The enchantment of a musical performance on screen often originates from countless hours of strenuous work, creativity, and collaboration. A captivating example of this is the number “Crushing Me” from the popular Paramount+ show “Grease: Rise Of The Pink Ladies”. Not long ago, cast members Tricia Fukuhara and Ari Notartomaso shared their behind-the-scenes experiences during the filming of this unforgettable scene.
Harnessing the Power of Collaboration
Tricia Fukuhara, the talent behind the character Nancy, shared insights into the creation of the scene. She revealed that the formation was an intimate and collaborative journey with Jeffrey and Jamal Sims. A moment that stood out involved Tricia getting extraordinarily close to another character’s face, a balance between the director’s vision and the actor’s comfort.
Tapping into Inner Artistry
Ari Notartomaso, who skillfully brings to life the character Cynthia Zdunowski, navigated their unique set of challenges and triumphs. Ari was tasked with incorporating a Southern twang for the musical number, a challenge they embraced by channeling their inner K.D. Lang. Ari’s commitment to character authenticity and their dedication to the music added a sincere touch to the overall performance.
It’s All in the Details
Both Tricia and Ari shed light on the intricacies of handling props in a scene. They described a deceptively minor task – attaching a small item to a stick – that took countless takes to perfect. This insight into the filming process underlined the camaraderie and humor shared between cast members, even when facing such challenges.
Applauding the Unseen Heroes
Ari expressed admiration for the cast who remained static for extended periods, maintaining their posture and offering convincing performances. Ari’s recounting of an adrenaline-filled scene featuring an oncoming horde of ‘zombies’ underlined the intense atmosphere created on set.
Collectively, “Crushing Me” is more than just a testament to the talents of Fukuhara, Notartomaso, and the rest of the cast. It’s a tribute to the collaboration and meticulous work that forms the backbone of a successful musical number. These behind-the-scenes glimpses remind us that dedication and teamwork are fundamental to a hit show like “Grease: Rise Of The Pink Ladies.”
Check out the full musical number below.
