One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at The Gift Theatre

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...This intense, finely acted, well directed production has attention-grabbing actors Paul D’Addario and Kent Joseph playing McMurphy and Bromden, respectively. As a result, we care about both men--and, by extension, about the others who find themselves trapped in Ratched's cuckoo's nest."

Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended

"...Theaters still produce the play today, however, because of the rich acting roles and potential for hugely entertaining theatrical fireworks. John Kelly Connolly's Gift Theatre staging is moderately successful in that regard; there are many strong performances, but it falls short of gripping."

Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended

"... The Gift’s production of this classic won’t make anyone forget Jack Nicholson’s turn in the film, but it sets forth the universal truths perhaps obscured by his giant performance. Force-of-nature D’Addario brings the role, which is Christlike as written, down to earth, conveying the benefit (and disaster) such figures can exert, while leaving room for the true subjects of this parable—Joseph as the supposedly deaf-mute Chief Bromden and Massey as veteran voluntary inmate Dale Harding—to evolve naturally onstage, resulting in a truly transcendent triangle. The chilly counterpoint of Nurse Ratched (Main) rounds out this considered, convincing, beautifully acted snapshot of everything that’s (thankfully) gone away since the novel was written—as well as what (unfortunately) hasn’t."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...From time to time I speak of the marvelous productions that our local storefront theaters bring to their tiny stages. It is as impressive to me as the large Broadway productions that have limitless funds, to see what these dedicated actors, directors, producers and tech people can do on shoestring budgets. The Gift Theatre Company, one dedicated to quality story telling through theater, has taken on a major challenge with their latest production, Dale Wasserman's "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest," which is based on the novel by Ken Kensey. This is a big cast show and for those of you unfamiliar with the Gift, the stage is long and narrow, probably no wider than 12 feet, and as close to an audience as one can get without including them in the show."

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...This cast is huge. The stage is small. Under the direction of John Kelly Connolly, the ensemble set up and break down chairs an insane amount of times. This stage “clean-up” throws off the pacing slightly and the scene transitions are clunky. The set, designed by Ian Zywica , is institutional, right down to the green “mental ward” paint choice. Kate Murphy designed the costumes which are a wonderful combo of old school nurses’ uniforms, 50’s cocktail dresses and pajama party. Whether it was Murphy’s or the actor’s decision, I loved Norman H. Tobin (Scanlon) appearing throughout the show with only one slipper on. Come on…that’s crazy!"