Alanis Morrissette’s Jagged Little Pill was, without a doubt, an excellent rock album – but it was also so much more than just that. Her poetic lyrics and brutal imagery lent power to a burst of rage that felt, somehow, uniquely female – because it wasn’t about being difficult, or contrary, or simply ‘angry’. No, it was about being a woman in a misogynist society, making your voice heard, and refusing to let anyone silence you.
So you can understand how excited we were to learn that the 1995 album is being turned into a musical.
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Premiering May 2018 at the American Repertory Theatre in Massachusetts, the show will feature Jagged Little Pill hits like Ironic, You Oughta Know, Forgiven, Mary Jane, Head Over Feet, and All I Really Want – as well as a number of songs from Morissette’s larger discography.
And, before you start to panic about the plot, it’s safe to say that it’s in very safe hands indeed: Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody wrote it, with more than a little help from Morissette herself.
As such, the plot is a complex one, dealing with the dynamics of a contemporary, multi-generational family as they tackle issues such as gender identity and race.
Speaking about the passion project in a statement, Cody said: “I am so excited to tell a modern story through these iconic songs – Alanis’ music is full of powerful narratives that lend themselves organically to this process.”
Meanwhile Morissette, speaking about the musical, added: “The team that has come together for this Jagged Little Pill musical is my musical theatre dream come true.”
She is, of course, referencing the fact that, as well as Cody, the show was brought to life by Tony Award-winning director Diane Paulus and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tom Kitt.
“The chemistry between all of us is crackling and I feel honoured to be diving into these songs again, surrounded by all of this searing talent,” continued Morissette.
“Diablo and Diane are already taking these deeply personal songs that are part of my soul's marrow to a whole other level of hope, freedom and complexity.”
Paulus added: “Jagged Little Pill defined a generation and yet the raw, emotional honesty of Alanis’ songs feels more needed now than ever.”
We couldn’t agree more. Fingers crossed that this show makes it overseas to our very own West End, eh?
Images: YouTube
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