Local Theatre Community Mourn the Loss of Alex Giacin

Alex Giacin of Plymouth, an actor and playwright, passed away on July 31.

Community theatre actor and stage combat instructor Rob Richnavsky (at right in the first photo with Mr. Giacin) will miss his collaborator and friend. "We spent a lot of time together working on a play that he wrote called 'Lenny's Dead.' It is one of my favorite projects that I have even worked on."

Mr. Richnavsky described Mr. Giacin as "probably the kindest, generous, and most generally laid back person I have ever met. He overflowed with life and positivity. So much so it affected those around him, elevating the most dismal moods. Always interested in people and their stories with more than enough stories of his own to boot. He was one of those people you just wanted to be around. Unique though, I'm sure shall never meet his like. He was one of a kind."

John Ozerhoski had often welcomed Mr. Giacin to his radio program, Backstage with Johnny O on WZBG.

"So saddened to hear of the passing of a longtime guest of Backstage. Alex Giacin (shown in the second photo with John Long and Tim Phillips) was a kind human being, a talented stage actor/singer, and a successful playwright. He was a loving husband, father, and step-father. And he was my friend. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Alex, most notably in 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' He, along with Tim Phillips, became a regular on my annual Christmas broadcast and we had a lot of fun over the years. Thank you, Alex, for making me laugh and for being such a caring individual. Rest in peace, my friend."

Actor Tim Phillips added his condolences on his Facebook page:

In loving memory of my dear friend, Alex Giacin, who left this world way too soon. Alex and I appeared on stage together multiple, even wrote a one-act play in one day together. In a theatrical world full of egos and oversized personalities, Alex was a breathe of fresh air, always treated his castmates with kindness, respect, humility, and just a touch of humor that made you smile every time you run into him. Besides being one of the original Poonchkies (spelled horribly wrong, right Backstage Johnny O?), to me, Alex will always be my Barrel to this Lockstock."

Phoenix Stage Company, a venue where Mr. Giacin had performed, posted this heartfelt memorial on their Facebook page:

"All of us at Phoenix Stage Company are filled with sadness at the passing of our Friend and theater colleague Alex Giacin. Alex was an actor and playwright who exemplified why so many of us do this crazy little thing called Community Theater. Love and fellowship. He will be missed by so many. We wish his family peace and all of us at PSC are here for you."

Click here to read Alex Giacin's obituary on Rep-Am.