Most Valuable Players

Lana Dieterich

On the scene since: 1979 (Wow!)

MVP for: Subterranean Theatre Company

Recent Roles: the Mother, Metamorphosis, Public Domain, 2001; Lucretia, A Name for a Ghost to Mutter, State Theater Co., 2001; Old Woman, Bingo, PD, 2000; Bleacher Bums, STC, 2000; Mrs. Adams, Spring Storm, Actors Repertory of Texas, 1999.

Honors: Payne nominations: Name for a Ghost to Mutter, Bleacher Bums, Raised in Captivity; "Best Name to See in a Theatre Program," Chronicle "Best of Austin" 1995.

Loves to work and is easy to cast, so Dieterich can claim more than 65 local shows to her credit. Has played more than her share of mothers, but she can do much, much more, as anyone who saw her falling-off-her-ass drunk in Wandering Through the Night can attest. Her comic gifts are exquisite. Talented, hard-working, dependable, and oh-so-nice. At the risk of making her feel old (she isn't), given her track record, longevity, and popularity, we consider Dieterich no less than the Grande Dame, the Queen Mother of Austin Theatre.