The popular crime drama 'Mayor of Kingstown' continues to captivate audiences with its intense prison scenes and gritty storytelling. Recently, the show's co-creator Hugh Dillon pulled back the curtain on what happens behind the cameras, revealing some surprising challenges the cast faces during production.
Laura Benanti's Unexpected Fear on Set
In a candid interview with People magazine, Hugh Dillon shared fascinating insights about the actors working on the hit Paramount+ series. He specifically discussed Laura Benanti, who plays correctional officer Cindy Stephans in the show's fourth season.
Dillon revealed that Benanti has a significant fear of blood, which creates unique challenges during filming. "Laura doesn't like blood, and so... sometimes we've got to get alcohol swabs and put them under her nose," the co-creator explained. This unusual technique helps the actress manage her discomfort during scenes involving blood, even though the production uses fake blood.
Interestingly, Dillon noted that even though Benanti knows the blood isn't real, she still "had a reaction" to it, making the alcohol swabs a necessary precaution during intense filming days.
Embracing the Raw Prison Character
Laura Benanti herself opened up about taking on the challenging role of Cindy Stephans. The actress joined the cast in season 4 as a correctional officer, marking a significant departure from her previous roles.
Benanti described how the role required her to abandon all vanity. She wasn't permitted to wear makeup and had to style her hair in a simple, slicked-back ponytail. The production enhanced the authentic prison atmosphere by using overhead fluorescent lighting for most scenes, creating a stark, realistic environment.
"In a way that was freeing because I think as an actor we're probably always a little self-conscious about what we look like, and this was like, 'I know I look like a hag, and I'm just gonna keep going,'" Benanti shared candidly. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play such a raw, challenging character that pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
Behind the Scenes of the Gritty Drama
The revelations about Benanti's blood fear and the show's commitment to authenticity provide fascinating insight into the making of one of television's most intense dramas. 'Mayor of Kingstown' has built its reputation on realistic portrayals of prison life and law enforcement, which sometimes means actors must confront personal challenges to deliver authentic performances.
The production team's creative solutions, like using alcohol swabs to help Benanti manage her blood fear, demonstrate the collaborative effort required to bring such a complex series to life. These behind-the-scenes adaptations ensure that even actors with specific fears or discomforts can still deliver powerful performances that contribute to the show's gritty realism.
As 'Mayor of Kingstown' continues to explore the complex dynamics of the prison industrial complex, fans can appreciate the dedication and sometimes unconventional methods the cast and crew employ to create the compelling television drama that has earned such a loyal following.
