See the cast of “Root” below!
JACKSONVILLE, FL (July 15, 2025) –– The Florida Theatre is proud to present “Root,” the fourth show in the fourth season of Untold Stories, an oral storytelling event, at the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available at www.floridatheatre.com or (904) 355-2787.
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.
Here are the storytellers and the musical act for “Root”:
Mark Creegan - Storyteller
Mark is a Jacksonville-based artist, songwriter, and educator. His artwork alternates between painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, installation, and performance, often exploring abstraction and the found object. Mark’s songs are often humorous yet poignant glimpses into a mind fascinated by drawing, ghosts, school supplies, and epigenetics.
Jimmy Peluso - Storyteller
Jimmy is a resident of Jacksonville, FL. A graduate of George Washington University, he was commissioned as a Naval Officer and was assigned to USS Dubuque and USS Carr. After resigning from active service, Jimmy began working in governmental affairs. He works at VyStar Credit Union as the Government Affairs Manager. In May 2023, Jimmy was elected to the Jacksonville City Council for District 7, representing Ortega, Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill, Durkeeville, New Town, LaVilla, Brooklyn, Downtown, Springfield, and Eastside. He currently serves in the US Navy Reserves and holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Lena Shaqareq - Storyteller
A Palestinian born in Qatar, Lena Shaqareq moved to the U.S. at 15 and built a nearly 20-year career in education, teaching from preschool to college. Her love for language and culture inspired her to launch a business supporting immigrants and refugees. A published author of children’s books and teaching resources, she believes in storytelling’s power to connect and inspire. When not teaching or spending time with family and friends, she enjoys dancing, playing piano, and exploring the world. A proud winner of a BABS’LAB Story Slam, Lena brings her stories from the intimate stage of the classroom to a wider audience.
Anthony Anurca – Musical Act
Anthony, a Jacksonville native, is a classically trained bassoonist who plays with the Jacksonville Symphony. He received a Bachelor's of Music in Bassoon Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Anthony’s love for musical improvisation has been profoundly elevated with his time training at BABS'LAB. He lives to create sound spaces for sonic exploration that facilitate deep healing and cross the boundaries of genre.
Barbara Colaciello – Storyteller/Host
Barbara is a multi-faceted artist whose career began at Andy Warhol’s Factory in New York City, where she served as Advertising Director of Interview magazine. For over two decades, she has written, directed, produced, and performed socially engaged theater that opens space for complex, nuanced conversations often missing from mainstream discourse. Barbara is the Artistic Director and Host of Untold Stories, where for four seasons she has helped others bring their truths to the stage. A performance artist and narrative coach, she is also the founder of BABS’LAB, a creative home for storytelling in Jacksonville. During “Root,” Barbara will share her own voice, telling a personal story rooted in the theme at the center of the evening.
Untold Stories is a project of the nonprofit Florida Theatre. The 2024-2025 season of Untold Stories is directed by Barbara Colaciello.
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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.