Veteran faces emotional and physical wounds in FST’s ‘Ugly Lies the Bone’
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After playing a drone fighter pilot traumatized by her virtual missions in the Middle East in the one-woman play “Grounded” at Florida Studio Theatre in 2017, actress Rachel Moulton returns to the military world as the star of “Ugly Lies the Bone,” which opens a new season of the company’s provocative Stage III series.
In Lindsey Ferrentino’s play, Moulton portrays Jess, a veteran who has served three tours in Afghanistan and is returning home with severe burns suffered in combat. In addition to the physical scars, she must deal with emotional issues and how differently others see her because of her disfiguration.
In the story, Jess uses computer simulated therapy to help deal with those physical and emotional wounds.
Director Kristin Clippard, who recently staged “The Sound Inside” at Urbanite Theatre, said, “anyone who hears Jess’ story will hopefully appreciate the vast journey a veteran has to undertake, not just for physical recovery, but for mental, emotional and personal healing.”
Moulton has been a frequent performer at FST, having appeared in such shows as “Black Pearl Sings,” “Maytag Virgin,” “Paralyzed” and “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
The cast includes three actors making their FST debuts. Amanda Jill Robinson plays Jess’s sister, Kacie; Vickie Daignault (who was in “The Sound Inside”) plays the Voice; and Johnny Shea plays Jess’ former boyfriend. Alex Teicheira returns to FST to play Kacie’s fiancé, Kelvin.
The theater helped develop the play more than a decade ago and included a presentation in its annual Burdick Reading Series. It had its world premiere in New York City at the Roundabout Theatre’s Underground series.
FST’s Stage III series, which also includes upcoming productions of “A Night in November” and “The White Chip,” touches on edgier or more sensitive subjects that may not appeal to the typical mainstage and cabaret show audiences. They are presented with limited scenic and costume design.
“Ugly Lies the Bone” runs Jan. 17 through Feb. 9 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. Subscriptions are $49-$69 and single tickets are $25-$46. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: FST touches on veterans’ homecoming challenges in ‘Ugly Lies the Bone’
