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Broadway Bound: 24 Years Later “Jagged Little Pill” Still Matters

January 28, 2019

It’s been over two decades since Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill hit record store shelves and I remember it well. I also remember seeing her live at Sunrise Musical Theatre in South Florida and sitting behind Steven Tyler who was dressed in a full leopard print outfit. According to my ticket stub, that show took place on January 20, 1996. Today is January 28, 2019. Time flies.

I listened to that CD so many times I can’t believe I didn’t destroy it. I had never heard a voice like that, singing about stuff that mattered, and playing harmonica like her life depended on it. Morissette’s debut was nominated for nine Grammy Awards and won five, including Album of the Year, and is still one of top-selling records in history. It sold over thirty-three million copies worldwide.

And now there’s more. Jagged Little Pill is headed to Broadway this fall. The musical is slated to intertwine Morrissette’s songs, along with some new material, with a book by Oscar winner Diablo Cody (best known for Juno), that tells the story of a multi-generation, multiracial suburban family dealing with a variety of issues including addiction, race, sexual assault, and gender identity. Whew that’s a lot going on in one plot but either way I’m excited! Jagged Little Pill defined a generation and I love that it still matters to so many people.

Everyone who is a fan knows that the album is great from start to finish but as a writer I need to take a minute to highlight some of the brilliant lyrics on my favorite songs:

“Head Over Feet”

You are the bearer of unconditional things

You held your breath and the door for me

“All I Really Want”

And there I go jumping before the gunshot has gone off

Slap me with a splintered ruler

And it would knock me to the floor if I wasn’t there already

If only I could hunt the hunter

“You Learn”

Swallow it down (what a jagged little pill)

It feels so good (swimming in your stomach)

Wait until the dust settles

“Hand In My Pocket”

I’m free but I’m focused, I’m green but I’m wise

I’m hard but I’m friendly, baby

And of course, everyone in the English-speaking world knows all the scathing words to “You Oughta Know.” As they should.

Jagged Little Pill began performances in May 2018 at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, selling out all 79 shows. From what I’ve read, the show received so much praise from critics, including The New York Times, that it earned a spot on Broadway.

Congratulations to Alanis Morissette and her masterpiece’s continued recognition. I bet all my fellow nineties girls are pulling out their copies of Jagged Little Pill as we speak…

Laura

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Laura Lieff was named Colorado Mountain College’s 2017-2018 Part Time Staff Member of the Year for her work as a writing tutor and teaching assistant.
Laura Lieff was named Colorado Mountain College’s 2017-2018 Part Time Staff Member of the Year for her work as a writing tutor and teaching assistant.

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