- November 17, 2024
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When most people hear “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” they think of the 1975 motion picture staring Jack Nicholson. But City Repertory Theatre Director John Sbordone said that it’s important to remember that it was originally a brilliant novel written by Ken Kesey in 1962.
“This is a classic,” Sbordone said. “I don’t know about this generation, but certainly my generation and other generations.”
The novel was adapted into a play by Dale Wasserman in 1963 and ran for 83 performances on Broadway. Now, the company at City Repertory Theatre is putting their own spin on it for a nine-performance run opening Oct. 24.
“It’s a brilliant novel that depicts a major archetypal battle in society about the forces of conformity and the forces that are always trying to make things better for the world,” Sbordone said.
The cast is headlined by Eric Bohus as McMurphy, Sue Pope as Nurse Ratchet or Big Nurse, and Anthony Felton, as Chief Bromden.
Bohus has appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award-nominated “Grand Hotel” off Broadway in “Grapes of Wrath” and “Fire Girl.” He has also toured in several national and regional tours. “One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest” is Bohus’ Flagler County stage debut.
Pope was last seen at CRT in “Twilight,” playing four different characters. More recently, she has appeared in “Other Desert Cities” and “The Last Romance” at the Limelight Theatre.
In addition to being an actor, Felton is also a playwright and songwriter. He conceived, wrote and performed an original play, “Still I Weep,” and has been seen on stage at CRT in “Race.” Felton is also a Take Stock in Children mentor and a founding member of the City Lites musical production Motown & Mo.
The cast is rounded out by Richard Nowell, Josh Fagundes, John Birney, Harold Salkin, Frank Anello, Ken Flanagan, Val Betts, Christina Goodin, Adrienne Betts, Sbordone, Peggy Jones and Sarah Hoyt.
“We have an extraordinary actor playing McMurphy and the supporting cast is really strong,” Sbordone said.
IF YOU GO
What: “One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest”
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, 25, 31, Nov. 1, 7 and 8; and 2 p.m. Oct. 26 and Nov. 2
Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for students. Call 585-9415.
