RIDGEFIELD — The Ridgefield Theater Barn has chosen to stage the riveting One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman, based on the novel by Ken Kesey, for its summer fare. Directed by Kevin Sosbe, this production puts the audience on a careening train ride that can only end badly.

The small stage is transformed into the meeting/activities room of a ward in a mental institution, which houses men in various states of sanity.

The tight quarters only serve to enhance the claustrophobia of the locked space and the urgency with which Randle P. McMurphy (played by Fred Rueck), plots the ruin of the conniving Nurse Ratched (Alicia Dempster).

Flying in the face of every protocol carefully put in place to control and demoralize McMurphy’s fellow inmates, Randle P. challenges himself to take down Nurse Ratched. He has not a clue what he is up against. As his odds deteriorate, he only rebels harder.

Toying with and provoking the other patients, McMurphy persuades them to cover his back while he charges relentlessly at Nurse Ratched. The inmates are liberated from their drudgery and dysfunction in the presence of this grand showman. They grow to worship him. McMurphy, however, is the train wreck.

The two central characters are the ultimate foes and sides demand to be taken. The men on the ward — played by Sam Bass, A.M. Bhatt, Roger Dykeman, Mark Hankla, Timothy Huber, Tim Trewhella, and Stephen Zerilli — perceive only one choice: McMurphy.

This cast is large and uniformly very good. Particularly Stephen Zerrili as Cheswick, who is fully engaged every minute he is on stage.

Sam Bass plays the stuttering Billy Bibbit to perfection. His final scene is searing.

As Dale Harding, the man who is devoid of ardor, Timothy Huber beautifully portrays his anguish and penchant for self-flagellation.

As the long-suffering Chief Bromden, A.M. Bhatt is mesmerizing.

Each performer playing a patient does so beautifully.

As the diabolical Nurse Ratched, Alicia Dempster gives a subdued, careful performance.

Fred Rueck is a bundle of frenetic energy and impulsivity as R.P. McMurphy, imbuing his character with all the verve he can handle and yet exudes a measure of sensitivity as he comes to care for his colleagues. He does a great job with this choice role.

Nicole Neurohr plays the young Nurse Flinn, Brianna Bowman is Cindy Starr, and Emma Burke-Covitz plays Sandra. They all give lovely performances, as does Bill Kenyon as the resident Dr Spivey, who finds humor and warmth in McMurphy.

The two aides, played by Joshua Edelson and Robert Malloy, spend a fair amount of time rushing in and out of a set of wildly swinging doors as they are called in to manage McMurphy and protect Nurse Ratched. They act with determination

This is a familiar story played out in an intimate setting, making it all the more vivid and impactful, providing a night of really good theater. Catch this Cuckoo’s Nest while you can.

Performances continue through June 22, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8, and Sunday, June 16, at 2 pm. Call 203-431-9850 or visit ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org for additional information and reservations.

Those planning to attend a performance of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest at RTB should note the production uses a smoke machine, strobe light, and flashing lights.