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, a fierce martinet named 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 has its consequences.

Directed by: Corry Lapointe
Play by: Dale Wasserman
Based on the novel by: Ken Kesey
Dates: November 9-11 and 15-18, 2023 at 7:30pm. November 12 at 2pm.

CAST (In Alphabetical Order)

Tom Albrecht – Randle P. McMurphy
Tom is thankful to be a part of the OSLT community which has helped him to create, to meet talented and dedicated people, and to understand himself better. He is a settler on treaty lands. In memory of mental health professional Dr. Amy Bender.

Kristan Anderson – Aide Warren
Kristan is relatively new to the OSLT stage. The One Acts in 2016 were his first appearance. His love of theatre has brought him back for a second appearance in an OSLT production. He previously performed the role of Michel, the father-to-be, in Having Hope At Home.

Nolan Ballantyne – Billy Bibbit
Nolan was last onstage as Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. After a year in theatre arts preparation at George Brown theatre school he is thrilled to be back on stage with a wonderful cast and crew. Big thanks to Corry and crew for the opportunity to play.

Steve Byers – Dale Harding
Steve is ecstatic to be back on stage following OSLT productions of Sister Act and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. He would like to thank Corry and the entire brilliant cast and crew for their relentless efforts at bringing this amazing story to life.

J.C. Coutts – Dr. Spivey
J.C. made his acting and Roxy debut in April 2022, appearing as Paul Verral in Born Yesterday. J.C. is an award-winning broadcaster, working in radio and television across Canada for over 20 years. He can often be heard on local stations or seen on RogersTV co-hosting Grey County Life and on Owen Sound Attack broadcasts. J.C. is very excited to be a part of a talented cast and crew on another amazing OSLT production!

Ben Davidson – Cheswick
Although this play is a major departure from Ben’s last time on the Roxy stage in Beauty and the Beast, the audience is sure to be delighted with this compelling and relevant story as brought to life with Corry’s extraordinary vision. As always, the commitment required by cast and crew to bring these productions to the stage is only possible with the support of loved ones.
Love to Bertie.

John Flynn – Ruckly
John has acted in numerous productions over the years including Hamlet, I Hate Hamlet, Act of the Imagination and Spelling Bee. In 2015 he made his debut as director with Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and in 2023 directed The Game’s Afoot. John is very pleased to work alongside a talented cast and crew in bringing this literary classic to our stage.

Faith Lahey-McCoy – Candy Starr
Recipient of the Edna Manitowabi award for performance through Indigenous Performance Initiatives at Trent University, Faith has returned to the theatre after a 15 year hiatus. While living in Norway for the past decade, she did have the chance to dabble in Stand-up comedy. Additionally, Faith has worked in varying capacities, as Front of House Manager, Stage Manager, Program and Production Coordinator, as well as student acting mentor. Faith is over the moon to be performing on the Roxy stage!

Peter Leonard – Martini
From “crazy old Maurice” in Beauty and the Beast to somewhat crazier Martini, Peter is delighted to have another chance to appear on the stage with a few old friends and many new faces under Corry’s splendid direction. This is his 41st season of involvement with OSLT. Some of his favourite roles have been Sowerberry in Oliver, Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Arthur Putnam in An Act of the Imagination multiple characters in 39 Steps and Selsdon Mowbray in Noises Off.

Colleen Martin – Nurse Flinn
Originally trained as a musical theatre performer, Colleen first delved into adult drama with the role of Kate Keller in The Miracle Worker here on the Roxy stage. In doing so, she discovered the joy of working on a great dramatic script with an inspiring director. Colleen is happy to continue that process with this stellar cast and crew.

Allan Mason – Chief Bromden
Allan is studying at Georgian College, and this is his first time venturing into theatre. Through this adventure Allan has developed a keen interest in learning more about the world of live theatre and hopes to make this production the first of many. We do too. Along with his beautiful stage presence, his interest in sound mixing are skills from which OSLT will hopefully benefit going forward. Welcome Allan to OSLT.

Lacey Mooney – Nurse Ratched
Lacey is thrilled to be back on the stage! Lacey directed Beauty and the Beast last November, and has been seen in over 18 OSLT productions such as Sister Act, Spamalot and The Miracle Worker. She is passionate about sharing her love of theatre through her work with the Roxy Young Company and the Roxy Star Company. She would like to thank the amazing cast and crew, specifically Corry, for this amazing opportunity and experience!

Paul Sawyer – Aide Turkle
Paul is new to OSLT appearing first in the recent One Acts. His beginnings in theatre date back to the late 70s with community theatre and high school productions. For 35 years he worked as a professional mobile DJ. The hiatus has ended and he is back on stage.

Elaine Slade – Sandra
Elaine is overjoyed to be returning to the Roxy Stage. She played years ago at OSLT as Cadet Peters in The Boat, Rita in Educating Rita and Sarah in Sarah Binks. She has been in many productions in Port Elgin, Southampton and Kincardine. She is the recipient of awards from WODL for her performances as Judith in My Darling Judith, Wanda in Maggie’s Getting Married, Ms. Hannigan in Annie and Emma in Storm Warning. She is a graduate from the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

Jamie Smith – Scanlon
Jamie has been on the Roxy stage over the years. Most often he has been acting, and singing and dancing in OSLT musicals. Working with this skilled and diverse cast and crew has been both an interesting and unique experience. He hopes the audience will enjoy the show as much as we have had performing in it. Thanks for your support.

Mike Tettenborn – Aide Williams
Mike is thrilled to be part of the cast in OSLT’s latest production One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Mike has appeared recently in Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act and Shorthanded, and previously in The Miracle Worker, White Christmas, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Mike is also on the OSLT board as treasurer. He is a graduate of the Stratford Festival’s Her Majesty’s Players. Many thanks to Corry and Lisa for giving him this opportunity to strut on the stage.

CREW

Corry Lapointe – Director
Corry has been a member of OSLT for over 50 years. She has had the privilege of participating in many productions during that time, primarily performing as an actor. In the more recent past she has enjoyed working as a director, claiming that her best work is “casting.” This is true for this wonderful production. The crew is equally stellar, and together she hopes everyone will enjoy this powerful and still timely story of One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Producer – Cathie Locke
Producing a show with Corry as director and Lisa as stage manager is viewed as a reward for being a good girl, according to Cathie. This time the story continues to be as germane today as it was when the novel by Ken Kesey was published in 1962. It’s a powerful and shocking tale.

Stage Manager – Lisa Miller
Lisa has worked on many OSLT productions in a variety of capacities. Whatever the production role, a commitment of time is an expectation but this role is second only to that of the artistic and musical directors, but it is time joyously spent.

Don Buchanan – Music and Sound Lead
Don is delighted to join Corry and her wonderful cast and crew to provide his touches to the soundscape of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by creating arrangements of a familiar childhood melody. It has been an honour for Don to be part of this brilliant production.

Fiona Smith – Assistant Stage Manager

Cathy McKinnon – Assistant Stage Manager

Steve McKinnon – Assistant Stage Manager

Paul Welch – Set Design and Lead Builder
Paul is excited to be working with Corry on the set design for Cuckoo’s Nest. What a great cast and crew, a real team effort. Paul has also been previously involved with set design, building, painting as well as props and acting. Each task has its own challenges, which is why we do this. Enjoy the show.

Terry Burns – Scenic Painter Lead
Terry has been involved in both community and professional theatre for many years, primarily as a stage-manager, scenic painter and performer, with additional stints in direction, choreography, producing and props.

Debbie Morris – Properties Lead
When Debbie isn’t on stage (Blythe Spirit, Act of the Imagination, The Long Weekend and Red Plaid Shirt), she is back stage (Too numerous to list!). Debbie loves the challenge of gathering and creating props that work with the actor and the time frame of the play. It has been a pleasure working with Corry for the first time and her fabulous cast and crew. Enjoy the show!

Joan Spence – Wardrobe Lead
Joan is very grateful to her mother, Betty, for such patience as she supported all four daughters learning to sew and knit. Joan still gets such pleasure from these textile arts, as they continue to introduce her to interesting, talented folks.

Kasey Williams – Hair Lead
Kasey has been working her magic with hair and wigs on many OSLT productions over the years. The list includes but is not limited to Les Belles Soeurs, Perfect Wedding, I Hate Hamlet, Anything Goes, Hello Dolly, Les Mis and To Kill a Mockingbird. Kasey Believes that behind the scenes is the place to be.

Wendy Smart – Makeup Lead
Wendy enjoys painting faces in the middle of the preshow backstage excitement. She has worked in several other production departments but this is her favourite. She also enjoys ushering at the many events help at the Roxy.

Bill Murphy – Lighting Design Lead
Bill has worn a variety of hats during his time as actor, director, President of OSLT and lighting designer. The recent technical improvements permit the Lighting Team to expand the potential of the contribution the lighting makes to every show. The challenge of moving to LED lighting is exciting for the entire team. Bill is thrilled to be working with Corry and the entire Cuckoo’s team.

Gord McConachie-Anderson, Scott Caple – Sound and Special FX

Elaine Anderson – Prompter

Photography – John Prettie, John Fearnall