Tulsa’s World Stage Theatre Company presents "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest"

World Stage Theatre Company opens its ninth season, Stories of the Mind and Other Matters, with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman.

Play Synopsis: This powerful and provocative classic, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, follows the charismatic Randle P. McMurphy as he challenges the rigid authority of Nurse Ratched inside a psychiatric institution. Through humor, heartbreak, and unforgettable characters, this gripping drama explores freedom, conformity, power, and the resilience of the human spirit. As the battle between individuality and control unfolds, audiences are invited to reflect on what it truly means to be seen, heard, and free.

Dale Wasserman was an American playwright, best known for his 1965 book for Man of La Mancha and his adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 1980 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Directed by Dionne Lambert, the play Paul Henry as Aide Turkle, Ibrahim Buyckes as Aide Warren, Bryson Pahukoa as Aide Williams, Braydon Curtiss as Billy Bibbit, Jailei Hernandez as Candy Starr, Armando Rivera as Cheswick, Chase Parker as Chief Bromden, Adrian Alexander as Dr. Spivey, Zero Steiert as Harding, Gary Marshall as Martini, Esme Davis as Nurse Flinn, Kathryn Hartney as Nurse Ratched, Christian Stubblefield as R.P. McMurphy, Mauro Quiorga as Ruckley, Jazzy B as Sandra, and Stephen Gehly as Scanlon.

Immediately following the Saturday and Sunday matinees, there will be a facilitated talk-back to take a deeper dive into the play’s themes.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest runs September 18-27, 2026, at Liddy Doenges Theatre in the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket prices range from $31 to $36. Visit am.ticketmaster.com/tulsapac/buy?id=MTIxNw== for tickets.

World Stage produces powerful productions that give actors and audiences access to the world by telling multicultural, inspirational, and transformational stories that connect our hearts and minds with people, places, and ideas. Our work is fueled by CommUnity Theatre, socially impactful stories, cross-cultural connections, and authentic storytelling. For more information on World Stage Theatre Company, visit www.okworldstage.org.

The Gayly online. 9/14/26 @ 12:32 p.m. CST.