Gulf Coast Theatre Review: 'I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti'

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Love, heartbreak, and healing take center stage in "I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti," but it’s the food that quietly tells the deepest story on stage at the Players Circle Theater.

This warm, intimate theatrical experience is unlike anything you’ll ever see. It feels less like a traditional play and more like being invited into someone’s home for an evening of stories, laughter, honest reflection and a few tears along the way.

This one-woman show is based on the memoir by Giulia Melucci and is brought to life by Amanda Ladd, who prepares an entire spaghetti dinner, complete with antipasti, salad, and homemade pasta, while guiding the audience through a journey of relationships, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Ladd is incredibly personable, with a natural ability to subtly interact with the audience, making them feel her journey. Before long, she feels like a friend you’ve known forever, effortlessly blending cooking and storytelling in a way that is both comforting and deeply personal.

I attended a dress rehearsal and was one of four tables fortunate enough to sample Ladd’s cooking as well as her acting ability, and both are nothing short of amazing.

What really makes this show stand out is its simplicity. There’s no elaborate set or flashy spectacle; instead, the kitchen itself becomes the heart of the performance. Warm and inviting, it features running water, a working stove, and a refrigerator all actively used throughout the show. The timing of her cooking, even making pasta from scratch, feels completely seamless, as though she’s been doing it her entire life. In reality, it’s a skill she learned specifically for this role. Ladd shared that it’s one of the most challenging roles she’s ever tackled and while that’s easy to believe, she has absolutely mastered it.

Ladd’s storytelling is candid and relatable. Melucci’s romantic misadventures are often humorous, sometimes frustrating, but always genuine. It’s easy to see pieces of your own experiences reflected in her stories, which makes the performance feel authentic rather than scripted.

This show is a success because it uses the universal language of food and love to reach the hearts of its audience. A word of advice: if you’re not splurging on a private table in the kitchen, don’t go on an empty stomach. The aromas drifting through the theater are just as mouthwatering as Ladd’s performance.

Overall, "I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti" leaves you feeling both satisfied and reflective, just like a really good home-cooked meal should.

Players Circle Theater Director Bob Cacioppo lends his Italian heritage, and Amanda Ladd gives it her all, serving up a true five-star meal and performance.

The show runs through May 3. Tickets are available by calling (239) 800-3292.

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