“˜Cuckoo’ revival won’t drive audiences crazy

  Cuckoo’s Nest Productions An exuberant Randle Patrick
McMurphy (Rick Reardon, right) first greets the
patients of the mental hospital to which he has been admitted.

By Barbara McGuire
Daily Bruin Senior Staff

The term “cuckoo” is often used to describe an
individual who appears to not quite be all there, and the
characters of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
seem to have lost their marbles mid-flight.

Currently onstage at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood
through Oct. 15, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s
Nest,” Ken Kesey’s tale of patients rebelling against
conformity in a mental institution, proves to be a workable story
in literature, film and theater.

The new production stays true to the original story without
providing any drastic changes. Randle Patrick McMurphy, played by
Rick Reardon, is still eccentric, rebellious and loudmouthed, Chief
“Broom” Bromden is still the dark, silent type, and
Nurse Ratched, well-played by Glenda Morgan Brown, is still
frighteningly strict.

This production, however, has something which other versions may
lack ““ a heartfelt history.

Actor Robert McCuller has dreamed about taking part in the play
since first reading the novel. Now, his dreams are fulfilled
through his role as Chief Bromden. One look at McCuller and
it’s no wonder he wanted to play Chief Bromden.

Not only is Chief Bromden an instrumental player in the tale
whose unconventional ideas on society resonate to this day, but
McCuller also fits the bill perfectly. He is a tall, imposing man
who brings Chief Bromden to life with his performance.

McCuller isn’t the only outstanding actor in the show.
Mark Schrier impressively portrays Billy Bibbit, a stuttering,
simple-minded man who fears his mother. Schrier performs
exceptionally well, winning the audience’s sympathy when he
begs Nurse Ratched not to tell his mother of his misbehavior.

  Cuckoo’s Nest Productions Candy Starr (Nancy
Calabrese) is greeted by Martini (Christopher
Bosen), Billy Bibbit (Mark Schrier), and
McMurphy (Rick Reardon). Additionally,
Brown’s performance of Nurse Ratched is as terrifying as Jack
Nicholson’s performance in the 1975 movie. Not only does she
use her powers of intimidation to scare the members of the ward
into cooperation, but also, just as Schrier moves the audience to
tears, Brown riles them into anger and frustration with her
constant manipulation.

She appears to be an evil woman who isn’t really trying to
help patients get well, but actually wants to make them feel guilty
for their differences and problems. Ratched successfully
manipulates Billy into backstabbing McMurphy, who has done more for
the patients than their doctors. The result is shocking, as
McMurphy, who enters the ward seemingly sane, trying to dodge a
prison sentence, receives treatment usually reserved for the most
severely psychotic patients.

Aiding the show is an incredible set that looks as though set
designer Ken G. Nakamura simply stole a wing from a real mental
hospital and placed it in the theater.

The nurse’s station has a working microphone, in addition
to a utility closet, rest room and two doors. Each of these has an
opening that does not simply lead to a backstage area, but actually
has it’s own little room into which actors can retreat,
resulting in a more believable performance. When someone goes into
the bathroom it actually looks as though they are going into a
stall, instead of simply walking backstage.

Though the novel was written almost 40 years ago, the themes of
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” are still
socially relevant and easily understood. The audience is reminded
how the differences from one person to the next are actually good
things and help make the world colorful.

Though entertaining and meaningful, the theatrical production of
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” may not be the
best thing for one who remembers the storyline from when they read
the novel and saw the movie in high school.

Enjoyable for fanatics as well as those who haven’t been
exposed to the story before, the play doesn’t offer any
unexpected twists or reworkings, which makes it trustworthy and a
great production, but potentially repetitive.

Besides McMurphy’s sideburns, which are obviously fake and
don’t match his hair color, the acting, costumes and set are
flawless and make for a well-spent evening.

The classic story is paid homage to through a well-rehearsed and
laid out production and results in such realism that one feels as
if they are actually looking in at the happenings at a mental ward,
instead of watching a theatrical production.

THEATER: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is
currently showing at the Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood
Blvd., through Oct. 15. Shows are Thurs. through Sat. at 8 p.m.,
with a 3 p.m. showing on Sun. Tickets are $10 for Thurs. and Sun.
and $15 for Fri. and Sat. and can be purchased by calling (323)
655-TKTS. Half price tickets are also available for students and
seniors with ID 15 minutes before curtain.