BWW Interviews: Antoinette LaVecchia in I LOVED, I LOST, I MADE SPAGHETTI at GSP

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti is now onstage at George Street Playhouse (GSP) in New Brunswick through April 6th. This one-woman show stars Antoinette LaVecchia in the role of Giulia. As she cooks a three course meal, live on stage, she recounts stories about the men in her life and the meals that she made for them.

This clever production was adapted by Jacques Lamarre from the memoir by Giulia Melucci. Directed by Rob Ruggiero, area audiences are sure to delight in this theatrical event.

Antoinette LaVecchia has an impressive theatrical background. She has performed on Broadway in A View From the Bridge and numerous Off-Broadway productions including The Bottle House and Two Point Oh. Her regional credits are extensive and she has performed I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti before. With television and film performances, LaVecchia maintains a dynamic career that includes teaching and writing her own works.

LaVecchia enjoys playing the role of Giulia. She said,"We have SO much in common: our Italian heritage, our love of food, our bad luck with men AND with how our parents play a huge role in our lives for better or for worse. There's another thing that I have in common with Giulia - how we use humor to work through our problems. Lots and lots of humor, and laughing at ourselves of course."

LaVecchia is certain that George Street Playhouse audiences will enjoy the show. She said, "Audiences just fall in love with this woman night after night, and they have a blast. Look, I'm just the actor lucky enough to have this glorious job; I can't explain the mystery of this piece but I guarantee that fun will be had by all. The evening is unique: It's direct address for the entire two acts. I'm cooking a meal from scratch on stage from a bolognese sauce to homemade pasta. The delicious aromas fill the theater as I recount the ridiculous men in "Giulia's" life. Last night, an audience member at the talk back said that he was amazed when he saw me throwing the chopped onions into the sauce pot as he was so absorbed in the storytelling, he didn't notice me chopping, "your cooking looked effortless." It's a wonderful compliment. Think about it: an evening talking about food and love - we can ALL relate, AND it's funny to boot!"

LaVecchia is delighted to work at New Brunswick's George Street Playhouse. She commented about the theatre and the people who make their productions happen. "It's a thrill to work at GSP. I have dreamed of working here for years - it's a highly respected and much-loved theater, thanks to the extraordinary David Saint and the incredible staff. The level of skill and professionalism across the board is amazing and much appreciated. I have been so beautifully taken care of by everyone. It's a true family at GSP. I am still struck by how supportive everyone is; even when I was cooking in rehearsals, so many on staff came in to partake in the day's output of homemade pasta. I feel lucky to be here."

George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in the heart of New Brunswick's dining and entertainment district easily accessible by public transportation or by car. For tickets to I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti and their other upcoming shows, visit www.GSPonline.org or call (732) 846-2895.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of George Street Playhouse