Andria Theatre Presents “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”

The show “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” was most notably made famous by the 1975 movie starring Jack Nicholson, but the story all began with the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. It was adapted into a stage play in 1963 by Dale Wasserman. The Broadway production of the play starred Kirk Douglas as the main character, Randle P McMurphy. There have been several adaptations since. Fast forward to today and Alexandria, Minnesota’s Andria Theatre. The show is making its second run at the downtown theatre. Back in 2012 the Andria show was directed by Ann Hermes. She has reprised her “role” as director in the 2023 production. She says, “This is a hard show. It’s subjects are hard, the language is hard, the emotions are hard, characters are hard, and the themes are hard.” Some of the show’s themes deal with sanity versus insanity, institutional control versus human dignity and free choice, emasculation, and shame.

On stage making a return appearance starring as the same character, 11 years later, is Chuck Grussing. He plays Chief Bromden; a pivotal character in this drama about the taboo topic of mental illness. As a physically imposing character himself Grussing does a marvelous job of showing how someone of his stature could be reduced to a very small person by “the Combine.” The word defines society at large and some of the forces that exists to oppress the people within it. While the themes are difficult there is levity, humor and joy mixed in amid some of the challenges.

Pete Woit also returns to the cast having played the role of Cheswick, one of the patients more than a decade ago. This time around he is now portraying Dr. Spivey, the institution’s psychologist. Leading the cast is Randy Martin. Randy provides an amazing believability factor to the character with his portrayal of the likable, rebellious new resident Randall P. McMurphy.

Sharon Thalman has been in many shows in the past but lately has been directing a number of productions. She embodies the stern Nurse Ratched character, leaving a chilling picture in your mind during the second act.

No less talented, but rounding off the cast are Mike Ryan (Dale Harding), Bruce McKirdy (Scanlon), Kevin Bienias (Billy Bibbit), Mike Ardito (Cheswick), Nick Segaar (Martini), Brian Fleming (Ruckley), Rick Dusterhoft (Aide Warren), Tim Evans (Aide Williams), Brooklynn Bruner (Candy Starr), Sandy Susag (Nurse Flinn), Larry Shjerve (Aide Turkle) and Janice Larson (Sandy).

In addition to shows themselves on January 26, 27, 28, February 2, 3, 4 at 7:00pm and January 29 and February 5 at 2:00pm, the Andria Theatre will host a couple of talk back sessions. The audience is invited to stay after both Fridays of the show’s run (Jan. 27 & Feb 3) as Alexandria psychologist Carolyn Giannone will facilitate the talk backs. The audience will be able to discuss the topic of mental illness with the cast and crew. For tickets to the shows, click on the Andria Theatre’s website or call (320) 762-8300 during box office hours (Andria Theatre’s Box Office is open Monday-Friday 11am-5pm and one hour before show time).