Any Way You Want Me: A Cast of Stage Veterans Brings Heart to a Classic Hollywood Love Story

When Stage Meets Screen: A New Hollywood Romance

There's something wonderfully nostalgic about watching a film that feels like it could have been made in the golden age of Hollywood. That's exactly what we're getting with Any Way You Want Me, a romantic drama currently shooting in Toronto, and it's bringing a whole new level of theatricality to the screen.

"It's great to get a chance to return to my stage roots with the pathos of this film, which started when I studied at Studio 58 in Vancouver, and of course at Second City," said Colin Mochrie. "Improv and theater are closely related, and there's something incredibly exciting about bringing that experience into Rana's world."

With the addition of comedy veterans Colin Mochrie (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”) and Andrea Martin (“Evil,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), the film is poised to offer audiences not just a love story, but an ode to the theatrical spirit that once defined Hollywood.

The Cast: A Stage to Screen Dream Team

The ensemble cast of Any Way You Want Me is quite the powerhouse. Leading the charge is Fina Strazza, who makes her Broadway debut at eight and was recently nominated for a Tony Award for best performance by a featured actress in a play. Her character, Billie Blake, returns to her hometown after her mother's unexpected inheritance, setting up a story of love, reconciliation, and truth that echoes through the decades.

Joining her are a dream team of performers with roots in both theater and screen. Cobie Smulders, known for her roles in How I Met Your Mother, The Lincoln Lawyer, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, brings her own brand of charm to the screen. Iris Apatow, daughter of Judd Apatow, is set to make her mark in Magazine, a Toronto-based film that's already gaining buzz. Brian Altemus, with his work in Brilliant Minds and Shelter, brings depth to the role of Calvin Wilkes, Billie's high school sweetheart.

But it's the addition of Mochrie and Martin that truly elevates this film. Mochrie, a name synonymous with improv and stage work, and Martin, a Tony Award-winning veteran, are not just actors — they're storytellers who understand how to breathe life into a character through the lens of theatrical tradition.

From Stage to Screen: A Timeless Formula

The film's 1950s New England setting is more than just a backdrop; it's a carefully curated aesthetic that harks back to the golden era of American cinema. Director Rana Strazza has crafted something that feels both familiar and fresh, a story that could have been pulled from the pages of For Whom the Bell Tolls or The Sound of Music, but with a modern sensibility.

Mochrie's experience in theater and improv gives him a unique edge — he understands how to find emotional truth in performance, which is especially crucial in a period piece. His connection to Second City and Studio 58 speaks volumes about the deep roots of his artistic journey.

Andrea Martin, with her decades of experience in theater and film, brings a level of gravitas that can only come from someone who has lived through the evolution of entertainment. Her work in SCTV, alongside Steve Martin, Catherine O'Hara, and John Candy, is a testament to her ability to blend comedy with drama.

Together, these actors form a nucleus around which the story revolves — a carefully crafted ensemble that reflects both the era's aesthetic and its emotional resonance.

The Emotional Core: Truth in Love

What makes Any Way You Want Me particularly compelling is its focus on truth in relationships. Billie and Calvin's love story isn't just about falling in love — it's about confronting the lies and truths that have shaped them over time.

"Improv and theater are closely related, and there's something incredibly exciting about bringing that experience into Rana's world," Mochrie said. "I'm thrilled to be working with Andrea, Fina, and the rest of this wonderful cast."

This emotional honesty is what gives the film its heart. As Billie returns to her hometown and finds herself reacquainted with Calvin, we're not just watching a romance unfold — we're witnessing a process of self-discovery and reconciliation.

The supporting cast — including Marium Carvell, Rebecca Ablack, Jennifer Hui, Michaela McGowan, Robert Fulton, and Joseph Daly — round out the ensemble in a way that feels both authentic and cinematic. Each character has a role to play in this emotional journey, and together they form a tapestry of human experience.

Behind the Scenes: A Labor of Love

The production is being handled by First Magnitude Films and Stagg Forrest Films, with a shoot that's set to wrap in mid-October. The film's commitment to authenticity is evident not only in its casting but also in its dedication to creating an immersive world.

This isn't just another romantic drama — it's a carefully orchestrated love letter to the past, and it's clear that everyone involved wants to honor both the genre and the legacy of those who came before. With the right direction and a cast as seasoned as this one, Any Way You Want Me has all the ingredients for a timeless classic.

Final Thoughts: A Film Worth Watching

In an era where films often lean toward spectacle over substance, Any Way You Want Me stands as a refreshing reminder of what cinema can be — honest, emotionally resonant, and deeply rooted in the traditions that make storytelling so powerful. With Colin Mochrie, Andrea Martin, and a stellar ensemble cast, this film is one to watch as it moves from Toronto to theaters near you.

Whether you're a fan of period dramas or simply love stories that tug at your heartstrings, Any Way You Want Me delivers on every front. So grab your favorite cozy blanket and prepare for a cinematic journey through time — one that reminds us just how beautiful the truth can be.