This article brought to LEO Weekly by Arts Angle Newsroom, a program of Arts Angle, a not-for-profit elevating high school students’ voices and connecting them to local arts and issues through journalism. See how you can support Arts Angle here. Fans of Alanis Morissette’s chart-dominating 1 995 album “Jagged Little Pill” would adore TimeSlip Theatre’s production of this musical of the same name inspired by her massively popular work.  Meagan Richardson, Jordan Price, (standing) and Tynan Hillegas, Janaesja Beckham (seated) in TimeSlip Theatre’s production of “Jagged Little Pill.” Photo by Danny Alexander. Courtesy TimeSlip Theatre. The attention-grabbing drama includes reimagined backstories for beloved Morissette songs such as “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic.” “Jagged Little Pill” gives everyone something to connect with. Following the individual lives and struggles of a seemingly idealistic suburban family of four, the musical depicts each hardships the characters carry, which gives the plot its intensity and thrill.  During the musical’s run from Jan. 30 through Feb. 8 in Actors Theatre’s of Louisville Pamela Brown Auditorium, TimeSlip Theatre artistic director Remy Sisk announced plans to open TimeSlip’s own home in Old Louisville. The hope is that their new location, an old church, will serve as a stage as well as a space for clubs, classes, and more. (TimeSlip is accepting donations at their website.)  Directed by Sisk, “Jagged Little Pill” explores relevant themes by shining light on issues that so many in society struggle with today — addiction, relationship turmoil and sexual assault. It makes clear that taking action to face these hardships through therapy, rehab, or honest and clear communication is important.  Carly Davis and cast in TimeSlip Theatre’s production of “Jagged Little Pill.” Photo by Danny Alexander. Courtesy TimeSlip Theatre. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2019, was nominated for 19 Tony Awards and won the awards for Best Book of a Musical (Diablo Cody) as well as a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Through actor Tynan Hillegas’ character, Nick Healy, we see that support for a victim of sexual assault and honesty, even at the detriment of oneself, are crucial. During a rally organized by his adoptive sister, Frankie(Janaesja Beckham), Nick stands with his friend, Bella Fox (Carly Davis), who was raped by a fellow classmate at a party. This action exemplifies the importance of standing up for victims of assault.  After being injured in a serious car accident, Nick’s mother, Mary Jane (Maegan Richardson), faces her own dilemma: an addiction to prescription painkillers. She shows us that recognizing our hardships and seeking help are the first steps to recovery. It is only through taking responsibility for our own safety and the seeking of support from those around us that we can overcome the struggles that hold us back.  Katie Murphy and cast in TimeSlip Theatre’s production of “Jagged Little Pill.” Photo by Ryan Grant. Courtesy TimeSlip Theatre. Richardson dazzled as Mary Jane Healy (named for the Mary Jane featured on Morissette’s album) with her powerhouse vocals and enrapturing performance). Richardson beautifully portrayed Mary Jane’s downward spiral as she begins to lose herself to her growing addiction to pain relieving drugs. This riveting emotional performance paired with their show-stealing vocals made Richardson a star.  Richardson was not the only star that shined in Time Slip’s production. They were joined by Hillegas, Beckham, Jordan Price and Katie Murphy.  Hillegas, a talented vocalist, also stood out in his acting. He perfectly portrayed his character at a crossroads between his own future and seeking justice for his friend, a victim of sexual assault.  Beckham’s performance as Frankie made this audience member truly feel for the activist teen who feels misunderstood by her mother and is coming to terms with her sexuality. Beckham tackled Frankie’s hardships in a way that made the character one that audience members could care for and rally behind as she battled against injustice and for Bella. Members of the audience even erupted in cheers and applause when Frankie organized a rally supporting Bella.  Price played Mary Jane’s husband, Steve Healy. The two share a troublesome marriage, tested by Mary Jane’s concealed drug addiction and Steve’s demanding job and need for physical affection. Price conveyed the hardships of his character, embodying a depth of emotions ranging from frustration to devotion.  Frankie’s best friend, Jo, brought to life by Katie Murphy, provided an insight into the difficulties of a teenager who is still exploring their identity. Murphy stunned with her renditions of “Hand in My Pocket” and “You Oughta Know”.   Choreography by Sisk and Myranda Thomas accurately depicted the loss of control one experiences while under the influence of drugs. For both characters affected by drugs, Mary Jane and Bella, there were different scenes in which the characters were being mirrored by other actors acting as rag dolls. The dancers mirroring Mary Jane and Bella contorted their bodies in ways that gave the impression of puppets and the choreography insinuated the lack of consciousness that comes with drug usage. Actors Richardson and Davis, playing their respective characters in the two scenes, stood by as the rag-doll dance took place. The movement showed the out-of-body experience drugs can produce and impressed the drugs’ dominance over the characters’ bodies. These characters, out of control, were transformed into something not entirely themselves. Katie Murphy and Janaesja Beckham in TimeSlip Theatre’s production of “Jagged Little Pill.” Photo by Danny Alexander. Courtesy TimeSlip Theatre. While quite simplistic, the set incorporated projected backgrounds that were blurred images of scenes echoing cover art of Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill.” This subtle design nodded to the drama’s inspiration. A live band performed the show’s music, immersing the audience and adding resonance to the character’s emotions expressed during the songs.  TimeSlip Theatre even incorporated other relevant issues and topics including immigration, and racial and gender equality. The ensemble acted as a unit for much of the show via choreography and other stage dynamics conveying unity throughout the performance. But the show’s overarching message advocated connection. In a world with so much hate and division, human connection enables us to overcome personal hardships and uphold equality for every person. The post Time Slip’s “Jagged Little Pill” Sparks Audience Connection appeared first on LEO Weekly | Louisville Eccentric Observer. ...read more read less