Pauley will portray the character of Randle P. McMurphy, a gambler who commits himself into a mental institution instead of serving a jail term. Set in a mental ward, McMurphy mistakes it for the easy way out and thinks he will be sprung as soon as his brief term is completed. However, he doesn't count on the aggressive, psychopathic Nurse Ratched, who despises his carefree manner and attempts to destroy his spirit. Auditions were held before winter break, allowing the cast several weeks to learn their parts. For the last five weeks, the cast has put in 15 to 20 hours a week for rehearsals.
Rehearsals consist of more than just reading and acting.
Often times, there are warm-up exercises involved and discussions to get the cast emotionally and mentally ready. One of the unique features about this show is the director, Gary Stephens. I feel like he has a connection with this story, he puts so much emotion into it. I've never worked with a director quite like him. The Mesa Legend is the student newspaper of Mesa Community College, Mesa, Arizona.