Actors return home for OSTC’s ‘Addams Family’

Don Fowler
Posted 10/1/15

Cranston West graduate Chris Chianesi has had an interesting career since leaving Rhode Island for New York City. He performed extensively as a child at both Trinity Rep and Theatre by the Sea before …

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Actors return home for OSTC’s ‘Addams Family’

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Cranston West graduate Chris Chianesi has had an interesting career since leaving Rhode Island for New York City. He performed extensively as a child at both Trinity Rep and Theatre by the Sea before graduating from NYU with a degree in drama.

“I’ve traveled all over the world, and I spent eleven weeks on a cruise ship in the Frankie Valli tribute show, ‘Oh What a Night!,’” he said.

“There are a group of us doing the show,” he said, “and I often get last-minute calls to join a show. I also perform regularly with my improv team, Quote Unquote.”

To pay the rent – and that’s not cheap in New York – Chris works as a manny (male nanny). His latest project is writing a web series.

Chris plays one of the ancestors (ghosts) in “The Addams Family,” spending most of the time on stage, as the family’s past is revealed.

Fred Frabotta is a native Rhode Islander who lived for a while on a houseboat in Apponaug, where he and his wife used to kayak in the bay. They also moved to NYC after years of performing with the now defunct Foothills Theatre in Worcester, where he played Uncle Fester.

“I love the role, even if I had to shave my head, and look forward to playing it again at Ocean State,” he said.

Fred went to Capitol U in Washington DC, earning a master’s degree in vocal performance. He is also an accomplished organist and still sings and plays organ in his church as well as teaching voice. Fred has also performed with Ocean State Opera and the St. Petersberg Opera in Florida.

It was interesting interviewing young Chris and veteran Fred together. Both emphasized the fact that there are parts for people of all ages in the theatre.

“The Addams Family” is a perfect example. It is also a show that can be enjoyed by the entire family, with its humor, going from dark to slapstick.

Neither actor has an agent. “I had one,” Fred said. “But that’s a long story.”

“It is harder to get work than to do work,” Chris said, a reminder of the “A Chorus Line” song, “What I Did for Love.”

Both men love the theatre and love acting a variety of roles. They look forward to performing before friends and family in “The Addams Family,” which opens at Ocean State Theatre Oct. 2 and runs through Oct. 25. Call 921-6800 for reservations.

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