*CLEVELAND (April 23, 2026) — **The Last Shop on Walnut*, a feature-length independent drama shot in Northeast Ohio that explores family, grief, gentrification and courage, will enjoy its red carpet world premiere on Thursday, May 14th at the Cedar-Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights. A portion of the proceeds from the event will support the *Charles & Margaret Jones Endowed Scholarship Fund at College Now*, helping academically qualified and financially eligible students pursue and complete higher education. *The Last Shop on Walnut* follows Marvin Statler *(Peter Lawson Jones)*, who has spent years of self-confinement in the building he owns that houses both his lamp store and the apartment above it in which he lives. As mounting debt, neighborhood decline and gentrification threaten the survival of his shop, a former love interest *(Kym Whitley)* and the arrival of a mysterious young man force Marvin to confront both long‑buried guilt about his relationship with his brother *(Donald Webber, Jr.)* and a terrifyingly uncertain future. *Last Shop* stars Jones, a former Cuyahoga County Commissioner and state representative, whose career spans film (*A Man Called Otto*, *White Boy Rick*), television (*Chicago Fire*) and stage. Also starring in the film are Cleveland-native Whitley, a three‑time NAACP Image Award winner, whose extensive television and film career includes roles in *Happy Gilmore 2*, *Curb Your Enthusiasm* and *Next Friday*; and Webber, currently appearing on Broadway as Aaron Burr in *Hamilton* and a member of the recurring cast of Apple TV+’s Emmy-Award winning series, *Severance.* “*The Last Shop on Walnut* is a film that explores complicated family, community and social dynamics firsthand,” said screenwriter/director *Jason Richardson*. “It has been an honor to craft this screenplay and bring it to life together with our talented cast and crew.” “What a privilege it is for me to be part of a film that was so tenderly written, beautifully shot and exquisitely acted,” reflected Jones, who established the endowed scholarship at College Now named for his parents. “Audience, bring your sense of humor … and a box of tissues.” *Event Details* · *5:30 p.m.* – VIP Reception (for sponsors and VIP ticket holders) *The Wine Spot, 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights* · *6:30 p.m.* – Doors Open *Cedar Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights* · *7:30 p.m.* – Film screening begins. A post-premiere talkback with Richardson, Jones and Whitley will occur immediately following the screening. *Tickets, sponsorships and donations may be purchased at **cngc.org/PLJ* <https://cngc.org/plj>*.*