Jagged Little Pill - review

[Jane Zussman]

Jagged Little Pill is a traumatically entertaining musical - delivered with professional production values by Director Garrett Bradley’s all-star cast at the Lebowsky Canter in Owosso — a well-earned standing ovation. You’ll be overwhelmed by this powerful script by Diablo Cody with music by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard with additional music by Michael Farrell and Guy Sigsworth. It’s a fun little tale about addiction, rape, racism, marital discord, sexism, and perfectionism… messy, tumultuous and honest. 

Despite its dark subject matter, there’s room for humor as the uptight “Perfect Mom” MJ (Amanda DeKatch) pens her perfect Christmas Letter and the assorted foibles and pretensions of parents and teens play out. The complex plot would work even as a nonmusical drama, and is elevated/emphasized by the music and fantastic dancing including some impressive furniture choreography. The acrobatic featured dancers were outstanding — especially Liv McIntyre in that wild couch dance embodiment of what can’t but put into words.

The incomparable Amanda DeKatch once again displays her wide range of singing and acting chops as the addicted “perfect” mom, MJ, avoiding her frustrated husband Michael Windnagle, as they pursue what’s “best” for their kids. Son Nick (Matt Antalek) steals our hearts as the son struggling to find himself inside his mom’s expectations. “Adoption fail” Black daughter Frankie is wonderfully played by Lauren Handspike. Olivia Bath was her girlfriend Jo who nailed the show-stopper, “You Oughta Know” — and Dante Justice charmed as her boyfriend Phoenix. All these actors have great voices as do the entire cast and ensemble — with creative and expressive dancing by all.

This is not a short show — about two and a half hours — and does depict some sexual violence and difficult issues that may be too much for young kids — but the show may be relevant/important for mid to older teens, offering opportunities to discuss how some issues in the production relate to their own experiences. 

Jagged Little Pill continues next weekend at 7:30pm Fri & Sat; 2pm Sun. Tickets at http://www.lebowskycenter.com

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

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