S2 Ep1817: Big Broadway Energy: The Drawer Boy

In this episode of Big Broadway Energy, host Stephen Riordan takes listeners behind the scenes of the powerful and unexpectedly funny play The Drawer Boy by Michael Healey, currently running at Off-Central Players in St. Petersburg.Stephen is joined by his castmate Michael Menszycki to talk about opening night, the creative process, and the emotional depth of this intimate three-person production. The play follows two lifelong friends—Morgan and Angus—who live on a rural Ontario farm decades after serving together in World War II. Their carefully balanced life is disrupted when a young actor arrives to research their stories for a play, revealing long-buried truths about memory, friendship, and the stories we tell to survive. The conversation explores the complexity of the characters, including Angus’ traumatic brain injury and the delicate dynamic between the two farmers as they navigate care, loyalty, and independence. Stephen and Mike also discuss the thrill of performing in such an intimate space and how audiences become part of the emotional journey each night.About the ProductionThis production of The Drawer Boy is directed by Ami Sallee and features: Stephen Riordan as Morgan Michael Menszycki as Angus Lucas Ethington as Miles  Where to See the ShowPerformances run March 5–15, 2026 at Studio Grand Central, home of the Off-Central Players, located at 2260 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, Florida. The venue is an intimate black-box theater with just over 40 seats, creating an immersive experience where the audience is only feet from the action. A special Pay-What-You-Can performance takes place on March 11, making the show accessible to all theater lovers.🎟️ Tickets and show information are available at the theater’s website: https://theoffcentral.com/In This Episode Behind the scenes of opening night How actors approach portraying trauma and memory on stage The unique experience of performing in a 40-seat theater Why live theater continues to connect communities and artists If you’re in the Tampa Bay or St. Pete area, this intimate and layered production is a must-see for fans of thoughtful, actor-driven theater.