One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at Second Story Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

Second Story Theatre’s production of the Dale Wasserman adaptation of the legendary Ken Kesey novel sparkles with raucous energy and some totally moving moments. It makes it all dazzling and enjoyable with some exceptional performances and fine direction.

The Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel is a classic. Kesey is a link between the Beat Generation and the hippies. Considering himself too young to be a beatnik and too old to be a hippy. The inspiration for the novel came from his experiences working the night shift at the Menlo Park Veteran’s Hospital.  It tells the tale of Randal P. McMurphy, a free spirited rebel who connives to be sent to a mental hospital rather than do time with hard labor at a prison work farm. He soon learns it is a big mistake, one that threatens his very future and happiness. Wasserman’s adaptation was a Tony winner in 2001 for Best Revival. Wasserman also wrote “Man of La Mancha.” He died in 2008 at age 94.

Kirk Douglas played McMurphy in the first stage production on Broadway and was supposed to play the film role, but by the time the film got made he was too old and the role went to Jack Nicholson.

The conflict between McMurphay and the infamous Nurse Ratched is the battle between society and individuality, between conformity and freedom.

            Into this perfectly controlled world comes McMurphy, a wild eyed, outrageous character who is all id, a slave to his whims and pretending to be insane to avoid a sentence for statutory rape. He is like a bomb dropped amidst the obedient patients under the thumb of the malicious, Nurse Ratched. McMurphy antagonizes her from minute one in an ever increasing battle of wills.

Aaron Morris is wonderful as McMurphy. He is the right mixture of mischievous anti establishment rebel and genuine concern for his fellow patients. He delivers a delicious performance, sassy and sympathetic.

Tanya Anderson is perfect as Nurse Ratched, the epitome of the administrative bully. She is the perfect foil for the rambunctious McMurphy. She is pristine, poised and all about control. Ms. Anderson handles it with a coldness and precisions that is impressive and powerful. This is a woman who understands control and knows how to maintain it no matter what the costs to patients.

Jason Quinn plays Chief Bromden, a huge man made to feel small throughout his life. He narrates the goings on and offers some insights that are fascinating. Mr. Quinn is outstanding in the role, capturing the fragility of this mountain of a man and vividly portraying his transformation from a silent hulk into a man aware of his potential.  His monologues are crisp and emotionally potent. McMurphy draws him out of his confined self to make him aware of his options.

Kevin Broccoli is Dale Harding, a timid man who cannot satisfy his big breasted wife and so checked himself in. Broccoli shines in the role. Through McMurphy’s influence, he evolves from a whimpering moaner afraid of his own shadow into someone who stands up for his friends an fellow inmates including the Chief when he needs it most.

Tim White is terrific as the stuttering Billy Babbit, who battles against continual mother issues and her ever looming disapproval. He is tormented and squirms like a fish on a hook to wriggle free. It is a moving and emotionally wrenching performance as he faces his myriad insecurities and fears.

The rest of this splendid cast delvers the same kind of quality and memorable performances. Tom O’Donnell is the ever cranky and irascible Scanlon who fancies himself always ready to blow up the world with his bomb. Bill Oakes is Cheskwick, a loudmouth with more bark than bite until he too evolves under McMurphy’s influences and encouragement. Chris Conti is Martini, who continually talks to his invisible friends about what is for him an ever ensuing war. Jeff Church is a riot as the lobotomized Ruckley who drifts about in a stupor and is a willing participant as a basketball hoop and crucifix as needed in the wedding scene. The party ladies, friends of McMurphy are played by Emily Lewis as the fun loving always ready to have sex Candy and Tray Gearing as her hard drinking party loving friend, Sandra. Alex Duckworth is the spineless wish washy Dr. Spivey. Vince Petronio is the pot smoking laid back aide, Turkle. The timid, mousy Nurse Flynn is played by Amy Thompson.

There are many memorable scenes in the production. The scene where they want to watch the World Series is sheer delight. The party scene is hilarious with its wedding tucked in nicely. The conflicts between McMurphy and Nurse Ratched are powerful, at times raucous, at other times disturbing and moving. The final scene between the Chief and McMurphy is pure power, highly moving and emotional. The cast received a well deserved standing ovation at the end of this wonderful performance. It is memorable for its emotional power and comic finesse.

Director Mark Peckham keeps it all  crisply staged. Despite the large cast, everything flows easily from one point to another with no clutter.

The set and lighting design by Trevor Elliot is impeccable. He ably captures the dreary sameness, the overwhelming confining atmosphere of such an institution with skill and imagination.

It continues at Second Story Theatre March 8 until April 7. Performances Thursdays at 7 pm, Fridays and Saturday’s at 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets are $25, Age 21 and under $20.

Second Story Theatre 28 Market Street, Warren, RI box office 401-247-4200. www.2ndStoryTheatre.com