One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Adapted for Stage by Dale Wasserman
Based on the Novel by Ken Kesey
Presented by Players on High at the Carlisle Theatre [2026/2027 Mainstage Season]
UPDATED Performance Run: September 9-13 (6 Shows)
"This stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s celebrated novel explores the brutality of life in a mental institution with humor, candor and unforgettable characters. After being convicted of a petty crime, a charming, rebellious rogue named McMurphy contrives to serve his short sentence in an airy mental institution rather than in a prison. This, he soon learns, was a mistake. He immediately clashes with the authoritarian head nurse, Nurse Ratched. Despite Ratched’s strict reign, McMurphy quickly takes over the yard, leading others out of introversion, staging a revolt so that they can see the World Series on television, and arranging a rollicking midnight party with liquor and women. But McMurphy’s brash insubordination will have its consequences."
Important Production Note: This play is Rated R and contains adult language, violence, sex, and language depicting sexist, racist, and homophobic stereotypes. While Players on High is committed to the authenticity of storytelling, we reserve the right to remove language or text that does not compromise the integrity of the story as is stated by the publisher of this piece upon purchase of rights to produce this work. It is imperative we stay committed to a space that is safe & professional for all who join, and that we do not perpetuate inappropriate depictions that occurred during the time this play was written.
--
Important Performance Update:
Due to an unforeseen family emergency, we elected to adjust our performance schedule for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in the best interest of our cast and crew. While our first weekend is cancelled, we have added additional dates and times to our final weekend:
Wednesday, Sept 9 @ 7:30pm
Thursday, Sept 10 @ 7:30pm
Friday, Sept 11 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, Sept 12 @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, September 13 @ 2:00pm
Anyone who has already purchased tickets for September 4,5, or 6 will have their tickets honored on the new date of their choosing. All ticket holders have been emailed privately. Please email house@calrisletheatre.org to update your reservation. We thank you for your understanding as we respect our families who graciously give us their time and talents to make the Theatre a beautiful place to experience live theatre."
Adapted for Stage by Dale Wasserman
Based on the Novel by Ken Kesey
Presented by Players on High at the Carlisle Theatre [2026/2027 Mainstage Season]
UPDATED Performance Run: September 9-13 (6 Shows)
"This stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s celebrated novel explores the brutality of life in a mental institution with humor, candor and unforgettable characters. After being convicted of a petty crime, a charming, rebellious rogue named McMurphy contrives to serve his short sentence in an airy mental institution rather than in a prison. This, he soon learns, was a mistake. He immediately clashes with the authoritarian head nurse, Nurse Ratched. Despite Ratched’s strict reign, McMurphy quickly takes over the yard, leading others out of introversion, staging a revolt so that they can see the World Series on television, and arranging a rollicking midnight party with liquor and women. But McMurphy’s brash insubordination will have its consequences."
Important Production Note: This play is Rated R and contains adult language, violence, sex, and language depicting sexist, racist, and homophobic stereotypes. While Players on High is committed to the authenticity of storytelling, we reserve the right to remove language or text that does not compromise the integrity of the story as is stated by the publisher of this piece upon purchase of rights to produce this work. It is imperative we stay committed to a space that is safe & professional for all who join, and that we do not perpetuate inappropriate depictions that occurred during the time this play was written.
--
Important Performance Update:
Due to an unforeseen family emergency, we elected to adjust our performance schedule for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in the best interest of our cast and crew. While our first weekend is cancelled, we have added additional dates and times to our final weekend:
Wednesday, Sept 9 @ 7:30pm
Thursday, Sept 10 @ 7:30pm
Friday, Sept 11 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, Sept 12 @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, September 13 @ 2:00pm
Anyone who has already purchased tickets for September 4,5, or 6 will have their tickets honored on the new date of their choosing. All ticket holders have been emailed privately. Please email house@calrisletheatre.org to update your reservation. We thank you for your understanding as we respect our families who graciously give us their time and talents to make the Theatre a beautiful place to experience live theatre."