Trinity Rep Courting Controversy with "Be Our Buddy" Campaign for Upcoming Cianci Production

Trinity Rep Courting Controversy with "Be Our Buddy" Campaign for Upcoming Cianci Production

Trinity Rep has embarked on “Be Our Buddy” campaign to lure potential subscribers with the upcoming production of the “Prince of Providence” based on Mike Stanton’s book of the late Mayor of Providence Vincent “Buddy” Cianci — and some on social media are questioning the motive. 

Both Cianci supporters — and Cianci opponents — have decried the production at Trinity Rep, with the theater defending their decision to promote the play. 

“This musical is literally making me never want to go to Trinity Rep again. Utterly tasteless and makes a joke of his assault charges, sexual assault allegations and the plundering of our city,” wrote Tammy Brown in response to the Trinity Rep post. “What some institutions won’t do in pursuit of a buck…y’all should be ashamed.”

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Trinity responded in turn — inviting people to come and “draw their own conclusions.”

“Hi all, the show (play, though not a musical) presents a balanced view of Buddy’s time in office,” wrote Trinity. “As in real life, everyone will draw their own conclusions about his record and the play itself once performances begin in September.”

Courting Controversy

In March, the Cianci Foundation blasted Trinity for putting on the production. As GoLocalProv reported:

Two board members of the Cianci Foundation are criticizing Trinity Rep for staging a theatrical version of the book “Prince of Providence” written by former Providence Journal reporter Mike Stanton about former Providence Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci. 

“It is disappointing to see Trinity produce this play based on a book Buddy didn’t like and is a misrepresentation of him. It seems as though Trinity has a very short memory in terms of what Buddy did for Trinity.  His ability to engineer a loan for them to keep them afloat -- Trinity wouldn’t exist without Buddy. It’s a shame to see such disrespect,” said Brad Turchetta, Vincent “Buddy” Cianci’s nephew and Chair of the Cianci Foundation Board.