[CREDIT: Gamm] Above, filming a scene for “Charles Street” are from left, Vinnie Velez, and Katrina Brianne.WARWICK, RI — The new independent film “Charles Street” was given a special screening on July 20 at the Gamm Theatre, followed by a case Q&A about the well-made, sometimes humorous showcase of working class Providence.
For writer/producer/director Nick Albanese, “Charles Street” is a semi-autobiographical story about a screenwriter who pays a visit to his Italian-American neighborhood. Albanese is best known for his one man stage show, “The Last Sicilian,” based on his own childhood years in Providence. He also portrayed the legendary former Mayor of Providence, Vincent “Buddy” Cianci in a one man show.
Vinnie Velez plays Nick, who is looking for creative inspiration. He reunites with his friend Richie Romano, the owner of a bar. Richie is a widower with a daughter, Rebecca.
Nick discovers Richie’s secret business, run out of his backroom. Richie and his associates run scams on senior citizens by telephone and computer. He hopes for “one more score” by scamming a luxury retirement home. For Richie, this is also a way to get even for the years of abuse heaped on his Italian ancestors.
Not long after, Nick is approached by an FBI agent masquerading as an Uber driver (John Cillino) and his partner (Gerrianne Genga). They ask Nick to wear a wire and help them to bring down Richie’s criminal enterprise.
Another subplot involves Rebecca’s hunky but dimwitted boyfriend Adam (Michael Dubuc), who resents Nick spending time with Rebecca. She tells Nick of her intentions to pursue an acting career in New York.
“Charles Street” works as a comedy and a drama. Albanese has a real affection for the Charles Street neighborhood and the idiosyncrasies of Italian-Americans in Rhode Island. Nick’s sister (Elaine Pelino) and her husband Joey (Bob Mignarri) are colorful and amusing as they welcome Nick back from his adventures in filmmaking.
The performances are all convincing. Velez is a handsome leading man who captures the humble nature of his character quite well. Nick enjoys some notoriety for his film projects but also takes some knocks for being a part of the flaky Hollywood scene. The locals use a pejorative to describe him.
Savino LaQuale is appropriately menacing as Richie, a man willing to take huge risks to make money. He considers himself a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to help the poor.
I also enjoyed Cillino as Agent Moretti. Cillino has appeared in many stage productions and is a natural on film. Cillino and Genga make for an effective pair of antagonists for Nick. They place him into a difficult situation and force him to choose between loyalty to his friend and helping the government bring a criminal to justice.
Velez and Katrina Brianne, as Rebecca, have an appealing chemistry in their scenes together. Although they share a brief kiss, their relationship is more of friends than lovers.
From a technical standpoint, the film is well made. Colin Munson’s camerawork showcases the working class milieu of Providence and the music score by Jon Gonsalves and Andrew Liles nicely compliments the action.
“Charles Street,” which debuted in June, was made on a shoestring budget of $10,000 and was shot over the period of a week last October. For a feature length film, that is very impressive. This is a film which provides some laughs and is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
Another screening will be held at 7 pm on August 17 at the Gamm. For tickets, visit www.gammtheatre.org.