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Jagged Little Pill: A New Musical From Alanis Morissette has reached Melbourne after a successful sold-out tour in Sydney. The 15-Tony nominated musical and broadway smash hit manages to tackle an important range of prevalent social issues in today’s society, while keeping the career-defining album in tact, and at the heart and soul of the performance.
Jagged Little Pill, now a 26-year old album, showcases the self-proclaimed ‘hyper-autobiographical, stream of consciousness style’ that the Canadian singer-songwriter is known for worldwide. The album’s perfect blend of 90’s alt-rock and teenage angst launched Morissette into musical immortality, resonating with audiences of all ages. Nine years ago, Morissette opened herself up to turning the album into a theatre production, on the condition that she would only proceed if it truly moved her – ’emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and intellectually‘. The Tony-award winning story, written by Diablo Cody (Juno) manages to brings the album to life, and allows the musical to transcend beyond the lyrics.
The story of Jagged Little Pill focuses on the Healy family. Mary Jane (Natalie Bassingthwaighte) is the ideal upper-class mother, obsessed with family image while dealing with a secret pill problem after a car accident brings up a past trauma. Husband Steve (Tim Draxl), who is struggling to balance family and work; their Harvard-bound son Nick (Liam Head), who is trying to discover the type of person he will become; and their adopted black queer daughter Frankie (Emily Nkomo). When fellow classmate Bella (Grace Miell) is sexually assaulted at a party, the whole Healy family becomes involved her story; tackling issues including misogyny, racism, transphobia and many other important issues. The plot is, at times, much more important than the songs that drew us towards the musical, and is a truly moving storyline fitting for the #MeToo movement.
The musical’s director Peter Rutherford does a fantastic job of bringing the hits to life. With a stacked first act with Hand In My Pocket, Ironic, Perfect, Wake Up and ending with Forgiven, it’s hard to imagine it getting better (spoiler – it does). Act 2 is supercharged with Head Over Feet, You Oughta Know, Uninvited, Thank U and You Learn. The highlight of the night for most of the audience was breakout star Maggie McKenna, who plays Jo, delivering a powerful rendition of You Oughta Know, resulting in the first standing ovation mid-performance that we’ve ever experienced. Special mentions also go to co-stars Grace Mielle who plays Bella, and Aydan who performs in the role of Phoenix.
Whether you are a super fan of Alanis Morissette or enjoy a night at the theatre, there’s easily something for everyone in Jagged Little Pill. Check out their website or Ticketmaster to grab your tickets today.