A dramedy feature starring Heidi Gardner and William H. Macy is getting ready to make a splash as it adds to its cast.
Lamorne Morris (Spider-Noir, Fargo), Abby Elliott (The Bear, SNL), Michael Strassner (The Baltimorons) and Joey Bicicchi (Rudderless) have joined the cast of The Swimming Lesson, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. THR previously broke the news that Gardner and Macy will star in writer-director Casey Twenter’s indie film that is set to begin production next month in Gardner’s hometown of Kansas City.
The Swimming Lesson centers on Tay (Gardner), a single mother who leaves behind her complicated life in Los Angeles to return to her childhood home. She winds up embroiled in a custody battle over son Albee, an autistic child who is obsessed with the ocean but terrified of swimming. Macy co-stars as Leonard, Tay’s foul-mouthed father whose blunt nature can sometimes disguise the fact that he remains loyal to his daughter and grandson.
Morris will play charming swim instructor Caleb, while Elliott takes on the role of Vickie, the new wife of Tay’s ex. Additionally, Strassner plays Tay’s longtime friend Reiger, and Bicicchi portrays Albee’s newly sober father Steve.
Newcomer Hudson Escudero makes his feature debut as Albee. The production prioritized casting an young autistic performer in the role to embody the character with lived experience.
Heidi Gardner (left) and William H. Macy
Nina Westervelt/Variety/Getty Images; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety/Getty Images
Twenter marks his solo directorial feature debut with the project that he co-wrote with Jeff Robison. Twenter and Robison previously co-wrote the 2014 drama Rudderless, which was Macy’s directorial debut and landed distribution after premiering at Sundance.
“From top to bottom, this is a murderers’ row of talent,” says Twenter. “This is a deeply personal story, and I’m beyond grateful that these actors have chosen to tell it alongside me. Their excitement for the material has been energizing from the start, and it has only strengthened my own belief in what we’re making.”
The Swimming Lesson’s producers include Dan Koetting for KP’s Remain and Robison for Kindling Productions, along with Jen Greenstreet and Mandi Kearns for Just Like You Films. Mark Williams serves as director of photography, and Mateo Messina is composing the music. Spark Casting’s Stefanie Seifer and Hailey Giles are handling casting.
Morris is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360 and The Lede Company. Elliott is repped by Paradigm Talent Agency and OPE Partners. Strassner is repped by Paradigm Talent Agency and Stride Management. Bicicchi is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment. Escudero is repped by The Osbrink Agency, Rebel Creative Group and Campbell Agency.