Did you know that before the release of the 1975 Oscar-winning movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” starring Jack Nicholson as Randall P. McMurphy, the book was adapted into the Broadway Play that ran from 1963 until 1964 for a total of over 80 performances?

The ACTS Theatre Production onstage at 1 Reid Street Theatre Oct. 20-29 will remain true to that original Broadway production, said Chris Webster, ACTS Theatre board president, “and explore the brutality of life in a mental institution with humor, candor and unforgettable characters. This is a play that might not be suitable for children because of the language, she said.

Bobby Guillory will direct his first full stage play. Stage manager is Rebecca Harris. Producers are Markie Hebert and Crystar Collins-Molitor.

Webster shared the storyline. After being convicted of a petty crime, a charming, rebellious rogue named McMurphy contrives to serve his short sentence in an airy mental institution rather than in a prison. This, he soon learns, was a mistake. He immediately clashes with the authoritarian head nurse, a fierce martinet named Nurse Ratched. Despite Ratched’s strict reign, McMurphy quickly takes over the yard, leading others out of introversion, staging a revolt so that they can see the World Series on television, and arranging a rollicking midnight party with liquor and women. But McMurphy’s brash insubordination has its consequences.

Peyton Standford will take on the Randle P. McMurphy role; Gustavo Gutierre, Chief Bromden. Alex Tyler will play Nurse Ratched. Dale Harding will play Dan Sadler, Billy Bibbit will be played by Cameron Fultz. Scanlon by Joseph Comeaux; Cheswick, Frank Cooper; Martini, Joseph Alexander; Ruckley, Jeff Johns; Aide Warren, Kerry Wilson; Aide Williams, Dylan Conley; Dr. Spivey, Scotty Higginbotham; Nurse Flinn, Ashley Stanley; Aide Turkle, Jamal Bell; Candy Starr, Sarah Broussard; and Sandra, Melissa Macer.

Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30. Sunday matinee is 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students.

Auditions for the off season presentation of Christmas Belles is Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m., at the One Reid Street Theatre. Christmas Belles is a church Christmas program that spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator.