R.P. McMurphy has always been the bull goose of wherever she goes. She is the wildest, lustiest, strongest woman in the world and, as long as she’s stuck in this cuckoo’s nest, the craziest too, the unquestioned bull goose loony. But when she finds herself butting heads with Nurse Ratched and his relentless iron fist of control, it’s not just fun and games anymore. In their uniquely gender-swapped production, Robert E. Lee High School stunningly portrayed the bloody war for control so vividly captured in the story of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
The brilliant Ken Kesey novel, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” was published in 1962 and then adapted into a play the following year by Dale Wasserman. However, the most famous adaptation of the story is the 1975 film starring Jack Nicholson which would go on to win five Academy Awards. The story is notable for its study of the flaws of the 1960s institutional system and its questionable practices. Lee High School’s production featured all female patients and a male Nurse Ratched, a new and intriguing take on the work. While the nature of the script makes the swap difficult, the actors strove valiantly to embody the concept and were, for the most part, extremely successful.
Ellie Milewski, as the brash and bold McMurphy, was the magnetic force that held the rest of the show together. Her commanding physicality and ceaseless vitality filled the stage and infected every scene with driving energy. The taut atmosphere between Milewski and her nemesis Nurse Ratched (Peter Block) was palpable, leading up to shocking breaks of control that took the breath away with their intensity. Block himself provided an effective Ratched with poised restraint and complete understanding of his power dynamics with other characters.
The supporting cast possessed both talent and zeal, with many of the actors distinguishing themselves for their incredible performances. Bobby Bibbit was played with equal amounts of dedication and delicacy by the transformative Phanida Langer. Her twitch and stutter were always in place, painting an exquisite portrait of the nervous and sensitive girl. As a foil to Block’s malicious Ratched, Sam Cornbrooks was amiable and timid as Dr. Spivey.
Even the smallest roles added to the ambiance in both the comedic and dramatic fronts. Turkle (Ivan Jackson) was hysterical with his drunken songs and lanky walk, kicking off the revelries of the amusing party scene. Even the Chronics (Amber Wilson, Amber Supernore, and Skyler Estrella) with little to no lines were entirely dedicated to the production and fulfilled their strange behaviors with unshakable focus.
The tech was useful and compelling, synthesizing unforgettable moments throughout the production. The different levels of the set were helpful to make striking stage pictures while props were also carefully selected and assembled with books, playing cards, and a real hospital stretcher. The lighting featured amazing effects such as in the electroshock therapy scene where flashing purple spotlights heightened the drama. All in all, the tech augmented the terrific story and devoted actors to put the finishing touches on the performance.
With charisma, commitment, and creativity, Robert E. Lee High School’s crazy production of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” brought the thought-provoking and inspirational story alive.