ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST

 

By Dale Wasserman 
 

OPENING JULY 10 AT 8:30

and playing through JULY 22

 

Directed by DUSTY REEDS

 

Produced by BRENDAN RAGOTZY

 

Gripping. Poignant. Moving.

 

(Augusta, MI) ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST erupts upon the Barn Theatre stage July 10.  Within the walls of an asylum for the mentally insane, Randal P. McMurphy deals with his fellow patients while he finds himself in a battle of wills with Nurse Ratched who struggles to hold the ward within her matriarchal grasp. 

 

Joe Aiello and Penelope Alex star as the inexorably opposed central characters, the wily con man Randle P. McMurphy and the domineering, tyrannical Nurse Ratched.  Scott Burkell is the well educated but emotionally inhibited Dale Harding, and Roy Brown joins the cast as the humiliated, emotionally adolescent Billy Bibbit.  The grim satire features many Barn apprentices, notably Isaac James as the Schizophrenic Native American narrator Chief Bromden and Alston Brown as the lobotomized and emotionally tortured Ruckley.

 

Ken Kesey’s searing narrative, inspired by his experiences as a volunteer test subject while working at Agnew correctional facility in San Jose, California, was published in 1962, and shortly after publication the novel was adapted for the stage by Dale Wasserman.  Actor Kirk Douglas purchased the stage and film rights to the play and starred in the first Broadway production of the drama in 1963.  His son, Michael Douglas produced the Academy-Award winning 1975 movie, starring Jack Nicholson.

 

This powerful, poignant, disturbing and ultimately liberating theatrical experience is not to be missed.  For mature audiences.

 

Performances for “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” run through July 22nd and are Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Enjoy refreshments in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before the show, during intermission and after the show. Enjoy a light snack while being entertained by the free cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage performance. 

“One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” is directed by Dusty Reeds.  Doug Bickle is the Scenic Designer, and Kate Irvine Mills is the costume designer.  Garrylee McCormick is the Hair/Wig Designer. Properties are designed by James B. Knox and Lights are designed by Adam Levine.  Tim Crews is the Sound Designer. Technical Direction is by Fred Gillette.

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Cast List

 

Chief Bromden.............................................................................. Isaac James

Dale Harding................................................................................. Scott Burkell

Billy Bibbit..................................................................................... Roy Brown

Frank Scanlon............................................................................... Christopher Richards

Charles Atkins Cheswick II........................................................... Eric Petersen

Anthony Martini............................................................................. Bo Frazier

Ruckley......................................................................................... Alston Brown

Randle Patrick McMurphy............................................................. Joe Aiello

Aide Warren................................................................................. Kevin White

Aide Williams................................................................................ Jamey Grisham

Dr. Spivey..................................................................................... Eric Parker

Nurse Mildred Ratched................................................................. Penelope Alex

Nurse Flinn................................................................................... Dana Joy Glaus

Aide Turkle................................................................................... Gregg Rehrig

Candy Starr................................................................................... Emily Matlack

Sandra.......................................................................................... Megan MacPhee

Technician..................................................................................... Nick Horton

Sefelt............................................................................................. Jason Cabral

Fredericks..................................................................................... Ryan Stutz

Announcer......................................................................................Brendan Ragotzy

 

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Cast Bios

 

JOE AIELLO - Randle Patrick McMurphy

This is Joe’s 27th, yes 27th season as a member of the Barn’s resident Equity company.  Over the course of his Barn career Joe’s talent and versatility won him acclaim for memorable portrayals of Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Lee in TRUE WEST, Albin/ZaZa in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Arthur in CAMELOT, Mozart in AMADEUS, Gallimard in M. BUTTERFLY, Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS, Herbie in GYPSY, half the town in both GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS, and he was the Barn’s original Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter in its perennial hit THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  A gifted director as well, Joe has earned accolades for his Barn treatments of CABARET, SHE LOVES ME, CHESS, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, CRIMES OF THE HEART, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, LOST IN YONKERS, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, SWEENEY TODD, and BAT BOY (the last two co-directed with Scott Burkell).  Joe lives in New York City where he is Director of Sales for Match-Tix Group Sales and Promotions and co-owner of Allied/Hit-Tix, Inc.

 

PENELOPE ALEX - Nurse Mildred Ratched        

In her 21 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself on the Barn stage.  Her resume here is highlighted by a series of compelling performances: Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Maria in LEND ME A TENOR, and Janet in our first two productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come to mind, as do her own favorites, such as the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, and opposite Tom Wopat as Nellie and Annie, respectively, in SOUTH PACIFIC and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Last season she was seen in OUT OF ORDER and starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in our sleeper hit THE WIZARD OF OZ.  Her longest-running roles are her dearest- wife and mother to Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy and their children Luke (12), Calli (10), Jacob (7), and Melina (3).  Over the winter Penelope was seen in a guest artist capacity as Agnetha in the Whole Art Theatre’s FROZEN and appeared ‘round the region on radio and television commercials for Denooyer, Behavioral Health Resources, CTS, and was the pale restaurant customer in the spot for Midnight Tan and Cruise.  In addition to her full slate onstage and at home Penelope serves the Barn as Publicist and coordinates the hiring and departmental placement of each season’s apprentice company.  She’s a native of San Jose, CA, and like husband Brendan, is a proud alum of San Jose State University. 

 

ALSTON BROWN – Ruckley

Alston is beyond elated to be joining the Barn Theatre family for a third summer season!  A native of Atlanta, GA, Alston is a 2005 graduate of the Valdosta State University Theatre program, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performance.  Alston’s appearances on the Barn stage include Benjamin in THE GRADUATE, Dr. Lyman Hall in 1776, Yonkers in GYPSY, and Nikko the Flying Monkey in THE WIZARD OF OZ.  Other credits include ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, THE VISIT, MACBETH, WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF? CHILDREN OF EDEN, and THE PAJAMA GAME.  Alston was recently involved with the Off-Broadway production of ARMED AND NAKED IN AMERICA, appearing in David Rabe’s THE EARLIEST USES OF SPIN.  Alston currently lives in New York City and wishes to thank his very dear friends and family for their continued love and support.

 

ROY BROWN - Billy Bibbit

Roy is pleased to mark his second season as an Equity resident.  He’s gained quite a following locally for a series of wonderful performances during his apprenticeship: Renfield in DRACULA, Stewpot in SOUTH PACIFIC, Reuben in our ’99 JOSEPH…, Lefou in BEAUTY IN THE BEAST, Harry the Horse in GUYS AND DOLLS,  Mrs. Taylor in BAT BOY, Smudge in FOREVER PLAID, and most famously, da Jimmer in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT.  Last summer Roy reprised his ESCANABA turn and also followed in the footsteps of Louis Girard and Barn founder Jack Ragotzy as the Bellhop in our third go-round of OUT OF ORDER.  Roy’s professional experience includes a Theatreworks USA national tour and the independent film SUMMER DAZE, which is currently in limited release.  A native of Hastings and a veteran of major roles in all the prominent local civic theatres, Roy now calls New York City home.  In addition to his acting load Roy is responsible for maintaining the beautiful grounds here at the Barn.   

 

SCOTT BURKELL - Dale Harding

Scott is celebrating his 25th Barn season after another eventful year in New York.  Scott and Barnie Paul Loesel’s new musical, ELLA MINNOW PEA, is now complete and had a major reading in May.  Burkell/Loesel songs continue to be in-demand for cabaret and concert artists such as Susan Egan, Rebecca Luker and Kristin Chenowith.  Barn favorite Marin Mazzie and her husband Jason Danieley recorded a couple of selections for their “Opposite You” CD.  Scott also just finished a run as Cole Porter in RED, HOT, AND COLE for the Beaufort Performing Arts in Beaufort, SC. He also played various roles in the Broadway and First National Tour of the musical TITANIC.  Here in Augusta his career has been unforgettable.  Some faves include Molina in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Georg in SHE LOVES ME, Felix in THE ODD COUPLE, Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, the other half of Tuna, Texas in both GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS, and perhaps his all-time gem, Riff-Raff in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Scott’s credits last season include starring in 1776, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, co-starring (opposite Joe Aiello) in both GREATER TUNA and OUT OF ORDER, and directing both OKLAHOMA! and

GYPSY.  

 

DANA JOY GLAUS - Nurse Flinn 

Dana is so happy to be a member of the Barn’s 2007 company.  Entering her junior year at Kent State University, Dana is majoring in musical theater and minoring in dance. Last summer she performed at the Porthouse Theater in Ohio in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.  Most recently Dana was seen as Angela in HAIR at Kent.  Other roles include Frenchie in CABARET and the Musical Hall Singer in VIOLET.  Dana wants to thank her family and friends who have supported her and her fellow classmates and mentors who have taught her so much.

 

ISAAC JAMES - Chief Bromden

Coming all the way from Southern California, Isaac James is elated to be spending the summer at the Barn.  For the past two years Isaac has studied musical theatre and vocal performance in the Citrus Singer program at Citrus College under the guidance of fellow Barnie Doug Austin (1986).  Isaac’s latest credits included the Beast in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.  He is extremely excited to see what it takes to be called a “Barnie” this summer!  He sends his thanks to all his friends and family for their love and support.

 

ERIC PARKER - Dr. Spivey

Eric is celebrating 15 Augusta summers this season.  His growing list of Barn credits include several favorites: Rutledge in 1776 and again as Remnar in our third go-‘round of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT last summer, Jerry in THE FULL MONTY, Rocky and Eddie in several occurrences of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW,  Freddie in CHESS, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, Pharaoh in JOSEPH…, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the title role in PIPPIN, Cousin Kevin on TOMMY, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook.  His career has continued there, with roles in both their TYA and dinner theatre productions, most recently Jacey Squires in THE MUSIC MAN, Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL.  Regional: Sebastian in THE THING ABOUT MEN, Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Miles in A FUNNY THING…FORUM, Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour).  An Adrian native, Eric was honored to reprise his Barn turn in THE FULL MONTY in a hit production at the Croswell Opera House last fall.  He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood and Siena Heights University in his hometown.  He currently resides in Chicago with his cat and his cd collection. On our offstage staff Eric helps oversee the maintenance of the Barn’s physical plant and directs our popular Bar Shows.

 

ERIC PETERSEN - Cheswick         

Eric comes back to Augusta for his first full season as an Equity resident straight from the First National Tour of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, in which he starred as William Barfee.  He’ll rejoin that production immediately following the Barn season (with a brief hiatus to marry fellow Barnie Lisa Marie Morabito in October).  Favorite Barn roles include Berger in HAIR, Matt in THE FANTASTICKS, Rick/Lorraine in BAT BOY, and the (Chinese) Waiter in TWO INTO ONE.  Other credits include Bill Sykes in OLIVER! (Charleston Stage, SC), Paul Revere in SPREAD THE WORD (TheatreworksUSA), and Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, of which Eric is a proud graduate.  He sends love and thanks to Lisa, his parents, Kyle, Chuck, and the Ragotzys. Visit www.EricPetersenOnline.com.

 

GREGG REHRIG - Aide Turkle    

Gregg has worked at the Barn in several capacities: Apprentice, Stage Manager, Box Office Manager, and Actor.  Last season he was seen in several memorable performances: Stephen Hopkins in 1776, Mr. Goldstone in GYPSY, and the Mayor of Munchkinland in THE WIZARD OF OZ.  Other credits include Dr. Finsdale in LI’L ABNER and Dr. Scott in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  After the season Gregg flew to Kona, HI for a second straight fall to assist in their hit remount of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Gregg worked for several seasons as Stage Manager for American Musical Theatre of San Jose, American Conservatory Theatre, the San Francisco Symphony, and the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. Gregg is a graduate of San Jose State University and a proud member of Actor’s Equity.

 

CHRISTOPHER RICHARDS - Scanlon    

Christopher is excited to debut at the Barn Theatre this summer.  Past professional credits include JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and OUR TOWN at Porthouse Theatre in Ohio.  Christopher is currently pursuing a BFA Musical Theatre degree at Kent State University and wishes much love and thanks to his family and friends.

 

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CALENDAR NEWS:                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 28, 2007

 

NOW PLAYING:  ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST ~ Adapted from the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey, the Academy award-winning movie makes its way to the Barn stage July 10 - 22.  This gripping, poignant and powerful piece of theatre is not to be missed. Within the walls of an asylum for the mentally insane, Randall P. McMurphy manipulates his fellow patients while he finds himself in a struggle of wills with the oppressive Nurse Ratched – For mature audiences.

 

NEXT:  July 24 – August 5 the Pinocchio story comes to life on the stage in GEPPETTO AND SON. A brand new magical musical from Disney to enchant the whole family!  As in the original story, the wooden puppet dreams of becoming a real boy while learning lessons about telling the truth. With songs from the animated classic such as the beautiful “When You Wish Upon A Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings”, as well as “Bravo Stromboli” and “Pleasure Island” featuring the Ringleader, Roustabouts and Delinquent, this new Disney musical is sure to be an instant stage classic!

 

FAMILY FUN DAY!  SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2:00 – 4:00 pm! Reserve now for the second annual Barn Theatre Family Fun Day - an afternoon of fun, games, prizes, a cool “character luncheon” and a tour of the theatre followed by a performance of the brand new Disney musical based on the classic Pinocchio story, Geppetto and Son!  Please visit www.barntheatre.com for more information and call the Box Office for reservations! (269) 731-4121

COMING SOON:  The Wild West explodes on stage in this rowdy, rip-roaring, lighthearted adaptation of the MGM movie musical SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS playing August 7 – 19.  This musical will delight all ages with its exciting songs and show-stopping dance numbers! When young Millie marries backwoodsman Adam, she thinks her life just got easier...until she meets his six brothers! Based extremely loosely on the Stephen Vincent Benet story Sobbin' Women," SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS is one of the best MGM musicals of the 1950s.

The Barn Theatre          Located on M-96 1 mile west of the village of Augusta.

Box Office Phone          269 731-4121 Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Performance times        Tuesday through Friday at 8:30pm  Saturday (2 shows) 6:00pm & 9:00 pm

                                       Sunday 5:00pm (8:30 Added performance, if applicable)

Ticket Prices                 $29.00 Each.  Any day, any performance.

 

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Group rates available (10 tickets or more)

Professional Equity resident summer theatre.  Our 62nd season

Listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites – Free and easy parking

Air-conditioned Theatre and Restrooms handicapped accessible.

 

Enjoy refreshments and a light snack in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. WINGS AND NACHOS in the Rehearsal Shed!  Free cabaret-style entertainment follows main stage performances.

 

Brendan Ragotzy, Producer.


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