BWW Interviews: Mollee Gray Talks Disney Channel's TEEN BEACH MOVIE

Four years ago, Mollee Gray lit up the SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE stage with a run that landed her in the Top 8 and the hearts of fans everywhere. Now, she's taking her moves to the beach in Disney's next big TV musical.

Much like HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, TEEN BEACH MOVIE's title is pretty straightforward. But there's more to this flick than summer romance and catching some sun. Mackenzie (Maia Mitchell) and Brady (Ross Lynch)'s summer surfing fling is brought to an unceremonious end when Mackenzie's aunt cashes in on her promise to move away and start getting serious about her future. Before they part ways for good, Brady insists that they catch one last killer wave together. Unfortunately, the wave is a little too killer. After falling off their boards, they wake up inside of Brady's favorite movie WET SIDE STORY, which seems like a dream come true until they catch the eyes of the film's leading man and lady. If they want to get back to their own lives and spend their last day together, they have to make sure the movie's plot unfolds as planned despite the new romantic tangle.

The movie within the movie is a fun, musical throwback to '60s rock'n'roll, pitting the bikers and the surfers against each other as rival gangs. Think GREASE meets WEST SIDE STORY with a good, clean Disney twist. And that's where Mollee comes in.

Mollee spoke exclusively with BWW about the movie, what advice former director Kenny Ortega (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL) gave her and who she's rooting for on this season of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.

First off, can you tell us a little bit more about your character Giggles and her role in the film?

Giggles is a part of the surfer clique in "Wet Side Story," the movie that Mack and Brady get sucked into. She loves to dance, be on the beach, and have fun in whatever she does...like me!

You appeared in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and on the hit show SHAKE IT UP, so obviously you had already found a home at Disney. How did you get involved in this particular movie?

I did a pilot with Disney Channel where I got to play a spunky cheerleader. When casting at Disney saw that, they asked me to come in and audition for the role of Giggles, and then I ended up getting the role.

What was the energy like on set?

The energy was purely amazing! Everyone is so positive and optimistic. It felt like I was in a dream because everything and everyone was so incredible!

Do you have any favorite memories from filming?

I think the best memories were when the cast would have "jam sessions" after filming. We would go to someone's hotel room, Ross (Lynch) and John (DeLuca) would bring their guitars, and we would write songs or sing covers.

Do you have a favorite number from the film?

My favorite number is "Surf Crazy."

Comparisons seem unavoidable in teen pop culture these days, and TEEN BEACH MOVIE is already being called the next HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Do you think it's a fair comparison? What do you think is unique to TEEN BEACH MOVIE?

I think we can take that as a compliment because the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL series were so successful. Although, they are not really similar at all! Yes they are musicals, but the story lines are completely different. I think what makes TEEN BEACH MOVIE so unique is that it's bringing back an era that was so influential and that a lot of parents can relate to...as well as kids with the story.

Did you watch the old Disney Original Movies? I know I was totally crazy about ZENON and CADET KELLY.

I loved THE LIZZIE MCGUIRE MOVIE and I always will! I'm huge ZENON fan as well.

Do you have a favorite summer movie?

Yes of course! I love BLUE CRUSH, which is pretty cool and ironic with being in Teen Beach movie.

You spent some time working with Kenny Ortega during HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and he helped to set you up with an agent. Did he give you any advice for your career?

Kenny Ortega is a huge reason why I am at the point I am in my career today. He always told me to "never stop being me and stay humble." I will continue to keep that in the back of my mind, and make sure I never let any success get to my head. His opinion and advice to me is so important. I would never want to give a negative impression.

With a successful run on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE behind you and TEEN BEACH MOVIE coming out, where would you like to see your career go from here? What is your dream gig at this point?

I would love to book a lead in a box office hit and also perform my music in front of arenas around the world. I really want to utilize my acting, singing, and dancing to my fullest capability.

What has been the biggest challenge you've had to overcome so far?

I think being deaf in my left ear has caused a lot of struggles with many avenues of my career. It has been hard to hear music for dance, which affects my singing as well, but in the end it made me push harder and I feel more accomplished for overcoming such a difficult thing.

Have you caught any of this season of SYTYCD? If so, is there anyone who stands out to you in particular?

I actually loved Jasmine Mason, and was really disappointed to see her go! Right now my new favorite girl is Amy and my favorite boy is Niko.

Finally, are there any important lessons you've learned on your journey so far that you could share with teens and aspiring dancers?

I have learned that you yourself are your biggest supporter. Don't let anyone tell you no. If you believe in yourself enough, you will make it happen and your dreams will come true!

TEEN BEACH MOVIE premieres tonight, July 19, on Disney Channel at 8 p.m. EST.

Mollee Gray was destined to be a dancer. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and raised in small town Orem. At a young age, Gray began formal studio dance training at The Dance Club in her hometown. At age 12, after attending an audition with Director Kenny Ortega, Gray booked a job dancing in the popular Disney movie HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Impressed by her talent, Ortega connected her with an agent. Due to the movie's success, she was given the opportunity to be a part of the two sequels that followed.

Gray will soon return to her Disney roots in the much anticipated TEEN BEACH MOVIE, set to premiere July 19 on the Disney Channel. She plays the fun, quirky, and lovable character named "GIGGLES," part of the classic beach party movie, Mack (Maia Mitchell) and Brady (Ross Lynch) get sucked into. According to The Huffington Post the film has "the potential to rival the wildly successful HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL Trilogy."

In addition to this much talked about role, the multi-talented actress is a veteran of the popular competition show, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. After accompanying a friend to what she thought would only be a taping, Gray soon found herself as part of the shows' sixth season, where she was a Top 8 finalist and fan-favorite. Her dance background has helped her land spots as a guest performer on THE VOICE, DANCING WITH THE STARS, ELLEN, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, as well as THE KID'S CHOICE AWARDS. She further showcased her talent on popular shows such as GLEE, BIG TIME RUSH, SHAKE IT UP, SURBURGATORY, VICTORIOUS and DROP DEAD DIVA.

Gray has proven herself to be a triple threat. She made her mark on the big screen with her memorable role as "Sari" in NO STRINGS ATTACHED, opposite Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman.

With a wealth of experience behind her, Gray's rise to the top continues. She has become a beloved role model to her fans, earning her two nominations for "Favorite Dance Idol" and "Favorite Dancer on TV/Film" at the upcoming KARtv Dance Awards.

When she's not acting or dancing, Gray is a budding musician with a passion for singing and writing her own material. With a style best described as alternative and a raspy, rocker voice she has released two singles in 2012. "You Don't Know Anything" and "Wasted" are aimed at a tween/young adult audience and both tracks can be found on iTunes.

Outside of work, Gray loves spending time with her parents and younger siblings Gage, Stone, and Star-Belle. She also enjoys being active outdoors, visiting the beach, and relaxing in the pool or hot tub.

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