The Last Days of Rockin Rob’s

Writer/director Nick Albanese’s latest show, The Last Days of Rockin Rob’s, opens June 15 at Artist’s Exchange.

In his hit autobiographical one man show, The Last Sicilian, Albanese explored his Italian upbringing in Providence. Now he is exploring how the changing musical landscape is affecting small businesses in The Last Days of Rockin Rob’s.

The cast includes Kathleen Russell (13 Rue de l’amour), Stephen Hug, John Cillino, David Adams Murphy and Ericka Atwell (Everybody Needs Therapy Sometimes).

The comedy drama about a failing record shop was inspired by real-life, Albanese explained. “I read an article about a record shop that’s closing in (New York’s) Greenwich Village,” Albanese said. “This (store) was there for years and years. No one’s buying (vinyl) albums anymore.”

When writing the play, Albanese added some twists of his own to the story and believes it reflects the ups and downs of life. Sales of record albums have actually increased over the last few years. They are now outselling digital downloads, which Albanese finds interesting. “It’s kind of funny how everything comes around again,” Albanese said.

The Last Days of Rockin Rob’s opens June 15 and runs through June 23. Artist’s Exchange. 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. Tickets available at tickets.vendini.com.