This week, Jared Bowen speaks with Alanis Morissette about "Jagged Little Pill," a new original musical presented by the American Repertory Theater. Then, Jared reviews of "The Wiz" presented by Lyric Stage Company and Boston Ballet's "Classic Balanchine."
"Jagged Little Pill," presented by the American Repertory Theater through July 15
The American Repertory Theater is taking it back to 1995 with Jagged Little Pill, a new original production based on the music of Alanis Morissette. With music inspired by the Grammy-winning album of the same name, "Jagged Little Pill" follows a family grappling with issues of addiction, sexual assault and gender identity — issues that effect communities around the country today. "It would seem Alanis Morissette’s anthems are now for the ages," says Jared Bowen. "Visually interpreted here with an absorbing intimacy and ingenuity, they reach down to our deepest, rawest selves. Regardless of who we are." This world premiere musical is directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus with a book by Academy Award-winner Diablo Cody (Juno).
"The Wiz," presented by the Lyric Stage Company through June 24
Follow the yellow brick road to the Lyric Stage for a soulful rendition of "The Wiz!" Based on the L. Frank Baum's iconic book "The Wizard of Oz," director Dawn M. Simmons fuses musical elements including gospel, jazz, and rock'n'roll all with a New Orleans flare in this classic tale. Great costumes and spirited dance numbers choreographed by Jean Appolon carry this musical to what Jared calls "a touching, spirited way to ease on into summer."
"Classic Balanchine," presented by Boston Ballet through June 9
A trio of programs from George Balanchine are presented by the Boston Ballet. The show opens with "The Prodigal Son," a rigorous and widely celebrated program originally produced for the Ballets Russes and set to Sergei Prokofiev's "Le Fils Prodigue, Op. 46." The second program, "Stravinsky Violin Concerto," was choreographed by Balanchine in honor of his close friend and collaborator Igor Stravinsky. The show closes with "Chaconne," an elegant and dreamy juxtaposition to the athletic "Prodigal Son." Jared says "Classic Balanchine" is "a perfectly curated program that encompasses the breadth of the Balanchine experience."
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