---Theater Review by Jackie Houchin

The Knightsbridge Theatre's new production of "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

It's the story of how a convicted felon - crazy enough to think it would be easier to live out his sentence in a mental hospital than on a work farm - bursts into a ward full of real "loonies" and manages to irrevocably change their lives. (See photos)

At first McMurphy is only interested in playing cards, bilking his fellow warders of their petty cash and making life generally easier for himself. But soon he recognizes these men as very needy individuals. He sees how they are being abused and beaten down by the tyrannical head nurse, and declares war on their behalf. He boasts (and bets) that he can defeat her in one week.

Jacob Bruce is strong in the roll of McMurphy. He conveys an easy, devil-may-care attitude that soon has the audience as well as the inmates rooting for him. He also shows the intensity of purpose required for a would-be savior.

The antithesis of McMurphy, of course, is Nurse Ratched, who rules the asylum with an iron fist. She will stop at nothing to crush her patients into submission. Unfortunately, Marti Hale (who played Julius Caesar in an earlier production) portrays her as only superior and vindictive, and not truly cruel.

The patients who inhabit McMurphy's ward exhibit a variety of frightening and pathetic psycho ailments, and the actors who play these characters do it masterfully. (Is it possible the theater had a resident psychiatrist to advise them?) Kudos to Adam Chambers for his insightful casting and able direction!

Stephen Nolly is believable as the catatonic, deaf-mute half breed they call "Chief," who fools everyone except McMurphy. Tyler Sedustine is the near-comatose Ruckley who stands for hours with his arms outstretched as if on a cross. (How does he do that?)

David Ghilardi convincingly plays Harding, the spokesman for the group who has issues concerning his masculinity. Geoffrey Hillback plays the "soldier" Cheswick, who struggles to control his sexual urges, but sometimes gives in. (Hey, we saw you in the latrine doorway!)

Tim Heinrich's performance perfectly captures Billy Bibbit's deep sense of guilt, as well as his frustrating stutter. (Can you shed that when you go home at night, Tim?) Ian S. McAlpine gives a creepy performance as the psychopath, Scanlon, while Nikitas Mendotiades entertains and lightens the mood as the smiling, delusional Martini.

While "Cuckoo's Nest" has humorous moments, the overall atmosphere is tense and ominous. As the patients begin to assert themselves under McMurphy's encouragement, we see the inevitable punishment approaching, and we know it will be devastating.

The audience will leave with a sense of outrage at the cruelty portrayed, but also with a smug sense of satisfaction that at least "one flew away."

The drama plays Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.and Sundays at 6 p.m., now through April 6 th. Admission is $20; $18 for students and seniors.

The Knightsbridge is located at 1944 Riverside Drive in Los Angeles (near Los Feliz and the I-5 Freeway). Plenty of on-street parking is available.

For information and reservations call 323-667-0955.