Melissa Ponzio – Cheerleader Nightmare

By starrymag | July 29, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects you have been working on?

 

A) Things are still going strong between Donna and Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) on “Chicago Fire.”  We just had our first shooting day on Season 7 and I’m looking forward to what happens next with our beloved family. And I’m excited for everyone to see Cheerleader Nightmare this Sunday.

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for Cheerleader Nightmare.

 

A) On the surface Cheerleader Nightmare is a ‘who done it murder mystery’, but it’s really layered with all the ‘nightmares’ we face as teenagers in high school…love and betrayal, navigating popularity and friendships, parent’s expectations, secret keeping, feeling like you are alone but finding your way at the same time…it’s all in there.

 

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

 

A) I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Lifetime once again. Early in my career I was lucky to perform on “Army Wives” with a beautiful cast and crew. So, to be back with Lifetime is really a full circle moment.

 

 

Q) Was there anything you added to your role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

 

A) There is one quick moment that was improvised in the flower shop…we were rehearsing and I wanted to do something funny and unexpected to Taylor [Murphy] before our scene. The improv actually worked and Danny [Boyle] said to keep doing it, which is always a great feeling when your director likes something organic that you do…but I can’t tell you because it will give it away! You’ll have to watch!!

 

 

Q) What did you find challenging about your portrayal?

 

A) It’s always challenging when you are portraying a loss of any kind, especially someone so close to you. And to play a Mom to a child who’s lost their friend, AND a cheer coach who cares for all the girls who were dear friends and closest with the victim, that’s heavyhearted.

 

 

Q) Talk about working with costar Taylor Murphy.

 

A) Yay Taylor! She’s great!! We had a lot of fun together in our scenes.  I remember there’s a long heart-to-heart conversation while we are sitting on the couch together and it was pretty effortless between the two of us. That was really special.  And she took a lot of pride and time with her wardrobe on the show, a lot of the pieces Taylor wore were her own. She was very hands on.

 

 

Q) What advice did director Danny J. Boyle offer that you took to heart while filming?

 

A) Danny is one of my favorite directors I’ve worked with. He speaks my language when it comes to informing everyone what he wants – he is to the point in the best way!  We spoke before shooting and we both acknowledged it was an ambitious shooting schedule (maybe three weeks for the whole project) for the sheer amount of script that was presented. But his vibe was great. He said if everyone knows their material, we can get through it fast and have fun along the way. He was undaunted and that carried into everyone on set. We really didn’t have any hiccups or late days, everyone was on their game.

 

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming Cheerleader Nightmare?

 

A) The cast and crew were terrific, so warm and welcoming. We shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico and everywhere you look is beautiful.  It was my first time there to really experience authentic cuisine with red and green chilies.

 

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to the movie?

 

A) Totally! I so appreciate anyone who takes the time to live tweet or who reaches out with something fun on social media. It’s a blast to see everyone’s responses or to become an amusing meme. That’s high praise. [smiles] Lifetime has a very dedicated audience and I hope they enjoy Cheerleader Nightmare as much as we did shooting it.

 

 

Q) What do you think it is about the movie that will make it a fast Lifetime favorite?

 

A) Aren’t all Lifetime movies favorites??? [smiles] They know their audience and deliver timely, authentic stories to them. This one does the same with a teenage twist.  Everyone strives to survive high school in their own ways. This is a great trip down memory lane for many of the hurdles we encountered and persevered through, to become the adults we are today…and it’s just a fun movie to watch! Grab your popcorn!!!

 

 

Q) We loved seeing you on “Teen Wolf” as Melissa McCall. What did you take away from your experiences on the show?

 

A) Thank you so, so, so much! “Teen Wolf” is just as alive today in my heart as it was the last day of shooting. We all were so lucky to have six seasons together of fun, laughter and a lot of drama ON screen. [smiles] When you have a group of people who really care about each other, and really want to be there every day, it’s magical. I miss going to work every day, not everyone gets to experience that feeling. We all were charmed to be a part of something so special.

 

 

Q) Who have you stayed in touch with since the series ended?

 

A) We all shout out to one another all the time on social media. And everyone has such strong friendships to this day, when you catch up with one person you actually are catching up with everyone because everyone still keeps in touch is some way.  Many of us were just together for two weekends in a row for “Teen Wolf” conventions in Paris and Rome, so we got to hang out a ton. It was great to be in the same room again.

 

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) First and foremost, thank you so much for being here with me. I treasure everyone’s support and acceptance with my work…and just as a regular chick in this world. Looking forward to what’s next for all of us!