‘Grease’ Star Didi Conn and Austin P. McKenzie Lead Indie LGBTQ Dramedy ‘Actual Bodies’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Principal photography has started this week on “Actual Bodies,” writer and director Alex Wyse’s indie dramedy starring “Grease” star Didi Conn and Austin P. McKenzie.

The official description for the film states, “‘Actual Bodies’ tells the story of two loners who find belonging in the most unexpected of places. Joyce (Conn), a whimsical woman in her seventies, rents out her spare room on a vacation rental website to Anthony (McKenzie), a young gay man recently cast out of his family home. What results is a comedic and dramatic whirlwind of two opposing souls who butt heads, yearn for connection, and ultimately overcome their own emotional hurdles to accept kindness into their own lives.”

Other members of the cast include Greta Quispe (“American Fiction,” “New Amsterdam”), Paul Lieber (“Alias,” “Barney Miller”), Will Chase (“Stranger Things,” “Dopesick”), Jason Veasey (“Friendship,” “Only Murders in the Building”), Olli Haaskivi (“Oppenheimer,” “Winning Time”) and David T. Patterson (“The Gilded Age,” “Blue Bloods”).

Produced by Cody Lassen (“Summoning Sylvia,” “Indecent”), Trey Tetreault (“Holding Back the Tide”) and Wyse, the film is shooting in Montclair, N.J.

Lassen and Wyse previously collaborated on the indie comedy-horror “Summoning Sylvia,” which was released theatrically in 21 markets, acquired by Starz and maintains a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

“‘Actual Nobodies’ explores how those who are tossed aside by society are often the ones with the deepest hearts and the greatest stories to tell,” Wyse said in a statement. “With this incredible cast and crew, we’re exploring, in both personal and surprisingly humorous ways, the stumbles in trying to connect and the barriers we form as a result.”

Lassen added, “With its sharp blend of humor and heart, and driven by remarkable performances across the board, ‘Actual Nobodies’ is poised to resonate with both arthouse and mainstream marketplace partners seeking stories that offer genuine connection and a distinct voice.”

Conn is best known for her work was Frenchy in “Grease” and “Grease 2.” She can currently be seen on the Fox medical comedy “Best Medicine.” She recently recurred on the Amazon/A24 comedy “Overcompensating.” She is represented by Headline Talent Agency.

McKenzie is an actor and singer-songwriter whose work spans Broadway, television, film and music. As a recording artist, he has released four albums. He made his Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated revival of “Spring Awakening” and went on to star in ABC’s miniseries “When We Rise,” directed by Gus Van Sant.

Wyse is the co-director and writer of the GLAAD-nominated film “Summoning Sylvia,” co-director of the hit play “Cellino v. Barnes,” the co-writer/director, and star of the Daytime Emmy nominated series “Indoor Boys,” and author of the off-Broadway musicals “A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet” and “Picking Up Speed.” As an actor, his Broadway credits include “Good Night Oscar” and “Spring Awakening,” and his TV credits include “Elsbeth,” “Masters of Sex,” “Iron Fist” and “Bored to Death.” He is represented by CESD and Bold Management & Production.