The show is being performed by a stellar cast through Nov. 3 at the Poway Performing Arts Company, 13250 Poway Road.

After experiencing several sell-out performances, the management is considering extending the run, but had not made its decision before press time. For details, call the box office at (858) 679-8085.

"Cuckoo's Nest" has become a classic since Dale Wasserman brilliantly adapted it from Ken Kesey's 1962 novel.

Touching, intense, thought-provoking - the show is definitely an adult- only venue that is packed with raw language and intended for mature audiences.

Some of the dialogue has been cleaned up a bit, since licensing agreements suggest that each community can adjust the script accordingly, said a PowPAC spokeswoman.

But what would "Cuckoo's Nest" be without a bite of reality?

Don't be fooled into thinking it's a comedy, although it has some lighter moments. Expect a seesaw of emotions that leaves you wondering, yet enlightened when you walk away.

The show focuses on the daily activities of patients who are not committed, but have chosen to stay in the asylum. They are joined by newcomer R.P. McMurphy, who gets the choice of jail time or being with psychiatric patients.

What he doesn't know is that his term in the asylum will stretch longer if the staff deems he is not fit to return to society.

Robert Cervantez gives a riveting display as Chief Browden, who pretends to be deaf and dumb to fool the nurses. He holds conversations with his dead father that are haunting.

"I need about 20 minutes before each show to pace back and forth;" Cervantez said. "I get into my role completely."

On stage, it shows.

Kenny Taylor, as McMurphy, plays an irreverent ex-con to the hilt. He has enough bravado, charm and muscle to pull off a challenge with hardnosed Nurse Ratched or so he thinks.

Jeremiah M. Maestas as Billy Bibbitt, a 30-year-old still tied to his mother's apron strings, and Dave Rivas as Martini, who hides in a psychotic world, are superb by saying more with physical gestures than words.

After the play, both said they are drained by the emotional effort it takes to get the part right.

Rett Becker plays Dale Harding with great depth as the "voice of reason" and head of the patient's council.

Meanwhile, Robert Shadbolt as Cheswick does a nice job of showing how "normal" he can be, except for a few loud outbursts that remind him (and the audience) of where he is.

As Nurse Ratched, Susan Bell is even-handed with rationality in keeping her patients in line. She knows the exact moment when she can play mind games to her advantage.

George Blum has fun being a very ineffective Dr. Spivey and Lee Donnelly is Nurse F'inn, who pales in comparison to Nurse Ratched's tough demeanor.

Look for Kathleen Brower, as Candy Starr, and Holly Stephenson, as Sandra, to liven up the after-hours rendezvous party planned by McMurphy.

As ward aides, Russ Allen, Kirk Bradley and John DeCarlo show the right amount of callousness and disinterest in the patients' well-being.

Director Dimitar Marinoff believes that "individuals create institutions of convenience."

"As a result, one ends up in a self-created 'cage' of convenience which becomes and order of rules, restrictions and regulations."

The performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 3, unless the show is extended another two weeks.