Producers Vivek J. Tiwary, Arvind Ethan David, Eva Price, Howard Panter for Trafalgar Entertainment and GWB Entertainment are thrilled to announce that Jagged Little Pill, the 15-time Tony Award nominated Broadway musical, inspired by the seminal rock album of the same name by Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette will premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney in September this year.
Jagged Little Pill is an emphatic new musical with a story that takes a fearless look at what it means to be alive in 21st century America ignited by Morissette’s beloved hits such as You Oughta Know, Head Over Feet, Hand In My Pocket, and Ironic, as well as 2 brand new songs written just for the show.
Jagged Little Pill features lyrics by Alanis Morissette with music by Morissette and six-time Grammy Award winner Glen Ballard and an original story written by Oscar Award winner Diablo Cody (Juno, Tully).
The explosive production is Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Pippin), Movement Direction and Choreography is by Olivier Award winner Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui with Music Supervision, Orchestrations and arrangements by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt, making it the perfect vehicle to relaunch the iconic Theatre Royal Sydney which is currently undergoing significant multi million dollar refurbishment ahead of the premiere.
“We are all very excited knowing that our show Jagged Little Pill will be making its way to the Theatre Royal Sydney this year!” said Alanis Morissette. “This show has been a vehicle of healing for so many of us throughout its journey and knowing we are coming your way is such amazing news after these intense 12 months across the world. Can’t wait to share this blood sweat and tears musical with you… as Australia has always held a very special place in my heart.”
“We’re so proud to be taking Jagged Little Pill from Broadway to the global stage with our wonderful partners at Trafalgar, and to have our show relaunch the historic Theatre Royal Sydney,” said Producers Vivek Tiwary, Arvind David, and Eva Price.
“It brings us immense joy to have Jagged Little Pill bringing about such celebration, growth, and renewal to fans across the world. As we move beyond the turmoil and devastation of this past year, we are grateful to find hope and light down under.”
“Trafalgar Entertainment & Theatre Royal Sydney are committed to ensuring that Sydney will be the first destination for the best theatre in the world, and we are thrilled to announce that the first production to open the theatre is straight from Broadway, Jagged Little Pill,” said Sir Howard Panter, Trafalgar Entertainment.
“Alanis Morrisette is so beloved in Australia and we can’t think of a better fit to launch this stunning fully restored new venue in the heart of the CBD Sydney.”
Released on 13 June 1995, the tremendous success of Alanis Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill skyrocketed her to become the bestselling international debut artist in history; a title she still holds, with the record’s sales reaching 33 million copies worldwide winning 5 Grammy Awards. Now, 25 years after its release, Jagged Little Pill continues to be one of the Top 20 Best-Selling Albums of All Time.
In Australia, the album has sold in excess of one million albums, is certified 2 x Diamond, spent 10 weeks at #1 and was the highest selling album in 1996. With 10 eclectic and acclaimed albums released over the subsequent years, Morissette’s music has garnered 7 Grammy Awards (with 14 nominations), a Golden Globe nomination, and total sales of over 60 million albums.
The story of Jagged Little Pill centres around The Healys, a seemingly perfect suburban family striving to hide the cracks beneath the surface when a troubling event shakes their community. Using themes and emotions in the original album, the musical tackles social issues very relevant in today’s society and burns with passion in its uplifting storytelling, ultimately highlighting the hope and healing that comes when people come together.
Jagged Little Pill opened on Broadway in December 2019 following its record-breaking, sold-out world premiere at the American Repertory Theater. Fans and critics were unapologetic with their love for the musical and of course were devastated when the show had to shut down due to Covid 19 restrictions 3 months into its Broadway season.
Its success though has not been halted with a Grammy Award win for the Best Musical Theatre Album released through Atlantic Records and then scooping the pool with 15 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical, Best Director, Best Book and Best Choreography making it the production with the highest number of Tony Award nominations for this season.
The Tony-nominated Jagged Little Pill creative team also includes Scenic Designer Riccardo Hernandez (Parade), Costume Designer Emily Rebholz (Dear Evan Hansen), Lighting Designer Justin Townsend (Moulin Rouge!), Sound Designer Jonathan Deans (Waitress), and Video Designer Lucy Mackinnon (Spring Awakening); alongside Hair, Wig, and Make-up Designer J. Jared Janas (Sunset Boulevard). Production Stage Management is by Ira Mont (The Producers).
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said it was a significant coup for Sydney to stage the first season of the production since Broadway was shuttered due to COVID in 2019. “Reopening the Theatre Royal will add another dimension to our night-time economy and add vibrancy to our city – this is a very big deal for Sydney.” said Mr Harwin.
Sydney audiences will be the first outside of Broadway to experience this electrifying and inspiring production. For more information and to join the waitlist, visit: www.jaggedmusical.com for details.
Image: Jagged Little Pill (Original Broadway cast) – photo by Matthew Murphy