Throwback Thursday: My Favorite Theater Costume Ever (Hint: I Really Loved Sugar Tarts)

I did a LOT of community theater growing up. And while I loved most of my roles, few afforded me the opportunity to wear such fabulous costumes as the one I donned while playing the Knave in Alice in Wonderland.

It was 1991, and I was in the full-on throes of Drama Camp at my childhood theater, the one and only Beachwood Community Theater. We were putting on a 90s-inspired version of Alice in Wonderland, and I got to play the part of the Knave -- the conniving, double-crossing, backstabbing character who steals the Queen of Hearts' sugar tarts and tries to blame it on poor, sweet Alice. (Yes, I was the villain!)

You would never have known just how two-faced I really was, though, if all you did was look at my beautiful costume. THIS COSTUME WAS EVERYTHING. The A-line dress with hand-stitched and bedazzled felt hearts. The white top hat with hearts surrounding the brim. The red socks. THE SILVER PENNY LOAFERS. (Those were actually mine.) I mean, come on -- is this costume the most amazing thing ever or what?

Cue the spotlight -- singing the opening song as the Knave in Alice in Wonderland.

I have definitely worn some incredible costumes over the years, but this is the one that really stands out as my all-time favorite. I just felt so cool the moment I slipped it on. It really helped me BECOME the Knave. It's a true testament to the fact that what you wear can really influence who you are, how you feel and how you act -- because once I was in that heart-embellished dress, those sugar tarts were MINE!

Have you ever worn something that influenced how you acted or felt? Let me know in the comments!