Sarasota Resident Wins 'Love, Loss and What I Wore' Essay Contest

is pleased to announce Sarasota resident Melissa Havard as the winner of the essay contest! Presented in conjunction with Asolo Rep’s production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore, Asolo Rep invited community members to remember their first love, worst love, best friend, family moment.

What were they wearing when the most embarrassing thing in the world happened—or the most wonderful?

Melissa Havard’s winning entry “My Baby Shoes” has earned her a $500 gift bag from Saks Fifth Avenue, four tickets to the July 13th performance of Love, Loss, and What I Wore, and her entry performed by two-time Tony Award® nominee Mary Testa following the show. However, this is not Mrs. Havard’s first time at Asolo Rep, as she appeared onstage as a child in performances. Her father also helped establish the Florida State University MFA acting program, which is now housed in Sarasota. 

Joining Testa in Asolo Rep’s cast of Love, Loss, and What I Wore is Emmy® Award winner Loretta Swit, Tony Award® winner Donna McKecknie, Love, Loss, and What I Wore veteran Roni Geva, and New York actor and director Rosalyn Coleman. Swit, McKechnie, Testa, and Geva have all been previously featured in Love, Loss, and What I Wore. This is Coleman’s first time with the production. 

Love, Loss, and What I Wore opened June 22 and plays until July 15. The five actresses present 28 hilarious and poignant vignettes about life’s journey and the clothes we wear along the way. From purses and prom dresses, bra fittings, what was I thinking? purchases and struggles with our mothers; connections are drawn between what we wear and who we are. With a message that goes straight to the heart of all women (and the men who love them), in Love, Loss, and What I Wore, fun comes as One Size Fits All. 

Love, Loss, and What I Wore opened June 22, 2012 and runs until July 15, 2012. A preview performance will be held on June 21. Sponsors for Love, Loss, and What I Wore include the Herald-Tribune Media Group, Tamaya Wine, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Tickets for the Love, Loss, and What I Wore range from $20-$67 and are available through the Asolo Repertory Theatre box office by calling 941-351-8000 or toll-free, 800-361-8388. Tickets are also available online at www.asolorep.org.