If movie musicals are the heartbeat of a generation, then Saturday is poised to become Gen Z’s new anthem. With 13 original tracks composed by industry veteran Mark Vogel and Lara Cody, a story that pulses with the rhythm of real teen life, Diane Foster’s latest film, Saturday – The Movie Musical, hits all the right notes.
The film, which just entered production, stars Drew Seeley—beloved for his role in High School Musical—in a return to the genre that made him a household name. But this time, he’s part of something bolder, richer, and more reflective of today’s diverse world. Saturday tells the story of a group of teens inside an SAT prep class who find their voice—literally and figuratively—through music.
Vogel, a BMI Award-winning composer known for his work on Full House and with legends like Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, describes the film’s music as “a hybrid of pop, musical theatre, and emotional storytelling.” He continues, “These songs aren’t just fun—they’re layered. They reflect the very real questions young people are asking themselves today.”
From up-tempo ensemble numbers to intimate solo ballads, the film’s score runs the gamut of emotion and genre. Its opening number, reportedly a kinetic classroom set piece, gives way to heartfelt solos about identity, inclusion, and the desire to be seen. The film closes with what Foster describes as “a musical crescendo of unity—a moment that will make you cry with the memory of high school years and then a high energy dance number to roll the credits and get everyone on their feet.”
The cast’s musical pedigree is formidable. Alongside Seeley are Broadway veterans like Desiree Davar and “American Idol” legend David Hernandez, as well as performers like Alondra Santos (America’s Got Talent) and a whole ensemble cast of TikTok-fueled triple threats. The soundtrack is being recorded concurrently with filming, allowing the cast’s live energy to shape final tracks.
“The musicality of this cast is electric,” Foster says. “We wanted each song to feel authentic to the characters while also being catchy and replayable. These are the kind of songs you will see people performing on TikTok, singing in their cars, or bringing into high school choir rooms.”
For Vogel and Foster, Saturday marks their second musical feature collaboration following Easter Bloody Easter, and it’s their most ambitious yet. With the backing of WallyBird Productions, the project exemplifies what happens when musical theater roots meet digital-era storytelling.
The film’s arrival also coincides with the 40th anniversary of The Breakfast Club, a touchstone teen film that’s being reexamined through a modern lens. During a recent reunion, star Molly Ringwald remarked that a reboot would be out of touch in today’s world, due to the original’s lack of diversity and representation. Saturday rises to meet that challenge. Through its inclusive casting, modern musical language, and deeply relatable themes, it delivers an evolved answer to the question of what a teen ensemble film can look and sound like in 2025 and beyond.
Foster’s director’s statement reads like a love song to the genre: “Growing up, movie musicals were my sanctuary. With Saturday, I wanted to bottle that same magic and give it today’s teens—a story that feels like theirs, with music they can carry in their hearts and lives.”
The film’s musical strategy isn’t just artistic—it’s cultural. From franchise potential to soundtrack and classroom performances, Saturday aims to echo the impact of Grease and High School Musical while speaking to the emotional truths of today’s youth.
With principal photography underway and the soundtrack already generating buzz, Saturday is well on its way to becoming not just a film, but a cultural legacy.
In a world overwhelmed by algorithms, Saturday offers melody, message, and meaning.
About the Film
“Saturday – The Movie Musical,” a cross between “High School Musical” and “The Breakfast Club,” is a Gen Z movie musical that explores identity, ambition, and belonging—all in one unforgettable day inside an SAT prep class. The film is written and directed by Diane Foster with choreography by Foster and Gina Rizzo Bishop. Produced by WallyBird Productions, it is based on the original stage play by Lara Cody and Mark Vogel, who also serve as writers. The film stars Drew Seeley and an ensemble cast of triple threats. Music by Mark Vogel. Filming began in April 2025 in Los Angeles.
For more details, visit wallybirdproductions.com or follow Diane Foster on Instagram.
Published by Drake M.
