Laura and Samara spend their days as non-profit unicorns and fill every spare minute exploring the world of musical theatre as BFFs (that’s Broadway Friends Forever). Follow @bffs613 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Broadway Across Canada’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical is now on at the National Arts Centre. Inspired by the Alanis Morissette album of the same name, the story is by Tony and Academy Award-winning writer Diablo Cody (Juno, Tully), and Heidi Blickenstaff reprises her role from the Broadway production as the troubled mom Mary Jane.
The show tells the story of an imperfect family and touches on life struggles that we can all relate to, bringing the audience through a journey of pain and healing. It dives into sensitive and emotional topics such as drug use, sexual assault and gender identity, connecting audiences to stories that will feel all too familiar.
A performance full of grit and power, the show’s songs made Morissette the bestselling international debut artist in history, a title she still holds, with the record’s sales reaching 33 million copies worldwide. Expect to jam along to Hand in My Pocket, You Learn, Ironic, and Head Over Feet, as well as the rest of the smash album.
Though filled with powerful Morissette rock jams, the show moves at a slower pace that often interrupts the flow for the audience and makes it feel longer than it needs to be. Occasionally the movement feels misaligned with the story, but the ensemble picks up the show, bringing up the energy and pacing. The physicality and impact of every step made on the stage is incredible. If you missed our preview interview with the stellar dancer and crucial actor in Uninvited, Jena VanElslander, you can check out all the behind-the-scenes details that go into such a powerful performance.
Photo: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.
The performance also packs a heavy punch of incredible talent from Broadway and beyond. Jade McLeod (Jo) blew the entire audience away with their dingy and powerful rendition of You Oughta Know; Allison Sheppard (Bella) broke our hearts with Predator; and Heidi Blickenstaff knocks it out of the park every time.
The Canadian—and Ottawa—connection to the show is palpable, as each song envelops the theatre along with rousing energy and response from audiences. “All we really want” is to play the cast album on repeat! Get your tickets before the run ends on June 4.
Jagged Little Pill (presented by Broadway Across Canada) runs from May 30–June 4 at the NAC’s Southam Hall. Evening performances are at 8pm, except Sunday at 7:30pm. Matinees are on Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 1pm. The show runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes with an intermission. Tickets start at $80. This show is recommended for ages 14 and up. Please note: This production contains strong language, adult themes, drug use, and moments of sexual violence that some may find upsetting.
The NAC is fully wheelchair-accessible, including entrances, parking, seating, and washrooms. Hearing support devices are also available free of charge onsite.
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