Good morning!
In these few weeks leading up to showtime, I'll be introducing you to each of the 2026 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flooding this blog with show details.
Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present “Shades of Noir." an original radio theater production, at 2 and 7 p.m. April 18 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.
Admission is $5.
One of the author/performers is Jennifer Russ.
Jenny Russ is a freelance writer focusing on animal welfare and human rights. They are the author of “The Heart’s Bone,” a fictional account of Tibet’s youngest self-immolators, and “Whitewallsville: One Man’s Journey Through Tigers, Frozen Birds, and Suicide,” a story of grief and redemption set within the walls of a mental institution.
She also recently published a third and fourth book under a pen name.
When Jenny is not tackling the serious topics, they enjoy petting dogs, smelling old books, cosplay, and traveling the world.
Contact Jenny at jrussauthor@gmail.com.
The other authors and performers on April 18 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, and Duanne Walton.
Director is Jake Thomas.
Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.
Cast T-shirt sponsors are Coops Bowsmith and Holly Coop Books.
Cast supplies provided by Edward and Nancy Calkins.
Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.
In addition, the first ten attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S.
The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.
The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.
For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com.
