The cast of STC's The Soldier Dreams. 
   Below, l-r: Holly Simpson, Monika Bustamante, Cyndi Williams, 
   and Robert Fisher. Above, l-r: Judson L. Jones and David Jones. 
Photo copyright David Jewell, 1999.

Produced by the Subterranean Theatre Company in May1999 at the Hyde Park Theatre, Austin, Texas. Directed by Ken Webster.

About the play
A darkly comic play about love, life, and death. As a young man lies dying, his family gathers around, trying to decipher his few disjointed words in this moving and savagely funny play by Daniel MacIvor, Canada's most gifted young playwright, and the author of House.

What the critics said . . .
"Captivating performances marked by excellent gestures and crisp vocal deliveries make this show a real treat. . . . While all of these actors are a pleasure, it is Robert Fisher in the geeky, nerdy, idiosyncratic guise of Tish's husband, Sam, who comes close to stealing the show with his strange laugh and odd manner. . . . A pleasure to watch and experience, 'The Soldier Dreams' should not be missed."
Austin American Statesman

"Subterranean, under the direction of Ken Webster, always gives the audience a script-friendly production, bringing the text to life with a sharp reverence. The cast provides tight, deeply emotional performances that bear every resemblance to reality. As big sister Tish, Cyndi Williams turns in a gifted performance as the overtly brassy tower of strength who proves no more solid than her Jell-O desserts, which she foists on everyone. Monika Bustamante plays little sister Judy with an earnest earthiness -- she's the hippie pothead who seems most capable of dealing with her brother's death as something sad yet natural. David Jones once again simmers with unspent emotions as the dying man's lover; his one chance at openly grieving for his love upended by the ever-intrusive Sam, brilliantly portrayed by Robert Fisher, who exploits every detail of his character's well-intentioned oblivion. . . . As the German Student, Judson L. Jones is smiling and enigmatic, an otherworldy concoction of desire and dark power."
Austin Chronicle (click here to read the entire Chronicle review)

Awards and Nominations

Critics' Table Award
Judson L. Jones for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama

Critics' Table Nominations
Nominated as Best Drama 1998-99
Monika Bustamante for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama
Robert Fisher for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama

Austin Chronicle's 10 Shows From 1999 That Transported Me (Robert Faires): Honorable Mention to "The Soldier Dreams (Subterranean Theatre Company), for its elegance, humor, and striking performances by Judson Jones and David Jones."

Cast
David (1) . . . . . Greg Gondek
German Student . . . . . Judson L. Jones
Tish . . . . . Cyndi Williams
Sam . . . . . Robert Fisher
Judy . . . . . Monika Bustamante
Richard . . . . . David Jones
Nurse . . . . . Johanna Watts
David . . . . . Corey Gagne
Understudy . . . . Holly Simpson

Designers and Staff
Set . . . . . Chase Staggs
Costume . . . . . Diane Morrison
Lights . . . . . Don Day
Sound . . . . . Kevin Freedman
Stage Manager . . . . Tammy Whitehead
Assistant Director . . . . . Holly Simpson
Choreographer . . . . Sharon Sparlin

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