Local Theatre Community Has Lost a Beloved Mentor

Click to read Mr. Fabbri's obituary and the arrangement details.

I am so very saddened to hear that the community theatre community has lost a talented actor, mentor and true gentleman late Monday evening.

John Fabbri of Torrington, who studied American Literature/Dramatic Arts at UConn, was a beloved second grade teacher in Brookfield. He also appeared in a wide variety of community theatre productions and many fellow performers considered him to be a mentor.

I never had the pleasure of working directly with Mr. Fabbri, but I did consider him as a mentor. It probably had something to do with the fact that we both taught primary grade students for many years. My fondest memory of this man who was in every way a gentleman was when he took the time to give me some input on a review I was attempting to write. I was having an extremely difficult time finding the positives in a musical that Mr. Fabbri had told me he had enjoyed on Broadway. In desperation, I private messaged him for help. He responded with a detailed and thoughtful response that helped me write a more balanced review of the show. I am so glad that I saved his message.

John Ozerhoski, the former host of WZBG's Backstage, shared the news of Mr. Fabbri's passing with this beautiful tribute on his Facebook page.

This evening I received a call to inform me that my dear friend and one of my theatre mentors has left this world. I am beyond saddened. John Fabbri had been a part of my life for most of my 23 years in theatre. As a classically trained actor, he was one of my go-tos when I had questions about a role, a character, a show, you name it. He always helped me to understand roles early on and he did it without being pretentious. The man was a blast to work with. His quirky humor made each production a true pleasure to work on. I shared the stage with John in Talk Radio, Who's Life is It Anyway, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, A Few Good Men, Man of LaMancha, and Damn Yankees. I saw John perform in many productions and I was always so impressed with his ability to own a role and articulate the playwright's words. He honored me when he accepted my offer to be the narrator in the Goshen Players' staged reading of Of Mice and Men that I directed. It was the last time we worked on a show together.

When not on the stage, John was busy as an elementary school teacher in Brookfield, CT helping to mold young minds. His popularity with the students was evident at the end of each school year when he would walk out of the last day of school with multiple Amazon gift cards. Everyone loved this man.

There's so much more to say, but I'll leave it with this...

To all the youngins in theatre out there, I am so sorry that you will not experience the brilliance and person that was John Barry Fabbri. I am truly blessed to have known him and worked with him so closely. Rest in peace, my friend.

I would add my sincere condolences to his family, his many cast mates who are in shock and especially to his former students whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, Mr. Fabbri.

Pictured above: John Fabbri in WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION by the Warner Stage

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer