singer and actor shared his thoughts on returning to the High School Musical franchise, while addressing his starring turn in Shortcut.

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Josh E. Armstrong: How did you land the role of Joey Parker in Another Cinderella Story?

Drew Seeley: Good old-fashioned auditioning. [laughs] I went in and read with Selena [Gomez], and then I came back again to do more scenes. Then I waited and wondered for a few weeks before getting the phone call!

JA: When you took the role, did you know that you would also co-write songs for the movie?

DS: I didn’t but really hoped to. I’m lucky that everyone was so open to my ideas!

JA: Were any of the songs you wrote not used in the film? If so, will fans be able to hear the song(s) elsewhere?

DS: I wrote a couple more, and I’m sure someday they’ll be available.

JA: What aspect of being in Another Cinderella Story did you enjoy most?

DS: The cast was amazing! Selena was a joy to work with, and Jane Lynch had me in hysterics. Learning all the dances, especially the tango, was challenging but fun. And we got to shoot in beautiful Vancouver too!

JA: Between singing and acting, which do you prefer to do more?

DS: I love both!

JA: What’s the next step in your music career? An album, perhaps?

DS: I’m just writing with a lot of great people right now. So we’ll see where that leads.

JA: Do you feel you will ever return to the High School Musical franchise?

DS: I’d love to, but I don’t know in what way. I’m open to anything right now.

JA: What can you say regarding your role in the upcoming Shortcut? The film seems to be different than the movies your fans are used to seeing you in.

DS: Yeah, some of my younger fans, I would say it’s a little to mature for… But it’s something I’m really proud of. If you wanna go out with your friends and get scared, check it out!

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For more information on Drew Seeley, be sure to visit his official site and the Drew Seeley Street Team.

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