Going Cuckoo
As its contribution to the annual Acts of Faith Festival, Henley Street Theatre is presenting the stage adaptation of the counterculture novel " One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest ." In 1975, the film version swept the Academy Awards, winning five Oscars.
The play deals with a group of patients in a mental ward ruled by the stoic, controlling Nurse Ratched. The patients, who had adapted to their harsh, uncaring environment, reconsider their future when a new patient Randle Patrick McMurphy is brought into the fold. In a scheme to get out of serving time in prison, McMurphy allowed himself to be committed to the mental ward. In short time, he wins over the other patients, causing Nurse Ratched to bear down on him. His attempts to overthrow her authority have disastrous results.
Director Brad Tuggle aptly draws the audience into the craziness of the mental ward through effective lighting, scenery and acting. He introduces us to this controlled insanity through the thoughts of Chief Bromden, a towering Indian who is thought to be catatonic. While interesting, the concept sometimes loses its strength because of a muffled sound system that makes it difficult to clearly hear the Chief's words.
Jeffrey Cole brings raw charm to his role as the charismatic conman Randle Patrick McMurphy. Anyone who has seen the film version is familiar with the Academy- Award-winning performance of Jack Nicholson, making it difficult for any actor to live up to that standard. Cole tries to reach that pinnacle but occasionally falters when he seems to lose sight of the essence of the character.
Leslie Cline's voice reflects the domineering nature of Nurse Ratched. Her acting is consistent but falls somewhat short of eliciting a large dose of animosity toward this manipulative woman.
As a group, the patients in this mental ward are very believable. Cast standouts include Craig McFarland as Martini, Rick Gray as Dale Harding and Brandon Crowder as Billy Bibbit.
McFarland's facial expressions and gestures draw you into his playful but bizarre world. Gray conjures up both anxiety and strength as Harding who tries to bring reason to insanity.
Crowder takes the prize for his role as the shy, stammering Billy Bibbit who is frightened of everyone and everything. Crowder's convincing portrayal is poignant and compelling.
The effective lighting of lighting designer Andrew Bonniwell adds depth to the production. Set Designer Lauren Brady also deserves praise for a Spartan-but-realistic set that helps create an environment that speaks to the injustices in our mental system.
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" provides for an interesting and entertaining night of theatre. The show runs through January 31 at Henley Street Theatre. Tickets are $20 a person.
Please sign in to respond | | Register