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Adapting a beloved album into a stage show can be a daunting task, but that’s exactly what happened with Jagged Little Pill. The iconic album, released by artist Alanis Morissette in 1995, explored themes of anger, loss, and empowerment. In 2018, the album was adapted for the stage, and the show opened on Broadway to critical acclaim. In this blog post, we will explore the process of adapting Jagged Little Pill, including the challenges faced and the decisions made along the way.
The first step of adapting Jagged Little Pill was deciding on the plot and storyline of the show. The creative team, led by director Diane Paulus, chose to create a new storyline with characters that were inspired by the themes and emotions of the original album. This allowed for the show to be accessible to those who were unfamiliar with the album while maintaining a connection to the original fans.
The next challenge was selecting the songs to include in the show. With so many popular songs on the album, it was vital to find the right balance of familiar hits and new songs written specifically for the show. Composer Tom Kitt worked closely with Morissette to create new songs that fit seamlessly with the existing material. The inclusion of these new songs helped to create a cohesive narrative that was equal parts new and familiar.
One of the biggest challenges faced by the creative team was dealing with some of the more mature themes of the show. The album explores themes such as sexual assault, drug addiction, and infidelity, which can be difficult to portray on stage with sensitivity and integrity. The team worked tirelessly to ensure that these topics were handled with care, consulting with survivors and professionals to ensure that the show was respectful and empathetic.
The final stage of the adaptation process was taking the show from the rehearsal room to the stage. The team worked closely with choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui to create dynamic dance numbers that brought the emotional journey of the show to life. The cast were also heavily involved in the process, working to create the complex and layered characters that their respective roles required.
Adapting Jagged Little Pill was a monumental undertaking, but the result was a stunning and thought-provoking production that explores themes that are still relevant today. By creating a new narrative while maintaining the album’s themes and messages, the creative team were able to create a show that both long-time fans and new audiences can enjoy. The success of Jagged Little Pill is a testament to the power of music and its ability to connect with people on a deeply emotional level.