Mesa Legend - ARCHIVES - Vol. 39, Issue 6


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Volume 39, Issue 6
November 13, 2001

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Theatre Outback wins the AriZoni
‘Cuckoo’ is honored for best director, best play

By Aida Teran
Mesa Legend

Gary Stephens MCC's Theatre Outback won the 2000-2001 AriZoni Award for best play and best director for Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

The AriZoni was developed 11 years ago to recognize the excellent work by theater professionals and amateurs in Arizona.

Theatre Outback competed with colleges, universities and community theaters statewide.

The play was directed by Gary Stephens, who has been with MCC’s Theater Department for 20 years.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was his first production at MCC.

"This production was unique because of the ensemble of great people who worked well together and they gave everything they had to give a great performance," Stephens said.

"The AriZoni Award has my chest swollen with pride," said Ram Stembridge, a cast member.

"The direction of Gary Stephens is what made the production such a great performance," he said.

The play is about Randle McMurphy, a mental patient who fights to liberate his fellow patients from the psychological and emotional controls of Nurse Ratched.

Anika Tisdale, who played Nurse Ratched in the production, was amazed by the first award MCC has ever received, and devotes the production to Stephens.

"Gary is an awesome director, he has a natural act for drama, and his creativity is what made this production so unique," Tisdale said.

Lyn Dutson, director of theater arts, applauded the entire cast.

"This award is the recognition of the work that was done from everyone who was involved in the play," Dutson said.