Director Matthew McCray delves into the gritty corners of Alanis Morissette’s successful album Jagged Little Pill, an iconic reflection on pain and anger that marked the 90s generation.
The Healy family has a problem. They tend to hide who they really are. Steve (Allen Everman) is a workaholic, clocking in up to 60 hours per week. He does it to provide for his family, though. But he has a problem. He’s addicted to hardcore pornography. Mary Jane (Jocelyn A. Brown) is a dedicated housewife, caring for her two teenage kids. But she has a problem. She’s addicted to painkillers, including fentanyl. She gets her candies from both the pharmacy and the sordid back-alley pusher. Frankie (Doshima Iyorlu) is bisexual and her parents don’t even know it. She makes out with Jo (Sol Joun) and Phoenix (Jaymes Macabale), but falls in love with Phoenix, who is not entirely sure about his feelings for Frankie, leaving Jo heartbroken. Meanwhile, Nick (Jeremy Vance) gets accepted into Harvard, making Steve and Mary Jane the proudest parents in town. But Nick witnesses the abuse of his friend Bella (Alexandra Kuebler), troubling him for not preventing the rape. Steve, Mary Jane, and Nick are White. Frankie is adopted and she is Black. They live in Connecticut. You get the picture.
McCray highlights the dark undertones of Cody Diablo‘s book. The themes represent many of the everyday issues affecting families today. Cody’s main focus, however, seems to be Bella’s rape. The most dramatic and unsettling scenes are the ones portraying this act. The reason might be Morissette’s own experience as a victim of abuse. Much of the aftermath feelings of that experience are reflected in her 1995 album, with raw lyrics that resonated with many of her fans around the world and continue to appeal to new generations. The other theme that brings plenty of attention is Mary Jane’s addiction. As accurate as it is in real life, fentanyl addiction often starts with a medical-approved prescription of the opioid, usually as a pain management treatment.
The themes are dark, but the music and the dancing are energetic and entertaining. McCray’s production improves the script to a higher level. Somehow, Cody’s book feels more like a commercial initiative than an artistic undertaking. McCray, on the other hand, focuses on the somber aspects of the story and creates an edgy and authentic presentation. This is when you notice that a director is worth his salt. Taking a script that might look dull or problematic and turning it into something worth watching is a skill that only a few possess. Music-wise, the three-piece band, directed by Lex Leigh, delivers an intimate and pure interpretation of the memorable songs. The band consists of drums (Jorge Zuniga), guitar (Curtis Humphrey), and Leigh himself on keyboard. Visually speaking, the props are minimal. By having a basic and creative scene design, the concentration is in the emotional effect of the dialogue and music. With their tenor register, Joun steals the show with their raw and passionate performance. They’re able to transform the lyrics into a deeply emotional experience that connects the music with the character. Their interpretation of “You Oughta Know” is one of the best numbers of the musical. McCray does an extraordinary job putting all of these elements together, making the performances work for the story.
As opposed to the controversy surrounding the Broadway production, Chance Theater honors the diversity depicted in the musical, delivering an organic and inclusive environment that propels the show into higher gears. On a personal note, it is a pleasure to see Mary and Michael Lysik acting as Associate Producers. They have sponsored multiple artists and are now supporting Chance Theater in this extraordinary endeavor. With this energetic pool of talent, Chance Theater has another production that will re-energize the powerful and meaningful artistry of Alanis Morissette.
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical
Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807
Jul 18 through Aug 9, 2026
Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8PM, Saturdays at 3PM & 8PM, and Sundays at 3PM
Tickets: chancetheater.com
Lyrics by Alanis Morissette, music by Alanis Morissette & Glen Ballard, book by Diablo Cody, directed by Matthew McCray, with music direction by Lex Leigh and choreography by Mo Goodfellow.
Cast: Jocelyn A. Brown plays Mary Jane Healy, Allen Everman plays Steve Healy, Doshima Iyorlu plays Frankie Healy, Jeremy Vance plays Nick Healy, Sol Joun plays Jo, Alexandra Kuebler plays Bella, Jaymes Macabale plays Phoenix, Ishan Panjabi plays Andrew, and Hallie Snowday, Ryan Smith, Autumn Kirkpatrick, Daisy Tye, Eric Dobson, and Kylie Young.
Creative team: scenic designer Joe Holbrook and costume designer Bradley Allen Lock, lighting designer Jacqueline Malenke, sound designer Hunter Moody, projection designer Nick Santiago, stage manager Jordan Jones, dramaturg Jocelyn L. Buckner, casting director Lindsay Brooks, and assistant directors Kennedy Kemmerer and Aaron Lipp.
