Review: You Live, You Learn, and You Go See “Jagged Little Pill”
Trigger Warning: Jagged Little Pill handles issues that may be disturbing for some viewers, including sexual assault and substance abuse.
In an age of biographical musicals chock full of hits from singers in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, “Jagged Little Pill” stands above the rest in more ways than one. For starters, although this jukebox musical is inspired by the 1995 album of the same name from singer Alanis Morissette, it is finally not a musical chronicling the story of her rise to fame, using her biggest hits as the score. Instead, it takes on the same themes as her album and spins an original tale of pain, healing, love, and empowerment.
With music from Morissette and Glen Ballard, lyrics by Morissette, a book by Diablo Cody, and additional music from Michael Farrell and Guy Sigsworth, the production is directed by Diane Paulus.
Heidi Blickenstaff and the North American Touring Company of “Jagged Little Pill.” Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.
The musical tells the story of Mary Jane (MJ) Healy (Heidi Blickenstaff) and her family as they navigate the pressures of trying to be the “perfect American family.” The female and non-binary characters (the character Jo identifies as non-binary in this national tour) rule this production, giving performances full of joy, pain, and courage as they tackle conversations about sexuality, social activism, first love, sexual assault, and substance abuse.
To no one’s surprise, Blickenstaff steals the show as MJ. Although she puts on a front of the perfect, all-American housewife, she is deeply broken and addicted to pain pills after suffering from a car accident. While every single moment of Blickenstaff’s performance is a master class in power and technique, there are a few moments that stand above the rest. With an expression like cracked glass that could break at any moment, her rendition of “Smiling” is a haunting, eerie moment of desperation. Surrounded by her fellow yoga moms that flock around like designer-legging-clad pigeons, Blickenstaff serves up a painful reminder that we all have our hidden demons.
(L to R) Heidi Blickenstaff, Allison Sheppard and Jena VanElslander in the North American Tour of “Jagged Little Pill.” Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.
Normally, our Broadway leading ladies have that one big number that steals the show and gives everyone goosebumps as they wipe the tears from their eyes. Not MJ. Blickenstaff brings her audience to its metaphorical knees every single time, wrapping viewers around her finger with effortless control. Her song “Forgiven” is another standout moment, this time backed by an intense beat like a pounding heart and layers upon layers of haunting harmonies from the ensemble.
But it is not just the ensemble’s harmonies that grab your attention. Thanks to movement director and choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the dancing in this production is top tier. With a combination of style and technique, the choreography in this production is just as, if not perhaps more, important to the story than the dialogue itself. Jena VanElslander in particular is a featured dancer as the MJ Avatar, and gives soul-bearing, heartbreaking performance that will leave you in tears.
Jade McLeod is another powerhouse in the role of Jo. Their number “You Oughta Know” is the production’s crown jewel. McLeod turns the theater into an all-out rock concert, giving the most powerful, intense, passionate performance I have ever seen in a theatrical production. “Doing it justice” doesn’t even begin to describe their rendition of what is arguably Morissette’s biggest hit. Dare I say McLeod’s performance might even be better than the original…
Jade McLeod and the North American Touring Company of “Jagged Little Pill.” Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.
I would be remiss if I did not point out the significance of this character and McLeod’s performance. When the production transferred to Broadway, it was heavily criticized for its mishandling of Jo’s gender identity. “Jagged Little Pill” has since issued an apology and announced the production is committed to “clarity and integrity in the telling of Jo’s story.” McLeod does just that as they perform with a powerful and passionate honesty that is truly a joy to watch. The full statement can be found here.
Allison Sheppard and the North American Touring Company of “Jagged Little Pill.” Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.
Allison Sheppard shines in the role of Bella Fox. Full of deep, powerful, sexy notes, Sheppard demands attention from the moment she walks onto the stage. As Bella slowly learns how to navigates life after her sexual assault, big belt numbers like “Predator,” “Uninvited,” and “No” resonate with strength and courage as she delivers a performance worthy of a warrior and with the passion of a hero. Sheppard becomes a voice for those that have none as Bella bravely joins the ranks of those that have come before her, standing up against stigmas that are still perpetuated far too often.
Rounding out the cast’s leading players are Lauren Chanel as Frankie Healy, Dillon Klena in the role of Nick Healy, and Chris Hoch as Steve Healy. As they learn to work together as an imperfect family, these talented performers shine a light on some of the social issues facing our society today with a touch that manages to be both graceful and in your face. In a production that handles so many heavy subjects (often with social activist Frankie at the helm), it would be easy to flounder in modern day efforts to be “woke.” Instead, it tackles these issues with passion and integrity, bringing the messy realities of life into focus and reminding us that we are not alone in the struggles we face. We are reminded that imperfection is okay, our fears and feelings are valid, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Dillon Klena, Heidi Blickenstaff Chris Hoch and Lauren Chanel in the North American Tour of “Jagged Little Pill.” Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
Watching the tongue-in-cheek back and forth of these characters, we laugh at the social commentary jokes. But it’s funny because it’s true. The production revels in the bold and the uncomfortable while doing so with a fervent passion often lacking in jukebox musicals.
“Jagged Little Pill” contains themes that may be inappropriate for young viewers and will run at the Durham Performing Arts Center through March 5, 2023. Tickets can be found here.
Additional photos can be found below. Feature photo credit: Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
