Bart Johnson Says It ‘Pains’ Him This Number Was Cut From “High School Musical”

Bart Johnson, best known for his role as Coach Jack Bolton in the iconic “High School Musical” series, recently shared a heart-wrenching revelation during a podcast interview. Johnson expressed his disappointment over a musical number that was cut from the first movie of the franchise. Despite his love for the films, Johnson confessed that not being able to participate in a dance sequence was a significant letdown for him.

In a candid conversation on the Magical Rewind podcast on August 27, Johnson reminisced about his time working on the High School Musical movies. As the on-screen father of protagonist Troy Bolton, played by Zac Efron, Johnson’s character was portrayed as a staunch supporter of sports over musical theatre. However, he revealed his admiration for the musical numbers in the films, even though he never had the chance to showcase his dancing skills.

The 54-year-old actor disclosed that there was an original plan for Coach Bolton to partake in a dance number alongside Alyson Reed’s Ms. Darbus, the anti-sports drama teacher in the first movie. Regrettably, the scene featuring the characters singing and dancing to a dynamic duet inspired by “Annie Get Your Gun” was scrapped before filming. Johnson expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m so mad about it. We didn’t shoot it.”

The decision to eliminate the dance number was attributed to time constraints and budget limitations, with Johnson revealing that cost-cutting measures often prioritized expediency in filmmaking. Despite his youthful energy at the time, Johnson humorously remarked that his character as a dad was deemed expendable in the editing process. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Johnson expressed a desire for the scene to be filmed and released as bonus content for fans.

In light of the nostalgic appeal of the High School Musical franchise, Johnson finds solace in social media platforms like TikTok, where he can vicariously live out Coach Bolton’s ‘fantasy life’ by sharing dance videos with his followers. Although he missed out on the chance to showcase his dancing prowess in the films, Johnson enthusiastically recreates iconic dance routines from the movies on TikTok, delighting fans with his renditions.

As the 20th anniversary of the original High School Musical film approaches, Johnson remains grateful for the opportunity to engage with fans through social media, allowing him to fulfil his passion for dance and music. While he continues to cherish his time on set, Johnson candidly admits that the absence of the Darbus dance number will forever linger as a bittersweet memory from his High School Musical experience.

Despite his disappointment over the omitted musical sequence, Johnson’s positivity shines through as he embraces the enduring legacy of High School Musical and engages with fans through digital platforms. With a touch of humour and a spirit of resilience, Bart Johnson embodies the enduring charm of the beloved franchise, captivating audiences with his lively TikTok performances and heartfelt reflections on his time as Coach Bolton.