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Alanis Morissette’s jukebox musical Jagged Little Pill resumes performances at the Broadhurst Theatre on October 21.
Cast
Jagged Little Pill resumes performances with several cast changes. Broadway veteran Heidi Blickenstaff temporarily takes over the lead role of Mary Jane Healy from Tony nominee Elizabeth Stanley. Stanley is out on maternity leave. The two will share the role upon her return. Also among those new to the cast is Morgan Dudley, making their Broadway debut as Frankie Healy.
The 2021 cast features the returns of Derek Klena as Nick Healy, Sean Allan Krill as Steve Healy, and Kathryn Gallagher as Bella. The ensemble welcomes new additions Runako Campbell, Janine DiVita, Veronica Otim, Wren Rivera, and Grace Slear—they join Annelise Baker, Yeman Brown, Jane Bruce, John Cardoza, Ken Wulf Clark, Logan Hart, Zach Hess, Max Kumangai, Heather Lang, Kelsey Orem, DeAnne Stewart, and Kei Tsuruharatani.
Concerns
However, after theater artists and activists pointed out the ambiguity of Joe’s identity. Patten’s portrayal of Joe has been at the center of the controversy surrounding the show’s description of gender. Although Patten identified as a cisgender woman, Jo was implied in the development process as non-dual. And there were still differences at the beginning of the show. The show resolves these issues by hiring the director of personnel and culture and a series of public commitments. Original actor Nora Schell shared allegations of abuse by the production management of medical conditions.
“During the rehearsal…I was intimidated, coerced by multiple superiors. They forced me to postpone critical and necessary surgery to remove the vaginal growths that made me anemic,” Schell, who is Black and uses they/them pronouns, said. The production and Actors’ Equity Association separately launched investigations into the events.
Allegations
Celia Ross Gooding, who played Frankie and was nominated by Tony, stated that they “cannot ignore the harm caused by Jagged to the transgender and non-binary communities”, citing these allegations and arranging promises as to the reason for their departure. Antonio West Priano was initially reported to replay the performance of Phoenix after the show restarted, and he also said that he would not return: “As a member of the community, I recognize my privileges and take responsibility for the damage caused.”
Roy (Adi Roy) is now making his Broadway debut in the role. The production function at the helm of Diane Paulus was produced by Tony nominee Riccardo Hernández. The costumes were produced by Emily Rebholz, the lighting was produced by Tony nominee Justin Townsend, and the sound design was by Jonathan Deans (Jonathan Deans) The design, projection, and video design were designed by Lucy Mackinnon.
Awards
Although the show is still dark, it won two Tony Awards at this year’s awards ceremony. Diablo Codi won Best Book and Lauren Patten for Best Actress in a Musical Leading role performance award!
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Credits: playbill.com; newyorktheaterguide.com
Credits featured image: Ajay Suresh, Flickr
