Jacksonville News

Photo by Member Mark Krancer, Kram Kran Photo

Photo by Member Mark Krancer, Kram Kran Photo

ARTICLE

Date ArticleType
1/27/2025 5:00:00 AM Member News

THE FOURTH SEASON OF UNTOLD STORIES, AN ORAL STORYTELLING EVENT, CONTINUES AT THE FLORIDA THEATRE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2025

See the full list of storytellers and musical curators for “Cloud” below!

 

JACKSONVILLE, FL (January 27, 2025) –– The Florida Theatre is proud to present “Cloud,” the second show in the fourth season of Untold Stories, an oral storytelling event, at the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. 

 

Individual show and season tickets are available at www.floridatheatre.com or (904) 355-2787.  Patrons who purchase season tickets will receive a 25% discount:

  • Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. – “Wave” Theme
  • Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. – “Cloud” Theme
  • Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. – “Trail” Theme
  • Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. – “Root” Theme

 

Untold Stories, now entering its 4th season, stands as a remarkable initiative brought to you by the nonprofit Florida Theatre.  Our mission is to honor the timeless tradition of oral storytelling in a contemporary setting.

 

After three successful seasons, each quarterly story evening unfolds with its own thematic arc.  The stage comes alive with personal and transformative tales from a diverse tapestry of voices, including natives and residents alike, all intimately connected to the culture of Northeast Florida.  From artists and tech enthusiasts to entrepreneurs, educators, and medical professionals, each storyteller unveils memories intricately interwoven and shaped by our unique environment.  Each evening features a curated musical journey by a guest artist, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for our audience.

 

The Artistic Director and host of Untold Stories, Barbara Colaciello of BABS’LAB, curates the evenings not merely as a collection of individual stories but rather as a cohesive whole, akin to a series of mini plays taking the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from laughter to tears, from introspection to inspiration.  Join us as we continue to celebrate the power of narrative and the vibrant cultural mosaic that defines Northeast Florida - its people, its landscapes, and its history - one story at a time.

 

All five storytellers and two musical curators for “Cloud” are in place:

 

Storyteller Elyse Berlin is a Southern soul singer-songwriter and storyteller.  Be it through genuine emotional narratives, or melodies that linger long after the song ends, she strives to create an atmosphere that feels honest and resonates with her audience.  As a Jacksonville native, Elyse is passionate about building community, celebrating the vibrant culture of Florida, and inspiring others to find their voice through her heartfelt storytelling and music.

 

Storyteller Rebecca R. Levy, a choreographer, performer, and dance educator based in Jacksonville, delves into the intricacies of the mind, feminism, and the dynamics that both unite and divide us in her dance works.  Infusing humor, elements of dance theater, and collaborations with visual artists, composers, costume designers, and filmmakers, her performances are entertaining, humorous, athletic, and rich in detail. 

 

Originally from Reidsville, North Carolina, storyteller Crystal Parker has called Jacksonville home since 1999.  After graduating, she spent some time in Newport News, Virginia, before settling in Jacksonville.  Crystal had an eclectic career path, holding 15 different jobs before finding her true passion in education.  She has since dedicated the last 24 years to making a difference as an educator.

 

Storyteller Ron Shreve is a passionate Jax artist and educator.  As a First Coast actor, he was last seen on stage at the Florida Theatre in Mame: The Broadway Musical In Concert.  Ron, Education Director at Theatre Jacksonville—the nation’s longest-running community theatre—wears many hats, teaching drama classes, coaching acting, producing shows, and directing the annual junior main stage production. 

 

Storyteller Sunny Vasquez is a versatile individual with a dynamic career as both a chef and a professional dancer.  Sunny's upbringing was marked by frequent movement and exploration.  This nomadic lifestyle instilled in him a profound love for nature, music, and food.  With an eye on the future, Sunny aspires to open a restaurant, contribute to global causes, and create lasting works of art. 

 

A Jacksonville native, musical curator Hannah Barrow received her Bachelor of Music degree from Florida State University, where she studied violin.  She continued her violin studies at Arizona State University, where she received a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in orchestral performance.  Hannah currently works as a freelance violinist and violist and performs regularly with various ensembles throughout the southeast, including the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, Bold City Contemporary Ensemble, and AmpleAngst.

 

Musical curator, Mike Bernos is an award-winning journalist who has written for USA Today, Gannett News Service, ABC News, and Christian Science Monitor.  He is the author of two books, Penance and A Devil’s Tale of Love and Redemption, as well as the founder and songwriter of the bands, AmpleAngst and Spice and the Po Boys, which produced the albums, Nine Lives Down, Thunder and Rain, and Buffalo.

 

Untold Stories is a project of the nonprofit Florida Theatre.  The 2024-2025 season of Untold Stories is directed by Barbara Colaciello.  Read Barbara’s bio here.

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About Untold Stories

Untold Stories is a live storytelling event.  Each performance features local storytellers from all walks of life telling personal and transformative tales from their own life experiences.  Each performance is based on a theme, and they all connect back to the culture of Northeast Florida.  Untold Stories is not an open mic night, but a theatrical event curated by Artistic Director Barbara Colaciello.  Each story performance is carefully crafted, and with the addition of a musical guest, each evening is akin to a series of mini plays on a theme, taking you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from laughter and tears to introspection and inspiration.  The live Untold Stories series is recorded for a podcast hosted by WJCT Public Media.

 

About the Florida Theatre

There is something for everyone at the Florida Theatre.  From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country, and blues to ballet, the historic Florida Theatre annually offers over 200 cultural and entertainment events for every taste and age.  For tickets or to learn more about our educational performances for schools, rentals, membership, or the nonprofit corporation that manages this majestic place, please visit us at www.floridatheatre.com