S2 Ep1578: Big Broadway Energy: Stephen Riordan welcomes Avery Anderson and Samantha Martí-Parisi

Big Broadway Energy kicks off the new year  as host Stephen Riordan welcomes guests Avery Anderson and Samantha Martí-Parisi for a conversation about storytelling, identity, and the power of intimate theatre.Recorded in December and airing in January, this episode reflects on the Tampa Bay arts scene while looking boldly ahead to 2026 with fresh perspectives. Those perspectives are embodied by Anderson—arts strategist, journalist, and co-founder of the nonprofit Story Keepers—and Martí-Parisi, the  performer starring in Story Keepers’ Florida premiere of Pink Unicorn.Story Keepers is not a traditional theatre company, but a storytelling initiative dedicated to developing new artists and new work across forms—from theatre to digital media to music. Founded by Avery Anderson alongside David Digo, José Avilés, and Julia Rafino, the organization centers community, equity, and artistic incubation, ensuring that new voices are supported from first draft to first audience.That mission comes vividly to life in Pink Unicorn, a powerful solo play by Elise Forier Edie. The story follows Tricia Lee, a Christian mother in a small Texas town whose world shifts when her child comes out as gender-queer. Rather than offering easy answers, the play lives in the messy, human in-between: a parent learning, stumbling, loving, and trying to find the right words. As described on the Story Keepers website, Pink Unicorn asks a resonant question: What happens when your child looks you in the eye and tells you they’re not the person the world expects them to be?Directed by Anderson and performed by Martí-Parisi, this production breaks theatrical convention by unfolding not just in galleries, but in people’s homes—living rooms and backyards across Tampa Bay. With audiences of just 10–15 people, the experience becomes a “coffee-table conversation,” dissolving the fourth wall and replacing it with eye contact, vulnerability, and shared breath. It’s theatre rooted in safety, trust, and connection—especially vital in a state and moment where queer stories and bodies are often marginalized.Throughout the episode, Riordan, Anderson, and Martí-Parisi explore why this kind of storytelling matters now: how art builds community, how intimacy deepens empathy, and how showing up—imperfectly but with love—can change lives. They also reflect on Tampa Bay as both a haven and a challenge, and on the responsibility artists carry to create spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and not alone.Pink Unicorn runs throughout January at six locations, including private homes, The Studio@620, and The Werk Gallery, opening January 15. Tickets and full details are available at https://www.storykeepers.org/pink-unicorn.Venue Locations:Jan 15-16: 541 8th Ave N, St. Pete (performed in the living room)Jan 17-18: 6019 8th Ave, St. Pete (performed in the living room)Jan 22-23: 3633 28th Ave N, St. Pete (performed in the backyard)Jan 24-25: 1701 Oxford St N, St. Pete (performed in the backyard)Jan 29-30: The Studio@620 (St. Pete)Jan 31-Feb 1: The Werk Gallery (St. Pete)💌 Got a guest suggestion or want to share your Broadway energy? Email Stephen at [email protected]: 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.#storykeepers #AveryAnderson #PinkUnicorn #SamanthaMartí-Parisi #stephenriordan