Previews: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST at Wichita Community Theatre
Runs September 3 to September 13, 2026
Wichita Community Theatre OPENS its 2026-2027 Season with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman, based on the novel of Ken Kesey, and directed by Joe Parrish The show has mature themes and adult language.
'One Flew' was first adapted as a play in 1963 by Dale Wasserman, and the first Broadway run featured the legendary Kirk Douglas as McMurphy. Later, Jack Nicholson made that role famous in Milo Forman’s 1975 film.
In a nutshell, it's one of those plays which causes empathy as much as it generates humor. Though this story is set and written in an American environment over six decades ago, and research studies on mental health are far more advanced and precise today, the basic symptoms and personality traits of patients remain the same. One of the best things about One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is that the patients first appear as victims of mental illness, yet it soon becomes clear they are pawns in a system designed to dis-empower.
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, 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 will have its consequences.
The production runs from September 3-13. Please be advised that performances have a new start time – 7:30pm Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday matinees September 6 and September 13 starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for military/senior/students. There is a special ticket price for everyone of $16 for September 3, and September 10, opening night performances only. For reservations go to our website – wichitact.org. Wichita Community Theatre is located at 258 N. Fountain. Box office opens 1/2 hour prior to curtain.
