Perfectly Imperfect (TimeSlip Theatre)

Jagged Little Pill The Musical

Lyrics by Alanis Morissette

Music by Alanis Morrissette and Glen Ballard

Book by Diablo Cody

Directed and Choreographed by Remy Sisk and Myranda Thomas

Review by Kate Barry

Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.

They look like the perfect family; a mother who sends annual Christmas letters, a father who provide for his family, a son on his way to Harvard and an adopted daughter. Look closer and secrets and shame arise, cracking the veneer of Middle Class privilege. Alanis Morissette’s momentous hit album from 1995 serves as a raw soundtrack to Jagged Little Pill the Musical. A revealing look at suburban life during the #MeToo movement with themes of gender identity, consent and addiction, TimeSlip Theatre steps up to the challenge and creates an energetic production.

The musical focuses on Mary Jane (Maegan Richardson), a Gen-X mom obsessed with perfection yet resentful of her suburban life. Richardson treads the fine line of Mary Jane’s secrets as she pops pills and wears a brave face for the other mothers at the gym. As Mary Jane’s seemingly perfect life begins to unwind after her son witnesses unspeakable things at a party, Richardson brings a vulnerable performance of a victim on the verge of confronting their own demons. Her façade begins to fade with a lamentable “Smiling” giving way to a thrilling “Unforgiven” by the end of act one. It is not until “Uninvited” though when Richardson’s Mary Jane unravels with a beautifully heartbreaking performance.

Mary Jane’s family receives the brunt of her addiction and trauma. Jordan Price’s Steve is a workaholic placed on the back burner of Mary Jane's affections. Price brings tension and frustration to his “So Unsexy” duet with Richardson while they share some well-played awkward moments with “Not the Doctor.” Price makes an emotional impact with “Mary Jane,” creating a new form of heartbroken ballad.

Coping with Mary Jane’s overwhelmingly high expectations are her son Nick, (Tynan Hillegas) and adopted daughter Frankie (Janaesja Beckham). As Nick, Hillegas projects a portrayal of a golden child with nothing to lose. His performance of “Perfect” is resonant for anyone burdened by the weight of their future. When Nick witnesses a sexual assault at a party, Hillegas is believable as he weighs his options while struggling with guilt and shame.

Janaesja Beckham’s Frankie, on the other hand, is fully in control of her story. Not searching for a place to belong but rather somewhere to break free, Beckham brings a fearless performance. While her vocals cannot compare to Morisette’s uncanny belt, she brings commendable bite and attitude. Frankie lands in a love triangle with her best friend Jo (Katie Murphy) and new boy in school, Phoenix (Gabriel Petri). Petri’s Phoenix and Beckham’s Frankie share a cute chemistry, yet his vocals tended to outshine hers in “Head over Feet.” But it is Jo, played by Katie Murphy, who truly meets the assignment. This senior in high school exceeds expectation with much vibrato and force to “Hand in my pocket” and “Your house” and especially “You ought to know.” This is one performer to keep an eye on.

By the end of Jagged Little Pill the Musical, amends are made and understandings are met. Mary Jane and her family come to terms with the issues that have caused deep strains in their relationships. The Healey’s accept that they are not perfect, nor do they need to be. And who would have thought, it figures.

Jagged Little Pill The Musical

TimeSlip Theatre

January 30-February 8 2026

Pamela Brown Auditorium at Actors Theatre of Louisville

316 W Main St

Louisville KY 40202 timesliptheatre.org