STEVE DUNKELBERGER: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST >>>

Lakewood Playhouse gets a bit dark with its staging of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, a theatrical adaptation by Dale Wasserman of the 1962 novel by Ken Kesey.

The novel isn't all roses and mountaintops, and neither is the movie by the same name starring Jack Nicholson in the iconic role of Randle McMurphy, a devil may care troublemaker who thinks he made a good decision when he opted for time in an Oregon insane asylum rather than jail.

The theatrical adaptation, which has been revived on Broadway since it premiered in 1963, follows the book more than the movie. But seeing the movie provides a pretty good hint about the depth of the show.

Check out my review in the Weekly Volcano. This is a show to watch and discuss; however, you should leave the children at home. There are some rough scenes and language.

[Lakewood Playhouse, through June 22, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $11.50-$19.50, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd., Lakewood, 253.588.0042]

Photo by Dean Lapin