(LE MARS) — “Do I look like a sane man?” This is a question asked by lead character Randall P. McMuphy in the upcoming production of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at the Postal Playhouse in Le Mars. The show, based on Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel of the same name, explores society, sanity and how people in power control individuals through subtle and coercive methods. Sounds pretty serious, I know, but through great writing and a cast of characters who bring a smile to your face, the journey of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is an entertaining one. The entire show takes place on a psychiatric ward where the men and staff of the ward are introduced to their newest patient Randall McMurphy, played by Ken Niehus. He’s there to ride out a sentence of fake insanity top avoid the work farm. There he makes friends and enemies that will change his life completely. One confidant comes in the person of Cheif Bromden, an Indian of very few words, played by Dan Casey. Casey, who is employed by Nor-Am Cold Storage, was a theater major in college and has done a few things over the years. He is new to Le Mars Community Theater, but his experience shines through in his portrayal of the Bromden, whose narratives weave the story of Cuckoo’s Nest together. Casey says it was the script that brought him in for the show… Listen here {audio}images/stories/mp3/April2012/Cuckoos 1.mp3{/audio} And it’s the comaraderie that will bring him back. Listen here {audio}images/stories/mp3/April2012/Cuckoos 2.mp3{/audio} Someone else hitting the stage after a long hiatus is Jeff Neary. Known in Plymouth County as Judge Neary, Jeff says he’s making his return to the Le Mars stage after 27 years. Listen here {audio}images/stories/mp3/April2012/Cuckoos 3.mp3{/audio} Neary plays Mariti, who is the Danny DeVito part in the film version. Listen here {audio}images/stories/mp3/April2012/Cuckoos 4.mp3{/audio} 12 other people round out the cast (pictured below) including Melanie Sailer as Nurse Ratched. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” under the direction of Danna Schuster, opens next Friday and runs for two weekends. Tickets are available by calling the playhouse Monday-Friday 11a-2p…546-5788.
