"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" opens this weekend at the Avon Theater in Breese. Show times are 8 p.m. Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 and 2 p.m. Oct. 4. The 36th season of Clinton County Showcase productions continues for the next two weeks with "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" at the Avon Theater in Breese.
Show dates and times are 8 p.m. on Oct. 2, 3, 9 and 10, and 2 p.m. on Oct. 4 and 11.
"One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" is Dale Wasserman’s powerful stage adaptation of Ken Kesey's landmark 1962 novel. Set within the sterile, highly regimented ward of an Oregon psychiatric hospital, the play chronicles the explosive battle of wills between the tyrannical Nurse Ratched and Randle Patrick McMurphy, a swaggering, rebellious free spirit who fakes insanity to escape a prison work farm. Upon his arrival, McMurphy's disruptive vitality and refusal to submit spark a quiet awakening among his fellow patients, inspiring a deeply repressed group of men to reclaim their dignity and question the oppressive system that keeps them subjugated.
Chris Streetman plays Scanlon in the production. Witnessed through the eyes of the silent, towering Chief Bromden, this gripping theatrical masterpiece delivers a devastating yet deeply human exploration of individuality versus conformity, institutional control, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" contains mature themes, intense dramatic depictions, and sensory triggers. Additionally, the play contains strong language, adult themes, physical violence, and highly sensitive subjects including self-harm and suicide. Due to these mature elements and theatrical lighting and sound effects, viewer discretion is advised; this production is recommended for mature audiences, including older teens and adults.
Julie Willis is the director, and Nick Mueth is the associate director. Master carpenter AJ Mueth is in charge of scenic design.
Craig Alexander plays Randle P. McMurphy, Alexis Strieker Ford plays Nurse Ratched, Dustin McSparin - Chief Bromden, Sean Thomas - Dale Haring, Adam Klostermann - Billy Bibbit, Ron Peters - Cheswick, Chris Streetman - Scanlon, Steve Klostermann - Martini, Steven Christ - Ruckley, Heather R. Tipsword - Dr. Spivey, Melissa Mueller - Nurse Flinn, Jim Bradley - Aide Turkle, Jennifer Klostermann - Candy Starr, Steve Kish - Aide Williams, John Hilmes - Aide Warren, and Abby Johnson plays Sandra.
