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Strong Firebelly
Cast Helps Propel 'Cuckoo' to Success
by MATT REVILLE, Staff
Writer
(Created:
Monday, July 24, 2006 10:17 AM EDT)
What to do, what to do,
on a lazy Sunday afternoon - stick it out at the newspaper office, or head
over to an insane asylum?
Yeah, I know, six of one, half-dozen of the other.
Firebelly Productions' performance of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest” at
Theatre-on-the-Run made the choice simple. It's a show that holds up well,
all these years later, and features a strong cast and even pacing.
The 1962 Ken Kesey story is familiar; it's a test of wills between the
newest inmate of the asylum and the nurse whose job it is to break his will.
Kelley Slagle and Dan VanHoozer portray Nurse Ratched and R.P. McMurphy,
respectively, and lead a cast that serves up plenty of quality, although
VanHoozer's use of the term “whoo!” rises to Ric Flair heights (that's a
reference for you pro rasslin' fans out there).
The tight space and relatively large cast pose both challenges and creative
opportunities, and director Kathi Gollwitzer uses it to her advantage. Only
at one point, midway through the second act, did I feel she and the cast
momentarily lost control of the audience. Otherwise, they were in charge
As noted above, most cast members turn in subtle performances. Besides the
two leads, I enjoyed the work of Joshua Drew, Dave Daniels and Joe Angel
Babb, all having significant supporting roles.
And, down a bit in the casting, I enjoyed the work of Suzanne Edgar, Lauren
Antonia Griffin, Seth Alcorn and Christopher Culosi. I want to see more of
Brian Lee Huynh; he's got a lot of potential.
All the technical aspects of the show were down pat on opening weekend, and
large-for-summer audiences testify that word has gotten out.
Quality acting make this dusted-off classic sing.
Firebelly Productions continues “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest” through
Aug. 6 at Theatre-on-the-Run, 3700 South Four Mile Run Drive in Arlington.
Tickets are $5-$15. For tickets and information, call (703) 409-2372 or see
the Web site at www.firebellyproductions.net.
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