WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Duanne Walton

Good morning! 

In the couple of 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 Duanne Walton.

Duanne, who is working on a mystery thriller, is known as an intrepid videographer and writes nicely structured stream of consciousness pieces.

He said, "Writing is my gift from God and it's been with me forever. It's seen me through rough times and brought me to WriteOn Joliet where I've found support, encouragement and friends. 

"I've also discovered other talents as an intrepid videographer, interpretive dancer or mime, and comic strip writer artist. I am blessed and thankful."

Unlike many of us, Duanne is extremely relaxed and confident in front of a microphone. Give him any piece and he can execute brilliantly on the first read. Come out and see for yourself - and check out his YouTube channel at 4thtroika (@4thtroika), where you'll his recordings of WriteOn Joliet live events along with a wide assortment of Duanne's videos on varied topics.

The other authors and performers on April 18 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, and Jenny Russ.

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.

WriteOn Joliet Open Mic Night 2025. Round One, Part One

On September 25, 2025, WriteOn Joliet held its first open mic night at Critical Grind in Shorewood.

Charter member Duanne Walton emceed and videotaped the entire event.

Here is the video to the first half hour of short performances.

Enjoy!

A Light in the Writer's Block Darkness

It's funny sometimes how life works out.

Every year for many years now, fellow original WriteOn Joliet member Duanne Walton has presented me with a thoughtful gift of some kind during the holidays.

For the last few years, that gift's been a candle.

The first candle was a "werewolf candle." I now burn this one sparingly because it's out-of-stock.

The second candle was called "The Playwright," which I burned during the oom rehearsals for WriteOn Joliet's oom radio play. That's the candle with the dusty lid, which I set aside to burn again for the 2026 radio play rehearsals.

This year's candle is called "Wordsmith." So now I have rehearsal choices.

And it's funny how life works out.

Because I wrote this post to post today.

And tonight launches WriteOn Joliet's 2026 radio play with our first table reading.

And due to brutally cold temperatures that are predicted for tonight, it's likely that table reading will move to Zoom, where I can burn this candle while we read.

You should also know that I presented Duanne with a special gift this year, too.

My niece and goddaughter Rachel, who directed WriteOn Joliet's two radio play, owns White Stag Wares with her husband Michael.

And Michael created this one-of-a-kind leather journal cover for Duanne, who journals regularly and has a robust collection of journals.

We selected the colors, texture, and size based on Duanne's preferences.

So Duanne, like me, will be able to enjoy his gift long, long past Christmas - and enjoy the  happy glow of a longstanding writely friendship.

Sue Midlock (Mydliak) at True North

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Duanne Walton

Good morning! 

In the couple of weeks leading up to showtime, I've been introducing you to each of the 2025 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flooding this blog with show details, since the big days are this weekend.

Ten members of WriteOn Joliet will present “We Can Be Heroes," an original radio theater production, at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Duanne Walton.

Duanne, who is working on a mystery thriller, is known as an intrepid videographer and writes nicely structured stream of consciousness pieces.

He said, "Writing is my gift from God and it's been with me forever. It's seen me through rough times and brought me to WriteOn Joliet where I've found support, encouragement and friends. 

"I've also discovered other talents as an intrepid videographer, interpretive dancer or mime, and comic strip writer artist. I am blessed and thankful."

Unlike many of us, Duanne is extremely relaxed and confident in front of a microphone. Give him any piece and he can execute brilliantly on the first read. Come out and see for yourself - and check out his YouTube channel at 4thtroika (@4thtroika), where you'll his recordings of WriteOn Joliet live events along with a wide assortment of Duanne's videos on varied topics.

The other authors and performers on April 25 and April 26 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Diana Estell, Jenny Russ, Cean Magosky, and Colleen H. Robbins.

Director is Anne Magosky

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

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 fifteen attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2024 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of Saporta Law Offices in Joliet.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit bicentennialpark.org or contact the office: 815-724-3761 or bipark@joliet.gov.

Open Mic Night 2019: Sue Midlock, Stephen Saporta, and Duanne Walton (ME!)