Marblehead Little Theatre's "Jagged Little Pill:" A Mesmerizing Production

You live, you learn, you love.

Marblehead Little Theatre (MLT) opens with “Jagged Little Pill,” a Tony and Grammy-award-winning jukebox musical with lyrics by Alanis Morissette. The Healy family is struggling as they confront difficult issues of sexuality, substance abuse, and assault.

This was my first time seeing “Jagged Little Pill.” Marblehead Little Theatre’s rendition of the musical is a mesmerizing, powerful, and emotional production. Together, the cast conducts an impactful performance that carefully examines sensitive material.

The cast of MLT’s production soars with incredible confidence, courage, and talent, working through the show’s sensitive themes together as a team.

At the center of the show is the Healy family, whose struggles and triumphs drive much of the story’s emotional impact. Again, I am impressed with the study of relationships. They felt like a genuine family.

Mary Jane Healy, played magnificently by Becky Ruccio, is obsessed with perfection. Ruccio delivers powerhouse vocals and emotion that elevate every scene.

Opposite Ruccio is Matthew Ford as Steve Healy, the workaholic dad. Ford brings remarkable depth to the role and delivers a very heart wrenching performance in one scene.

Elainy Mata plays the outspoken Frankie, the Healy’s fiercely independent adopted daughter who fights to be loud and proud. Mata has a commanding stage presence with equally impressive vocals as she navigates Frankie’s journey of self-discovery.

Kyle Doherty plays Nick, the Healy’s accomplished son, who quietly struggles with peer pressure. Doherty always brings depth to his characters, presenting a vulnerability that is not often seen in male characters.

Sarah Koury delivers a standout performance as Jo. Their rendition of “You Oughta Know” is a show highlight, beautifully stomping powerful emotions.

Charlize Vermaak did not have an easy role as Bella, a young woman who is sexually assaulted. Their delivery of Bella’s pivotal monologue is handled with remarkable strength and resilience.

Cole Hastings (Phoenix) and Cameron Nye (Andrew) deliver memorable performances. The ensemble is filled with dedicated actors who play an assortment of background characters and perform in the dance sequences.

What amazed me most about MLT’s production was the fluid movement that composed climactic and hauntingly poetic material. “Smiling” gave me goosebumps with its slow movements and actors moving backwards.

Choreographer Aaron Swiniuch, who was also in the ensemble, is a dedicated dancer. Every movement in this show is pivotal to the story, showcasing pain, happiness, and rejection.

Steve Black directed “Jagged Little Pill” with the utmost respect, authenticity, and heart for the story. As he said, he was there for the cast since the first rehearsal to discuss serious conversations about the show’s thematic elements.

No show ever goes on its feet alone without a tech crew. MLT once again alters its stage to a new angle. The show uses minimal set pieces with only blocks that reflect a kitchen table, a bedroom, or a therapist’s office. It’s amazing what you can do with limited supplies in theater.

The music, by Alanis Morissette, blends rock, pop, and heartfelt ballads to underscore the character’s songs. Accompanied by music director Soren Austenfield and a live orchestra, songs include “All I Really Want,” “That I Would Be Good,” and “You Oughta Know.”

Family is family. You can’t choose your family. This show has a heartwarming message about keeping communication open instead of bottling things up.

“Jagged Little Pill” has very sensitive subject matter about drugs, sexual assault, and other heavy themes that may trigger audiences. The show pulled at several audiences' heartstrings, including mine.

Currently, all shows of “Jagged Little Pill” are sold out at MLT. It’s an impactful show that helps build conversations.