By DANIELE HAMAMDJIAN Special to the Daily Press
The classic “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by playwright Dale Wasserman has been revived in an inaugural production by a Santa Monica High School alumni-based organization called “The Viking Underground.”
The new theatre company, a sister company of the Santa Monica Civic Light Opera, has reopened the newly renovated Barnum Hall Theater with the American classic that was made famous by Jack Nicholson in a 1975 film production.
“The development of new works and innovative takes on classic plays will drive the ‘Viking Underground’s’ commitment to building a valuable creative outlet for Westside audiences and theater artists,” said co-founder and producer, Ryan Hurst.
The 1994 Samohi graduate has taken the lead role of “McMurphy” under the guidance of long-time friend and director, Frank X. Ford. Hurst is best known for his breakout performance as the captain of a football team opposite Denzel Washington in Disney’s “Remember the Titans,” and for recently starring with Tom Hanks in the Coen Brother’s remake of “The Ladykillers.”
The play features a cast of 20, including “General Hospital’s” Emmy award-winner Stuart Damon and 28-year-old Hurst, amongst a dozen other Samohi graduates. Ford, who also is artistic director of the Santa Monica Civic Light Opera, is directing the production which is scheduled for 12 performances over the next two weeks. Ford has headed theatre and film at Samohi for the past 17 years.
“As students, Ryan and I were very fortunate to have amazing teachers and mentors at Santa Monica High School and it’s our hope to give back both educationally and theatrically to the school and community,” added Molly Cookson, co-founder and producer of Viking Underground.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is based on a novel written by Ken Kesey. Set in an Oregon State Mental Hospital, the play humorously depicts a rebellious patient’s struggle with the ward’s domineering head nurse. By exploring the human psyche, Ford and his team have re-imagined a production that relates the play’s themes to contemporary issues. The original Broadway production opened at the Court Theatre in 1963 with actor Kirk Douglas starring as “McMurphy.” “There are two movie screens on each side of the stage,” explained 1999 Samohi graduate and co-producer Jayme Mechur. Mechur said she believes the additional sound and visual affects will shed a new light on the production, and allow for an unique experience for audience members.
“It was his idea and his dream,” she said. “With the help of Frank Ford, they were able to bring it to life.”
Hurst’s previous work includes Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan,” and “We Were Soldiers” with Mel Gibson.
Barnum Hall Theater is located on the Samohi campus, 601 Pico Blvd. Tickets for Thursday and Sunday performances are $20, and $25 on Fridays and Saturdays. For information, call (310) 458-5939. Additional information is available at www.smclo.org. The play runs until July 31.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 20, 2004. Read the original PDF.