The Prince of Providence

Former Providence mayor Vincent A. Cianci, Jr. once said that arts organizations "are the things that make cities." It was a belief he put into practice: around two decades ago he was instrumental in saving Trinity Repertory Company from serious financial strife. And now, Providence's most famous political leader (who's no longer with us having passed in 2016) is getting the theatrical treatment in the form of a new play, produced by the Trinity. This adaptation of Mike Stanton's 2003 biographical book has been highly anticipated, given that it has been rumored to be adapted into a feature film by David Mamet.

"The Prince of Providence" brings to light the highs and lows of mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cinaci through his terms as city leader. Adapted by George Brant and directed by Brown/Trinity MFA alum Taibi Magar, this show is quite the ride; all the drama and humor laid bare in a whirlwind of situations that seem ripe for this kind of work. Mob connections, assaults, arrests and divorces, Buddy (Scott Aiello, Showtime's "Billions," "The Last O.G.") served more than twenty years as mayor of Rhode Island's capital city and surrounded himself with a cast of colorful characters, most of whom are represented here.

There's wife Sheila (Rebecca Gibel), right hand man Mickey Corrente (Erick Betancourt), administrative assistant Linda Janssen (Janice Duclos) and his faithful driver (Ian Kramer). Each of the cast members (save Aiello) portrays a variety of roles, and familiar Trinity company members tackle each with gusto. Charlie Thurston makes a fun turn as Herb DeSimone (great accent!) and Brian McEleny's Larry McGarry is absolutely hysterical. The humor makes a nice balance; it's not all dramatics here. When Buddy is in the process of assaulting a guy who's purportedly sleeping with his soon-to-be ex wife, it could be a horrific scene, yet a few well-placed lines keep it from going over the top.

Linear in it's execution, "Prince" has a starting point in the 1970s and brings it right up to modern day Providence, highlighting the projects that Cianci started and finished. Aiello shows his stuff in a bravura performance; larger than life because Buddy was that man. Joe Wilson Jr., as the prosecutor Lloyd Griffin, injects some fun into his role, but is all business. Gibel shines as the no-nonsense Sheila, who is more than a match for Buddy's antics. Duclos injects some levity as his long-suffering secretary Linda; and Betancourt, who once worked security for Trinity Rep, proves that changing careers was a good move, he's excellent as Corrente.

Brant's adaptation distills Stanton's work into a nearly three hour show, yet it never seems overlong; with a first act cliffhanger (a wise choice, to be sure), and an ending with a twist (no spoiler here). The show is bright, funny, dramatic and full of entertainment of the kind that seems as though it couldn't possibly be part of local history. But part of history it is, and, as big and flashy as he was in life, Buddy would be proud to be represented in this format. Whether you've read the book or not, you may just learn something new about Providence, Rhode Island.

"The Prince of Providence" is running through October 27th at Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903. For information or tickets, call 401-351-4242 or visit visit the Trinity Repertory Company's website.