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For some of us, all it takes is a little harmonica riff.
This isnt aboutJagged Little Pill, the still-powerful record from 1995.
This is about the rock musical of the same name, now on Broadway.
Theres enough anguish in that music, the reasoning goes, for many stories.
Hes extremely sad about this, and hes also working a lot.
The long collaboration between Cody, Morissette, and director Diane Paulus has resulted in confusion and occasional silliness.
You Oughta Know is perversely one of theonlysolos.
The obvious move would be to make Frankie a musician.
I would note that Frankie doesnt actually standwithBella.
If this were an intentional point about the narcissism of youth, right on.
Because the story, the arc along which the musical actually moves, belongs to Mary Jane.
Cody, a mom in middle age herself, is interested in concatenating trauma.
The timing works out, as does the deep need to reconnect to her youthful courage.
But theatricalization is exactly the issue.
For one thing, the chorus is a major component in the projects uncooling.
Cherkaoui is from the world of modern dance, a form that avoids earnest Broadway face for good reason.
But look at each other with that corny Oh my God, youre dancing too?
look, and all your rock-and-roll coolness flash-evaporates.
Also, who are they?
Its an important plot point that Frankie lives in wealthy Metro-North exurbia, surrounded by and stifled by whiteness.
The chorus, however, has been carefully selected for maximum diversity.
And their presence draws out the teams worst impulses.
At this point, the show has devolved into theSaturday Night Liveskit about a student-writtenDrama Club showcase.
Were trying to make youthink, parents and faculty.Or cant you handle it?
They could still make a great musical together.
(Alanis had already made two albums beforeJagged Little Pill; your first effort isnt usually your best.)
I heard a little singing along, and people surged to their feet at the last guitar squeal.
Jagged Little Pillis at the Broadhurst Theatre.
