Joshua Bassett, the star of High School Musical: The Musical the Series, has opened up about his experience in the Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors. In an interview with the Zach Sang Show, Bassett revealed that while he had a wonderful time, the demands of live theater weren't his 'calling'.
"It was definitely a challenge," Bassett said. "I think I don't want to, I don't think theater is my calling. I have an appreciation and respect for theater as well as ballet and opera." Bassett's comments come in the wake of Timothee Chalamet's controversial remarks against the artform. However, Bassett was quick to praise his co-stars, particularly Joy Woods, who played the role of Audrey to his Seymour.
"Joy Woods is awesome and a wonder and she's so funny and smart and brilliant and effortless and I love the cast. It was a beautiful experience, but it was good for a time and I'm on to other things," he said. Bassett also revealed that he is still waiting for the right opportunity to return to the stage, specifically a Hairspray revival where he could play the role of Link Larkin.
While Bassett's comments may have come as a surprise to some, they highlight the challenges that many performers face in the world of live theater. The demands of performing eight shows a week for 10 weeks are no small feat, and it's clear that Bassett is looking for new opportunities to explore his craft. The 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards, which will feature live stats for the Best Featured Performer in a Musical, will no doubt be a platform for performers like Bassett to showcase their talent and continue to push the boundaries of live theater.
In my opinion, Bassett's comments are a refreshing reminder that every performer has their own unique journey and that success in the world of theater is not solely defined by the number of shows performed. What makes this particularly fascinating is the insight it provides into the pressures and challenges that performers face, and the importance of recognizing and respecting the diverse paths that artists can take. From my perspective, Bassett's comments also highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of the performing arts, and the importance of supporting and celebrating the unique talents and experiences of each individual performer.
