One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest 1971

Opened: March 23, 1971
Closing: September 16, 1973

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - 1971 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Mercer Arts Center
Mercer/West 3rd New York, NY

This stage adaptation of Ken Kesey's celebrated novel explores the brutality of life in a mental institution with humor, candor, and unforgettable characters.



After being convicted of a petty crime, a charming, rebellious rogue named McMurphy contrives to serve his short sentence in an airy mental institution rather than in a prison. This, he soon learns, was a mistake. He immediately clashes with the authoritarian head nurse, a fierce martinet named Nurse Ratched. Despite Ratched's strict reign, McMurphy quickly takes over the yard, leading others out of introversion, staging a revolt so that they can see the World Series on television, and arranging a rollicking midnight party with liquor and women. But McMurphy's brash insubordination has its consequences; Ratched ultimately triumphs by subjecting McMurphy to a frontal lobotomy.

Get One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

SLEUTH Comes To The New Vic In Santa Barbara In June
by Stephi Wild - May 20, 2022


Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) presents the fifth and final show of its 2021-2022 Season, one of the most iconic and celebrated thrillers ever written, SLEUTH, by Anthony Shaffer and directed by Jenny Sullivan. SLEUTH begins previews on Thursday, June 9 at 7:30pm, opens on Saturday, June 11 at 8:00pm and runs through Sunday, June 26, 2022 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria Street in Santa Barbara. 

HBO Max Announces Highlights for January 2021
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Dec 23, 2020


Spread the word, Upper Eastsiders -- all six seasons of “Gossip Girl” are coming to HBO Max on January 1st.

BWW Exclusive: THE 101 GREATEST MOVIE SCENES of All Time - from CITIZEN KANE to PINK FLAMINGOS, from THE SOUND OF MUSIC to PARASITE
by Peter Nason - May 26, 2020


BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest scenes in cinema from 1901 to 2020. See if your favorite movie moments made the list!

TCM Announces Big Screen Classics Series Featuring FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, ANNIE & More!
by Kaitlin Milligan - Dec 4, 2019


 'Surely, you can't be serious!' In 2020, 14 of movie history's greatest romances, funniest comedies, scariest monsters, boldest visions, ultimate adventures, and most unforgettable dramas will be back in movie theaters across the country as Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies present the fourth annual, yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series.

HTC Announces MAN OF LA MANCHA as First Ever Fully Staged Musical
by Julie Musbach - Feb 27, 2019


"Man of La Mancha," the first fully-staged musical in the 34-year history of the Hampton Theatre Company, will be the third play of the HTC's 2018-2019 season, opening on March 21 at the Quogue Community Hall and running through April 7.

A Play About Physics and Celebrity Opens In Redwood City This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Jan 26, 2018


Imagine a meeting of the minds between Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Senator Joe McCarthy, and Joe DiMaggio in a New York hotel room in the 1950s. Using these archetypes as a jumping off point, playwright Terry Johnson shows that celebrity, sex, death, and politics are all intertwined. Hilarious and heartbreaking, Insignificance shows us that everything is in fact relative.

A Play About Physics and Celebrity Opens In Redwood City This Weekend
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2018


Imagine a meeting of the minds between Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Senator Joe McCarthy, and Joe DiMaggio in a New York hotel room in the 1950s. Using these archetypes as a jumping off point, playwright Terry Johnson shows that celebrity, sex, death, and politics are all intertwined. Hilarious and heartbreaking, Insignificance shows us that everything is in fact relative.

Playwright David Henry Hwang Writes on the Passing of Gene Wilder
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 30, 2016


Playwright David Henry Hwang, who worked with Wilder briefly in the early stages of his play M. Butterfly, just wrote a tribute to the stage and screen legend. Wilder was cast as Rene Gallimard- a role that was later played by John Lithgow after Wilder withdrew from the production.

Gene Wilder, Star of 'WILLY WONKA', Mel Brooks Films and More, Dies at 83
by BWW News Desk - Aug 29, 2016


Gene Wilder, star of WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY - which will soon grace Broadway in a new musical adaptation - and Mel Brooks films such as THE PRODUCERS, BLAZING SADDLES and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, died today, August 29, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 83.

Pittsburgh CLO Announces Cast for THE TOXIC AVENGER!
by Nora Dominick - Jul 13, 2016


Are you ready to ROCK, Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh CLO is proud to announce casting for the Pittsburgh premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, September 22 - December 18 at the CLO Cabaret. This cult film-turned musical smash is a toxic love story with an environmental twist you won't want to miss! Featuring a rock score with instant hits such as: "Who Will Save New Jersey," "Thank God She's Blind," "My Big French Boyfriend" and "Evil is Hot," THE TOXIC AVENGER is sure to satisfy musical theater and movie lovers from the 'Burgh and beyond.

Gallery Players to Present ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 22, 2016


?Gallery Players announces the much anticipated production of the award-winning play, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest based on the novel by Ken Kesey, and adapted for the stage by Dale Wasserman.  Cuckoo's Nest continues Gallery's 49th Season of operation.  This production will be directed by Mark Harborth, with an opening night on March 12th at 8:00 pm.      

Keith Pinto Leads COMPANY, Beginning Tonight at San Francisco Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Jul 7, 2015


San Francisco Playhouse will complete its twelfth season with Stephen Sondheim's trailblazing musical comedy, Company, directed by Susi Damilano. The play will feature a cast of local favorites, with Keith Pinto (Into the Woods) starring as Robert, along with Teresa Attridge, Velina Brown*, Morgan Dayley, Michelle Drexler, Ryan Drummond*, Richard Frederick*, John Paul Gonzalez, Monique Hafen*, Stephanie Prentice*, Chris Reber*, Abby Sammons, Nicole Weber and Michael Scott Wells.

Keith Pinto to Lead COMPANY at San Francisco Playhouse; Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Jun 9, 2015


San Francisco Playhouse will complete its twelfth season with Stephen Sondheim's trailblazing musical comedy, Company, directed by Susi Damilano. The play will feature a cast of local favorites, with Keith Pinto (Into the Woods) starring as Robert, along with Teresa Attridge, Velina Brown*, Morgan Dayley, Michelle Drexler, Ryan Drummond*, Richard Frederick*, John Paul Gonzalez, Monique Hafen*, Stephanie Prentice*, Chris Reber*, Abby Sammons, Nicole Weber and Michael Scott Wells.

Debra Messing & More to be Honored by Trinity Rep
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 14, 2015


At the 19th annual Pell Awards, Trinity Rep will award Debra Messing with the Pell Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts. John Chan, jazz promoter and owner of Chan's Fine Oriental Dining in Woonsocket will be honored with a Rhode Island Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts. Dancer and choreographer Julie Strandberg will receive the Charles Sullivan Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts and Trinity Rep's former executive director, Michael Gennaro, will be awarded with the Pell Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Arts. The ceremony will be held Monday, June 15, 2015 at Trinity Rep with a reception to follow at the Providence Public Library.

San Francisco Playhouse Presents INTO THE WOODS, Now thru 9/6
by BWW News Desk - Jun 24, 2014


San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs today, June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.

Mesa Arts Center Announces 2014-2015 Performing Live Season; Includes Tony Bennett, Broadway, Joshua Bell, Bill Cosby
by Courtnie Mele - Jun 1, 2014


Mesa Arts Center today announced its 2014-2015 Performing Live Season, which begins with Lyle Lovett & His Large Band on July 24, and includes performances with Tony Bennett, MythBusters, Bill Cosby, Joshua Bell, Evil Dead the Musical, Molly Ringwald, and many more. The shows unveiled today are in addition to the six series packages announced on May 1, including Broadway on Center, Classical, Dance, Jazz, National Geographic Live, and Spoken World.

San Francisco Playhouse to Present INTO THE WOODS, 6/24-9/6
by Tyler Peterson - May 28, 2014


San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.

Lake Worth Playhouse Presents ONE FLEW OVE THE CUCKOO'S NEST, Now thru 3/16
by BWW News Desk - Feb 27, 2014


The Lake Worth Playhouse revives the gritty classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, tonight, February 27 - March 16.

Lake Worth Playhouse to Present ONE FLEW OVE THE CUCKOO'S NEST, 2/27-3/16
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 11, 2014


The Lake Worth Playhouse revives the gritty classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, February 27 - March 16.

Berkshire Theatre's THE LION IN WINTER, with Treat Williams & Jayne Atkinson, Begins Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jun 25, 2013


Berkshire Theatre Group presents James Goldman's The Lion in Winter at The Fitzpatrick Main Stage in Stockbridge opening on June 29 at 8pm. Previews begin tonight, June 25 at 8pm and closing is on July 13 at 8pm.

Photo Flash: First Look at The Edge Theatre's ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST
by BWW News Desk - Jun 12, 2013


The Edge Theatre Company presents 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' a witty, touching and enduring example of an individual's battle not to succumb to the forces of a dehumanizing, demoralizing society, in their new home at 1560 Teller Street, Suite 200, Lakewood, Colo. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Edge Theatre Presents ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, Now thru 6/30
by BWW News Desk - Jun 7, 2013


The Edge Theatre Company presents 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' described as a witty, touching and enduring example of an individual's battle not to succumb to the forces of a dehumanizing, demoralizing society, in their new home at 1560 Teller Street, Suite 200, Lakewood CO 80214.Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 6:00 p.m. tonight, June 7 - 30.

Berkshire Theatre's THE LION IN WINTER with Treat Williams & Jayne Atkinson to Open 6/25
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 6, 2013


Berkshire Theatre Group presents James Goldman's The Lion in Winter at The Fitzpatrick Main Stage in Stockbridge opening on June 29 at 8pm. Previews begin June 25 at 8pm and closing is on July 13 at 8pm.

The Edge Theatre Company Presents ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, 6/7-30
by Kelsey Denette - May 22, 2013


The Edge Theatre Company presents 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' a witty, touching and enduring example of an individual's battle not to succumb to the forces of a dehumanizing, demoralizing society, in their new home at 1560 Teller Street, Suite 200, Lakewood CO 80214.Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 6:00 p.m. June 7 - 30. Tickets for all performances are $22 Adult/$18 student & seniors and are available by calling 303-521-8041or online at www.theedgetheater.com. Group rates are available.

The Edge Theatre Company Presents ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, 6/7-30
by Kelsey Denette - May 21, 2013


The Edge Theatre Company presents 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' described as a witty, touching and enduring example of an individual's battle not to succumb to the forces of a dehumanizing, demoralizing society, in their new home at 1560 Teller Street, Suite 200, Lakewood CO 80214.Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 6:00 p.m. June 7 - 30. Tickets for all performances are $20 Adult/$16 student & seniors and are available by calling 303-521-8041or online at www.theedgetheater.com. Group rates are available.

Videos