Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" opens April 1 at Washington State University in Pullman.

“‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest' is undoubtedly an American classic,” said Benjamin Gonzales, the production’s director. “It’s about how we as people put labels on those who need help, or are simply not like us, and send them into exile for not being ‘normal.

"The story is about a group of men at a psychiatric institution in Oregon who, with the assistance of new patient R.P. McMurphy, challenge the powers that control the institution. The script is definitely layered with semiotic imagery, complex characters and insight that I find is a valuable message to our community.”

Milos Forman’s movie based on Kesey's novel was released in 1975. In that, Jack Nicholson famously plays R.P. McMurphy.

WSU's performances will run April 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. nightly with 2 p.m. matinees on April 4 and 11. Reserved seating costs $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (60+), students and youth. Groups of eight or more are eligible for a discount.

To buy tickets in advance go to: http://www.ticketswest.com/events/wsu-performing-arts/10391/ or call  (800) 325-7328. Same-day tickets will be available at the Daggy Hall box office beginning two hours before each performance.

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