Unique Turn on "Dinner Theater" Comes to Asolo

BRADENTON — Asolo Repertory Theatre's final dramatic play of the season, I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti, opens Wednesday in the Cook Theatre. The saucy, one-woman comedy starring Antoinette LaVecchia is based on Brooklyn writer Giulia Melucci’s best-selling memoir of the same name. The play will be directed by Rob Ruggiero, who recently garnered accolades directing Asolo's production of the musical Show Boat.

LaVecchia, who originated the role of Giulia at TheaterWorks in Connecticut in 2012, said she feels like she was "destined to be in this play.” She won a Best Actress Award from Broadwayworld.com for her performance. “In all the plays I’ve ever done, no play has asked me just to be myself more than this one,” LaVecchia said.

The play’s irresistible recipe features a heaping dose of comedy, a dash of failed romance, and a whole lot of fun. I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti gives brand-new meaning to "dinner theater," as Giulia cooks an authentic three-course Italian meal on stage for audience members with upgraded tickets.

During each performance, 10 patrons with upgraded tickets will savor antipasto, salad, fresh pasta and wine prepared and served on stage by Giulia. Four additional upgraded ticket-holders will enjoy wine and cheese on stage. In between making pasta from scratch and serving wine to her on-stage guests, Giulia also dishes on the defining men in her life and the food she prepared for them to win their hearts – and their stomachs.

"Audiences love I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti, and I am very excited that this unique show will be presented here at Asolo Rep after a very successful run at the George Street Playhouse," said Ruggiero. "The charm and humor of Antoinette LaVecchia combined with the amazing skill we witness as she prepares a meal in front of us makes for a mouthwatering theatrical treat. Playwright Jacques Lamarre and I are thrilled to be coming to Sarasota!"

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti will run through Sunday, June 15 in Asolo Rep's Cook Theatre. Tickets start at $25. On-stage table seating including wine and an authentic three-course Italian meal: $75 (limited to 10 tickets per performance). On-stage table seating including wine and cheese: $55 (limited to 4 tickets per performance). Visit Asolo's website for more information.