Actor Scott Aiello knew he had big shoes to fill when he took on the role of Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci in “The Prince of Providence.” Trinity Repertory Company’s production, based on the book by journalist Mike Stanton, has been a hit with audiences and critics since opening last month. The play depicts Cianci’s long reign as the Mayor of Rhode Island’s capital city.

In the 1990s, the FBI raided Cianci’s City Hall office and uncovered massive corruption. He was later convicted on one count of racketeering conspiracy, and he served four years in federal prison. Cianci later became a successful radio show personality. He died in 2016.