NFCT’s ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’ is riveting

“But I tried, didn’t I? Goddamnit, at least I did that.”

The line, uttered by the character of Randle Patrick McMurphy in Dale Wasserman’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” a play adapted from the novel by Ken Kesey, resonates brilliantly in a production of the show currently running at the North Fork Community Theatre in Mattituck.

The show is about a young rebel who,”upon admittance to a mental institution . . . rallies the patients to take on the oppressive head nurse, a woman he views as more dictator than nurse. This comically sharp indictment of the establishment continues to be relevant today as it explores what is ‘normal'”, according to the NFTC.

What begins as a humorous and at times, heart-achingly poignant look at the world inside an institution for the mentally ill, evolves into an introspective study of greater themes that include man’s struggle to maintain individual freedom and a feisty spirit, in the face of an oppressive government.

In his director’s note, Bob Kaplan said he was initially concerned whether the NFTC’s spring show, “Cuckoo’s Nest,” would “hold up”. What started as a book and play became forever immortalized in Jack Nicholson’s iconic portrayal of McMurphy, Kaplan said.

“Would a piece that spoke to the rebelliousness of the hippie generation resonate with today’s society? The book and the play, after all, used the metaphor of a psychiatric hospital to highlight the ‘power and control issues, of the 60s and 70s,” Kaplan said.

“Then,” he added, “it dawned on me that concerns about ‘power and control’ have not gone away.”

Mental illness today continues to remain a subject cloaked in secrecy and sometimes, shame.

“There is tragedy in this play which seems to come from society’s inability to deal with mental illness with sensitivity and understanding,” Kaplan said. “It’s sad that we still don’t seem to view mental illness with the same intensity and concern that we do other serious — viral and bacteriological — illnesses.”

The talented cast at the NFCT breathed vivid life into each of their characters, bringing sensitivity and compassion into the plight of each, as they portray their unique inabilities to leave the confines of the asylum and face their deep-seated fears in the outside world. Together, they form a family of sorts, a band of brothers that catch a glimpse into what the future could be, of what lies beyond, as McMurphy, played by Alan Stewart in a star turn, bursts onto the scene.

Stewart’s McMurphy is loud, brash, and larger than life — his spirit and energy transform the stage and the show and bring it to dazzling heights.

And yet, Stewart imbues McMurphy with a core fragility and vulnerability that he bares with honesty in a grippingly raw and genuine performance.

Other striking performances include Wade Karlin’s Chief Bromden, who finds his voice and strength in a friendship born of a shared struggle to survive in a world dark with injustice. His quiet grasp of the character’s inner conflict creates some of the show’s most deeply compelling moments.

Rebecca Edana is smilingly sinister as one of the most collectively reviled characters in theater history, Nurse Ratched, and Peter Peterson breaks hearts as the broken young Billy Bibbitt.

There isn’t a weak link in this stellar cast, and scenes when the group collectively revolts against tyranny, such as when they rise up to watch the World Series or throw a party with booze and women, make the audience want to cheer for the flashes of strength breaking through the vast sense of hopelessness that blankets their otherwise bleak existence.

It takes courage and incredible acting chops to pull off such a masterful production, and NFCT, once again, proves why the theater is a North Fork gem, with this not-to-be-missed show.

And in the end, McMurphy tried. At least he tried. And that, it seems, is the best we can do.

Produced by Deanna Andes, cast members include Alan Stewart, Rebecca Edana, Wade Karlin, Rusty Kransky, Peter Peterson, Dave Markel, Derek Hoffman, John Hudson, Ken Rowland, Lena Trbojevic, Jim Pearsall, Robert Wesson, Laura Pace, Tara O’Shea, Jennifer Eager and Jose Coropuna.

Remaining how dates are March 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. All shows are at 8 p.m. excited for Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. A free reception will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 22, with an 8 p.m. curtain.

In addition, the audience will have a chance to chat with actors during two “talk-back” sessions, held on Sunday, March 23 and Sunday, March 30, right after the matinees. Actors will engage in question-and-answer sessions about their roles and “what it takes to get into their character’s skin,” according to a release by the NFCT.

Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at 631-298-NFCT or www.nfct.com. For more information call the NFCT information line at 631-298-4500. The show contains adult themes and strong language.

Student Rush: Student tickets will be available for $12 at the box office beginning 10 minutes before each performance. The rush tickets are subject to availability and cannot be reserved ahead of time.

The NFCT is located at 12700 Sound Avenue in Mattituck.