Writer/Director/Producer Ric Klass announced that Tom Pelphrey (two-time Daytime Emmy Award winner), Melissa Archer (“One Life to Live”) and Ewa Da Cruz (“As the World Turns”) will star in the comedy “Excuse Me for Living.” The all-star ensemble cast includes Christopher Lloyd, Robert Vaughn, James McCaffrey, Wayne Knight, Jerry Stiller, David A. Gregory, Tonja Walker and Dick Cavett. Donna McKenna is casting. Filming begins this month in New York City and Westchester.
“It’s an extraordinary pleasure to have an all star cast, beautiful locations, and a superb crew bring this story to life. I am looking forward to working with such an outstanding group of talented actors.” Stated writer/director Klass.
“Excuse Me for Living” is the story of Dan Topler (Pelphrey), a rich, smart, suicidal twenty-something who dropped out of medical school to pursue his own drug habit. Well provided for and a bit coddled, he refuses to grow up or get happy. After a suicide attempt on the George Washington Bridge lands him in an upscale rehabilitation clinic, Dr. Jacob Bernstein (Vaughn) takes him under his wing. The doctor issues these commands: obey the no- drugs rules, and join the geriatric temple men’s group he leads – or face incarceration.
Despite Dan’s negative attitude attending the seniors’ club, he finds he’s among accomplished men and becomes engrossed with their lives. Meanwhile, Dan’s prep school friends continue to lure Dan to bacchanals. Dan’s addiction and tired mind can’t resist the drugs, booze, and women. Until he beomes smitten with Laura (Archer), Dr. Bernstein’s daughter. Resolving to turn his life around, he confronts his friends and begins to listen at his group sessions, eventually realizing he has more to offer and to learn than he ever knew.
Da Cruz plays Charlie, a driven divorce lawyer who takes pleasure in taunting men. McCaffrey plays Barry, a university professor, content to be a bachelor, until he meets Charlie. Lloyd plays Lars, a patient at the clinic who isn’t quite right and continually pretends to be the doctor. Knight plays Albert Topler, Dan’s successful and adulterous father. Walker plays Albert’s mistress, Elaine. Stiller portrays Morty, a member of the men’s group who is estranged from his family. Gregor portrays Bruce, an investment banker playboy. Cavett takes on the role of Reverend Pilatus.
Chase Bowman is the Director of Photography; Kristen Adams (“My Blueberry Nights”) serves as Production Designer; David Tabbert (“Martha Marcy May Marlene”) signed on as Costume Designer and award-winning Editor Scott Conrad will edit.