Block Party Announces Cast for Chicago Indie Feature

Hiffclanger Productions has announced the cast for Block Party, a Chicago-set independent feature written and produced by Hallie Palladino and directed by John Mossman. The film begins production this July in Chicago with a large ensemble of Chicago actors led by Lawrence Grimm and featuring David Pasquesi.

Set around a long-running neighborhood block party, Block Party is a warm-hearted romantic comedy with an intergenerational cast. When Julian returns home after his block captain father’s heroic death the neighbors enlist him to throw the block party in his dad’s place. He’s about to refuse, until he runs into the girl who broke his heart at the block party in 1996, and stays to throw the party for all the wrong reasons. Block Party is a romantic comedy, Chicago style. 

The cast are: Lawrence Grimm, Beth Lacke, Kelli Simpkins, Grace Steckler, Janyce Caraballo, Shariba Rivers, Jordan Lane Shappell, Sadieh Rifai, Jennifer Jelsema, Dexter Zollicoffer, Rudy Galvan, Michael B. Woods, Serena Palladino, Jazzanae Sherman, Richard Henzel, and Rennee Lockett. David Pasquesi appears in a featured role.

The film is being produced by Hiffclanger Productions, a new company founded by Hallie Palladino and her husband Rocco Palladino. They are joined by producers Jennifer Jelsema and Grace Hahn. This is their first film.

“Block Party has an incredible cast,” said Palladino. “Coming from theater I have watched so many of these actors on stage over the years, and I’ve worked with several. It’s a dream to get the opportunity to make a feature film together. We shot the first week in my house and I was starstruck to see Shariba Rivers in my living room and Kelli Simpkins in my kitchen. PR Casting made this process easy and fun for everyone. We got to see tons of actors we love, and many new faces as well. As for Lawrence Grimm, we’ve been developing this project together for over a year at A Red Orchid Studio. It’s so gratifying to see it come to life.” 

Production will take place in Chicago’s Edgewater and Bowmanville neighborhoods throughout July, with the film using local cast, crew, and locations. Block Party is  an independent feature with a focus on Chicago talent both in front of and behind the camera.

For more information follow @hiffclangerproductions on FB and Instagram.

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