The Florida Theatre is preparing to present “Root,” the fourth show in the fourth season of “Untold Stories,” an oral storytelling event, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Tickets are still available at floridatheatre.com or 904-355-2787.
“Untold Stories” stands as a remarkable initiative presented by the nonprofit Florida Theatre. The 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 the audience.
Here are the storytellers and the musical act for “Root”:
Mark Creegan — Storyteller
Creegan 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. His songs are often humorous, yet with poignant glimpses into a mind fascinated by drawing, ghosts, school supplies and epigenetics.
Jimmy Peluso — Storyteller
Peluso is a resident of Jacksonville. 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, he began working in governmental affairs. He works at VyStar Credit Union as the government affairs manager. In May 2023, he 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 U.S. Navy Reserves and holds the rank of lieutenant commander.
Lena Shaqareq — Storyteller
A Palestinian born in Qatar, Lena Shaqareq moved to the United States at age 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, she brings her stories from the intimate stage of the classroom to a wider audience.
Anthony Anurca — Musical Act
Anurca, a Jacksonville native, is a classically trained bassoonist who plays with the Jacksonville Symphony. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in bassoon performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His 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
Colaciello 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,” she 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 2024-25 season of “Untold Stories” is directed by Colaciello.
