Los Altos Stage Company Presents ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST

Absolute authority clashes with the human spirit when Los Altos Stage Company presents Ken Kesey's seminal One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Adapted for the stage by Dale Wasserman, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest opens April 14 (preview performance on April 13) and runs through May 7 at the Bus Barn Theater in Los Altos.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest explores life in an Oregon mental institution run by Nurse Ratched, whose domineering authority controls the lives of patients and staff alike. Into this universe steps R.P. McMurphy, a freewheeling spirit whose energy and charm begin to transform the ward. A battle of wills ensues between Ratched and McMurphy as the timeless conflict of authority versus freedom is played out. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest delves deep into questions pertinent to our modern society, such as how far should authority go to maintain order, and what price are we willing to pay to truly be ourselves?

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest premiered in 1963, and has starred several well-known American actors, including Kirk Douglas and Gary Sinese. The 1975 film adaptation starred Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, and won 5 Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Los Altos Stage Company's production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is directed by LASC Associate Artistic Director Jeff Clarke. Mr. Clarke has been directing for the stage since 1998, and has credits with City Lights Theater Company, PCPA Theaterfest, and the Hit and Run Players. Before joining LASC, Mr. Clarke served as Senior Drama Specialist for Bullis Charter School, producing and directing 32 plays and musicals over an eight-year span.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest features Claire Ando, Joe Antonicelli, Marc Berman, David Blackburn, Robert Sean Campbell, Aaron Hurley, Drew Benjamin Jones, John Stephen King, Gary Landis, Keith Larson, James Devreaux Lewis, Bobby Lopez, Toni Maddocks, and Heather Skelley. Scenic design by Ting Na Wang, costume design by Sharon Peng, and lighting design by Jarku Tang.

Performances for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest run Wednesday through Sunday, April 13 to May 7. Wednesday-Saturday performances start at 8pm. Sunday performances start at 3pm. Please note there will be no performance on Sunday, April 16. Ticket prices range from $18 (student) to $36, including opening night tickets with an artists' reception following the performance. Tickets can be purchased online at www.losaltosstage.org or by calling the Box Office at 650-941-0551.

Los Altos Stage Company is a quintessential American neighborhood playhouse, serving Los Altos and the greater South Bay area, and paying tribute to the full canon of American musicals, comedies, and dramas. This 21-year-old theater company strives to bring together a diversity of theater enthusiasts, practitioners, and supporters to create, explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of American culture and experience through live theater. Los Altos Stage Company produces five to six shows annually at its intimate 99- seat theater located on the Los Altos Civic Center campus.

Photo credit: Richard Mayer