With music and lyrics by Canadian-American musician Alanis Morissette and a book by Diablo Cody ('Juno', 'Burlesque'), 'Jagged Little Pill' is a new musical with an original story about a perfectly imperfect American family.
Inspired by Alanis' seminal rock album of the same name, the show centres around the Healys, who struggle to hide the cracks of their 'perfect' exterior when a troubling event shakes their community.
Hits such as 'You Oughta Know', 'Head Over Feet', 'Hand In My Pocket' and 'Ironic' are sprinkled through the soundtrack, as well as brand-new songs written just for the musical.
The cast features Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Tim Draxl, Emily Nkomo, Liam Head, Maggie McKenna, Grace Miell, Aydan and more.
Here, Emily Nkomo (who plays Frankie Healy) and Liam Head (who plays Nick Healy) list their top three Alanis bangers featured in the show, which is currently playing in Sydney.
Emily Nkomo (Frankie Healy)
One
'Hand In My Pocket'. Mags (Maggie McKenna) who plays Jo, does such an amazing job in this number! They are such a storyteller and really take you through the lyrics. I also love the dancing and the overall vibe of performing this song on stage!Two
'Ironic'. So I actually knew this song from when I was younger. I remember people would sing it at signing competitions, so I was kinda surprised when I heard the cast recording for the first time and knew the lyrics!Three
'You Learn'. I absolutely adore this song! The lyrics really just remind us that as humans there’s always room to grow and evolve. Also that growing and healing together is so important.
Image © Daniel Boud
Liam Head (Nick Healy)
One
'You Learn'. This is the final number of the show. It’s full of life and love and is very, very real. The creative team, Diablo Cody especially, have stressed the importance of not giving this show a musical the fairytale finish most musicals have. I really enjoy the catharsis that comes with this number. It allows you to release and reflect on the journey you’ve just been through, and is staged in a way that lets the audience join in on this outpouring.Two
'You Oughta Know'. I’ve really enjoyed being able to watch Mags (Maggie McKenna) work with this content in the room. It’s filled with so much passion and tenacity – it’s very raw. I remember the first we saw it, we basically gave the cast a standing ovation in the rehearsal room. Australian audiences won’t know what hit them.Three
'Head Over Feet'. This is probably one of my favourite songs in the whole soundtrack. The start is so sincere and beautiful. In terms of how it fits into our story, it sets up this huge dynamic shift between all of the characters. Everything is kind of about to go belly up and this song is a small reprieve in two hours of anxious viewing. It’s exciting, that’s for sure.'Jagged Little Pill The Musical' is now playing Theatre Royal in Sydney. In 2022 it hits Melbourne's Comedy Theatre from 2 January, Perth's Crown Theatre from 14 May and returns to Sydney from 9 July.
