The first East Hawaii theater production of 2024 opens this weekend with performances of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” beginning Friday.
The Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre, or HEART, is staging “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” for three weekends at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo.
Directed by Larry Reitzer, a cast of 16 Big Island performers will be showcasing the talent of the local community during HEART’s first nonmusical play in four years.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is a play written by Dale Wasserman, based on the novel by Ken Kesey. A 1975 film adaptation staring Jack Nicholson as the main character, Randle Patrick McMurphy, popularized the story.
The play is set in a mental institution and follows the experiences of McMurphy, a charming and rebellious criminal who feigns insanity to avoid prison.
His arrival disrupts the strict and oppressive routine of the ward and challenges the authority of Nurse Ratched, the cold and controlling head nurse.
Through his charismatic personality, McMurphy inspires the other patients to assert their individuality and question the oppressive system.
“The play explores themes of freedom, power and the struggle against conformity,” Reitzer said. “It is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the human spirit and the impact of institutionalization.”
Theon Weber and Cynthia Jeffery star as Randle Patrick McMurphy and Nurse Ratched, respectively.
Some of the main patients are played by Romeo Garcia as Chief Bromden, Wilfred Gee as Dale Harding and Kyden DeSa as Billy Bibbitt.
Rounding out the cast of actors playing patients and orderlies are: Bruce Mirken, Ron Gauthier, Ray Ryan, Kassidy Wilson, Richard Griffiths, Yisa Var, Angie Roiniotis, Jason Aiwohi Tomlin, Danny Randerson, Chris Kocian, Alya-Joy Kanehailua, Jon Sakurai-Horita and Sean Douglas.
The show features set design by Bob McWhirk, lighting and sound design by Kevin Maeda, and costume design by Lizby.
“After putting on ‘Grease,’ I was ready for something more subtle and somber, even though the world could use more of that positivity,” Reitzer said. “Although the play ends in a tragic way, there is also a beautiful feeling of hope that comes from the story.”
The play will open Friday and run for three weekends, concluding on Sunday, Jan. 28. Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” can be purchased on the HEART website at hearthilo.org, or at the door pending availability.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.