Starting June 19, Marblehead Little Theatre will present “Jagged Little Pill,” the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical featuring songs of Alanis Morissette. It premiered on Broadway in 2019.
The story follows the Healy family in their suburban Connecticut home as they confront issues including addiction, sexuality and trauma.
Steve Black, a Beverly resident, directs this jukebox production.
“I enjoy working on shows that speak to me,” said Black, who has worked as a music director, stage manager, educator and director throughout his career.
Black first saw “Jagged Little Pill” when it was in Boston. The show’s raw energy made him want to bring it to the MLT stage.
MLT’s “Jagged Little Pill” has a cast of 20 actors.
Winchester resident Sarah Kourey, who plays Jo, describes rehearsals as a collaborative experience.
“Steve and Katie have been wonderful directors to work with,” Kourey said. She added that they have given the cast creative freedom to explore their characters through conversations.
Elainy Mata, who plays Frankie, agrees, describing everyone as supportive.
“There hasn’t been a rehearsal that we haven’t been laughing,” the Lynn resident said.
For the show’s sensitive themes, Black and Meuse took additional steps and brought in diversity, equity and inclusion specialist Kira Troilo to help ensure that rehearsals and marketing were inclusive for all.
Black also enlisted Salem resident, Alexandra Dietrich, as the production’s intimacy coordinator. Right from day one, Dietrich had conversations with the cast on how everyone could support each other during the process.
“It was important to me that cast members not find out alone about the themes of overdose, racism and sexual assault,” Dietrich said, who has helped actors navigate emotional vulnerability, maintain clear boundaries and take a moment to pause if triggered.
Throughout rehearsals, Black has focused on three key elements: music, structure and movement.
“The music is vibrant,” Black said. “When you break down the lyrics, there’s a lot of heavy themes. We’re handling that with care for audiences and performers.”
A live orchestra will be prominent on stage. Black said the musicians help tell the story through song.
Choreographer and ensemble member Aaron Swiniuch is making his MLT choreography debut with “Jagged Little Pill.” He said he has focused on maintaining fluid movements and letting people express themselves freely.
“Expect to see visualizations of lyrics, lots of individuality and storytelling through movements,” the Beverly choreographer said.
At its core, Salem resident Cole Hastings (who plays Phoenix) said audiences will relate to the characters’ struggles.
“If you have ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsexy, this is the show for you,” Hastings said.
As opening night approaches, Kyle Doherty (Nick Healy) encourages audiences to attend MLT’s show, as it’s a way to support community theater.
“This is an extremely well-written, relevant production put on by an incredibly talented cast and production team,” the Boston resident said.
“Jagged Little Pill” will be at Marblehead Little Theatre from June 19 to June 28. For show times and tickets, visit mltlive.com.
