CUCKOO'S NEST Opens 4/29 at York Little Theatre

York Little Theatre will present ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, by Dale Wasserman, in The Bon Ton Studio April 29-May 1 & May 5-8. Ken Kesey's novel, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," appeared in the early 1960's, in the middle of Vietnam war protests, the civil rights movement, and the start of women's' liberation. The book touched a nerve. It was an instant best seller and was made first into a play and then into a multiple Oscar winning movie.

Directed by Jack Hartman, the story focuses on Randle P. McMurphy, who chooses to serve a short sentence in a mental institution rather than one in a prison. This, he learns, was a mistake. Quickly, he takes over the ward and accomplishes what the medical profession has been unable to do; helping fellow patients improve their condition through unorthodox antics. He clashes with the head nurse Ratched, who resents his successes and retaliates by abusing her authority.

The cast features David Kloser as Randle P. McMurphy, Jaci Keagy as Nurse Ratched, Bob Haag as Chief Bromden, Rogan Motter as Billy Bibbit, Rob Allison as Dale Harding, Bill Jones as Cheswick, Jim Clark as Dr. Spivey, Rich Mehrenberg as Martini, Chris McGuinness as Scanlon, Kevin Wilcox as Ruckly, Andy Trout, Andrew Smith, and Frank Jarrell as Aide Warren, Aide Williams and Aide Turkle, Kelly Warren as Nurse Flinn and Angel Pritts and Marisa Hoover round out the cast as the fun loving prostitutes Candy Starr and Sandra.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. Patrons can save $2 off regular admission price if they purchase tickets prior to opening night. Group sales are available. Go to ylt.org or call 854-5715 for advance tickets and more information. Tickets will be available at the door one hour before the performance, if available.