Storytelling fest set for Oct. 26 in Waukegan

In honor of Ray Bradbury, world-famous author of short stories and native son of Waukegan, the Waukegan Public Library Foundation is hosting the second Annual Ray Bradbury Storytelling Festival/Literary Monsters Oct. 26 at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.

Nationally acclaimed Storytellers Jim May, Jon Spelman and Megan Wells will tell scary stories ranging from tales suitable for the youngest audience to the stories of Dracula and Frankenstein as the evening progresses.

The festival will begin at 5 p.m. with the family show, "Laughing at the Shadows" designed for younger children, with Jim May telling his renowned "Boo Baby" story and other classic Halloween tales. These are classic "monster under the bed" types of stories. Doors open at 4 p.m. for this performance with Halloween activities in the lobby. Concessions available will include hot cider and other treats. The performance will run from 5 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for children aged 12 and younger. Children can wear their Halloween costumes.

The 8 p.m. performance, "Courting Darkness," is suggested for ages 12 and up. Introduction will include a video clip of Bradbury talking about the influences in his writing, including literary monsters. This storytelling performance will include tales from Bradbury, Edgar Allen Poe and the gothic greats Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley. Tickets for the evening performance are $17; group rates are available.

Tickets will go on sale at the Genesee Theatre on Sept. 7, and be available at the Genesee Theatre Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (312) 559-1212 or at www.ticketmaster.com.