Digital Cover: Tricia Fukuhara

Talent: Tricia Fukuhara
Photos: Timothy Fernandez
Stylist: Tabitha Sanchez
MUA: Pircilla Pae
Hair Stylist: Rikki Gash
Producer: Chrissy Wang
Words: + EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Special Thanks: Slate PR

Tricia Fukuhara is an up-and-coming Asian-American actress best known for Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Queenpins (2021) and Noggin.

We caught up with the young actress to talk about “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” which premiered on April 6th, 2023 on Paramount+. Remember to follow Tricia Fukuhara at @triciacat

“Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies,” is the prequel to the original “Grease”. What initially drew you to this project?

“Grease” has been in and out of my life since I was a child, so seeing that they were making a prequel was extremely excitng. I was thrilled that it was being produced with brand new characters, and couldn’t wait to watch, whether I booked it or not.

Tell us a little bit about your character, Nancy. In what ways are you similar and different?

Nancy is a powerhouse. She’s a creativee visionary who’s ahead of her time in the way that she thinks and the way that she expresses herself with fashion. In a world where everyone is trying to fit in, her singular goal is to stand out. We’re similar in that we’re both very career-driven, we both wear clothes (haha), and we both have a hard time asking for help. But while she’s unapologetically herself, I’m apologizing every time someone bumps into me. And I definitely can’t sew a fabulous new oufit overnight.

How did you get into character?

When we began, our showrunner, Annabel Oakes, and our director, Alethea Jones, sent me references like Lauren Bacall, Marlene Dietrich, and Bette Davis. I then pulled my own inspirations from things that they would say about her, and added aspects of other characters like Morticia/Wednesday Addams, and Moira Rose. As far as connecting with Nancy on a historic level, I went to museums, attended Zoom panels, and interviewed people to get a glimpse into what it was like to be an Asian American teenager living in the 1950s.

This show has 30 original songs/dance numbers. How did you prepare for this? Do you have a musical theatre background?

Yes, indeed! I’ve trained my whole life for this moment! Haha. I started taking class as a child, thanks to the scholarship donors at PAEC. Shoutout to PSA in Torrance! I continued studying at NYU, and I have a lot of experience working at theme parks, on cruise lines, and in immersive/interactive/improvisational theatre. All of those jobs taught me how to think quickly, and helped me build the stamina to work on a production as demanding as “Grease”.

What was your favorite moment of shooting? Why?

One moment that I’ll always remember as being pivotal to me, is when I had to “pop out” from behind the couch in the second episode. It was one of the first days on set, and I was still figuring out the tone of the show, and how Nancy fit into that world. I felt like I didn’t deliver exactly what our director wanted in the previous scene, so this time I decided I was going to make a HUGE choice, and let her pull me back if it was too much. So, I THREW myself over the top of the couch, and we had to stop because everyone was cracking up. It ended up working perfectly, so then I proceeded to roll myself back up and over the couch for each take. I was lying right underneath the camera for a lot of that scene. I think that was the moment I found Nancy. It was really special and hilarious.

“Ever since I was a child, I’ve looked up to Lea Salonga. I listened to her over and over as a Disney princess, and on a ton of OBCRs. You can feel her performance through the recordings, and I could only hope to embody that one day”

What was the most challenging number to shoot?

For me, definitely “World Without Boys”. Not only was it the first musical number we shot (after “Different This Year Reprise”), but it involved slow motion sequences that would go forward and backward, which meant sometimes I had to sing backwards. And at 48fps, which is fast. I sounded like an alien robot. Haha! We also learned that I needed to do the choreography backwards for certain shots. Jamal Simms, Jeffrey Mortensen, and Louise Hradsky quickly reversed the movements, and taught them to me in a few minutes so we could shoot a quick pick-up. I was really nervous, but everyone is insanely talented and supportive, and always has your back. I feel like people don’t get to see how much goes into a production number like that, and I’m really proud of the entire cast and crew for making it look so whimsically effortless.

What actors or entertainers have you looked up to? Who is your dream person to work with next?

Ever since I was a child, I’ve looked up to Lea Salonga. I listened to her over and over as a Disney princess, and on a ton of OBCRs. You can feel her performance through the recordings, and I could only hope to embody that one day. Same with Hugh Jackman. I saw him in “Back on Broadway,” and he looked right at me and joked “come on, students in the box (give us all your money)” as he was auctioning his tank top for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids. How can you star in a Broadway show, AND be Wolverine, AND be so hilarious and down-to-earth? As far as dream people to work with? Taika Waititi and Jordan Peele. I think they’re brilliant, and would also be incredibly fun to be around all the time.

What is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?

Having the drive to keep going. As an actor, you know that the industry is over-saturated, and that there aren’t enough jobs for everyone. It gets exhausting balancing 3+ survival jobs, while still pursuing your art, and facing rejection multiple times a day. I think the hardest part is keeping that dream alive when it feels like you’re constantly treading water.

Has your childhood influenced your acting?

Absolutely. On my first day of school, the first thing a peer said to me was, “My name is Jasmine, like the princess. You’re ugly.” So, I guess like Nancy, I have some insight on what it’s like to be bullied and feel like an outcast. But I’m very lucky to have a supportive family who’s always believed in me, and made sacrifices to allow me pursue my dreams. My parents would drive me to rehearsals, and everyone has helped me with a self tape in one way or another. I’d be nothing without them.

What did it feel like to put on the Pink Ladies jacket?

Honestly, I think I had to emotionally disconnect because I didn’t want to ruin my makeup. I never had a fittng for the jacket, so I was truly puttng it on for the first time ever. It felt like… a huge responsibility to pay homage to every single pink lady who’s come before me, and to audiences who’ve never seen themselves represented as a pink lady. But also…it felt like a hug. From the previous generations of “Grease” cast members, and from everyone (in the industry, and in the world), who’s paved the way for people like us to be able to play these new characters.

What sets the Pink Ladies from “Rise of the Pink Ladies” apart from the Pink Ladies in the original “Grease”?

I feel like we get the vibe that the Pink Ladies from the original are already “cool.” After all, they’re the ones who “rule the school.” Whereas, the Pink Ladies from our show are the complete opposite. They find each other because they’re not “cool.” They’re focused on social change, and making things better for the outcasts and marginalized communities at Rydell High. They walk so the Pink Ladies (who we already know and love) can run.

What impact do you hope to have on viewers seeing you as a pink lady?

I hope that people will feel seen. I didn’t grow up with a ton of actors who looked like me on TV or in the movies. So naturally, I never even dreamed this could even be possible. I hope that audiences will feel like they can relate to someone on the screen, and I hope that the people who grew up with the original “Grease” and didn’t feel represented, will now feel like their stories are being told.

What do you want viewers to take away from this show?

I hope that people can embrace who they are, and know that what makes them different is what makes them special. I hope that they have the courage to be themselves, to stand up for what’s right, and to surround themselves with people who empower them. And to be that person for someone else. GR8T