BIG BROADWAY ENERGY Stephen Riordan: The Niceties' Tiffany Faykus + Leonora Octavia Tapper

On this episode of Big Broadway Energy, host Stephen Riordan welcomes back powerhouse artist and producer Tiffany Faykus, joined by actor Leonora Octavia Tapper, to talk about a bold, one-weekend-only Tampa Bay production of The Niceties—and the urgent conversations it sparks.

Presented by Her Stories Told, The Niceties (by Eleanor Burgess) centers on a seemingly polite meeting between a white American history professor and her Black student that explodes into a fierce, funny, and deeply uncomfortable debate about race, privilege, power, and who gets to write history. What starts as an academic critique quickly unravels into something far more personal—and far more human.

Stephen and his guests dig into the play’s emotional heat, the importance of civil discourse, and why empathy feels more necessary than ever. Tiffany shares how the production aligns with Her Stories Told’s mission of “engaging hearts, opening minds, one story at a time,” while Leonora talks about portraying a young woman determined to challenge the systems around her. Together, they reflect on trust, vulnerability, and the offstage friendship that fuels their onstage intensity.

Directed by Andresia Mosley and performed at The Studio@620, this limited run promises a thought-provoking theatrical experience that doesn’t hand audiences easy answers—but absolutely guarantees conversation long after the curtain falls.

🎟 Tickets & info: https://thestudio620.org
 🌐 Her Stories Told: https://herstoriestold.com
 📧 Podcast contact: bigbroadwayenergy@gmail.com

Tagline:
 Be kind, be curious, and keep creating. Until next time, friends.

🎭 The music version of Big Broadway Energy airs Sundays at 5 PM onRadioStPete.com + Sunshine 96.7 FM in St. Petersburg, FL, with an encore the following  Saturday at 4PM on St Pete Sounds found on RadioStPete.com.

ABOUT STEPHEN RIORDAN  Stephen Riordan is an arts professional with over 25 years of experience as an actor, director, producer, writer, host, and casting director. He has worked on both Broadway and off-Broadway productions in New York, as well as extensively throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Recently, Stephen co-founded the Dead Canary Theatre Company with two fellow artists in St. Petersburg, and DCT is now the resident company at The Studio @ 620 in Downtown St. Petersburg. Every Sunday at 5 p.m., Stephen shares his thoughts on his favorite Broadway shows, songs, and stars on "Big Broadway Energy." His podcast of the same name features theater professionals and educators who are committed to keeping the arts at the forefront of the Tampa Bay community.

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