Written by orange• July 22, 2026• 4:11 pm• Anaheim, Musical, Review, The Chance Theater, Uncategorized

Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill The Musical @ Chance Theater – Review

Photos by Doug Catiller.

Written by Patrick Chavis

Jagged Little Pill, the musical, is playing now at the Chance Theater in Anaheim, July 10 – August 9, 2026.

Its broad focus, narratively, does work in favor of this jukebox musical style that attempts so much and delivers, thanks to the seasoned musical direction of Matthew McCray, the inspired creative movement from choreographer Mo Goodfellow, and the consistent live instrumental presence of Lex Leigh and company.

This alternative musical family drama, drenched in 90’s nostalgia, has the markings of modern Next to Normal. The play follows the Healy family, a well-off suburban family from Connecticut, as they deal with a myriad of issues that peel away at the facade of the perfect family.

Story:

In some ways, Jagged Little Pill the musical shouldn’t work. This book is trying to cover so much. If I had only read the play. I would probably have said the same thing. It needs more of a focus. But that’s why theater is meant to be seen, not read, and Jagged Little Pill at the Chance is one of those exceptional examples.

Set Design:

As has been the approach on the bigger stage at the Chance for a few years on the Cripe Stage. The scenic designer Joe Holbrook is working with a very wide stage, with surprising depth. Using the space, an array of moving wooden panels with translucent paper-like screens. The play utilizes plenty of projection from Nick Santiago and lighting from Jacqueline Malenke to switch between scenes, with various accompanying physical props to create atmosphere.

It fights the line between a suburban family home and a ripped-up, abandoned rock recording studio, from the vinyl wood paneling to the blackout curtains set on the back of the stage, the broken, ripped wall, and the instrumental risers that bookended the set.

Acting:

Powerful performance at the end of the first act, with the rocking, grungy tune, Forgiven, as thoughtfully choreographed as it was sung by Jocelyn A. Brown (Mary Healy) and ensemble.

The dress and trappings of a 90’s smaller indie film in the vein of Reality Bites or many of the suburban dramas of the era. Thematically, this musical fits right in.

Doshima Iyorlu (Frankie Healy) brought the teenage drama, vocals, and the iconic yodel-like inflections in the singing were all present from Iyorlu.

Jeremy Vances’ (Nick) performance of Perfect was full, musical, and sublime.

And if you don’t know, now you know, Sol Joun (Jo), I’m glad to tell you about them, because after that performance of “You Oughta Know”, It’ll be hard to forget!

Live Music:

Small band led by Lex Leigh with a big sound that more than covered the needed instrumentation. Possibly the guitar tone was a tad too clean, and some added distortion would have been a nice touch. That being said, Curtis Humphrey’s guitar playing in this production was badass!