This Jagged Little Pill Got Stuck - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli
Monday, February 06, 2023
I cannot find any recommendations for what theatre event is appropriate for senior citizens. Are there any? Why do I ask?
Two weeks ago, we went to see the much-acclaimed musical, “Jagged Little Pill.” Though the title gave me pause, nevertheless, I was eager to see it because the music of Alanis Morissette had gotten rave reviews. An early clue that it might not have been for me was an ad; “Jagged Little Pill” is a dark comedy. Hmmm? Dark? Comedy? How do those words compute?
Another hint might have been this; “Jagged Little Pill” contains strong language, adult themes, drug use, and moments of sexual violence that some may find upsetting. Whoa. Being an old-fashioned musical comedy guy, I paused, again, and checked another summary; dysfunctional family; a mother with drug addiction; her husband about to leave; a conflicted daughter; a confused son, and issues of rape, addiction, and racism. Whoa again. Having recently attended the funerals of three friends, I thought, “Bad timing. This might be a bit depressing.” OK, easy, I had the tickets.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAs we sat, the music attacked, nearly rocking us out of our chairs. The actors, portraying nervous parents and feisty adolescents, hit the stage. The tumultuous opening numbers were sung with power and energy; the singers were so miked up that I could not understand the words. It was a blur of cacophony and run-on sentences not meant for sensitive, time-worn ears. Whew. Intermission.
Diane and I realized that we needed to leave. “The second act is better,” noted one of the theater ushers.
“I hope so.”
I then realized the problem was me because I appreciate and love a good old-fashioned musical comedy with a hero who wins, a villain who loses, boy meets girl singing familiar songs with lyrics I can understand, with music that comforted, whose rhythms and melodies do not assault, and whose theme makes you feel good from beginning to end.
As we were driving home, I looked at Diane and confessed, “ I’m too old for this stuff. Some rating agency should have warned us.”
I went online to see how age appropriateness is determined for theater.
There are multiple metrics . . . social, emotional, cognitive, etc. . . . to consider. They are designed for young people. Should it end there? How about metrics for seniors: don’t go if you have hearing issues; if you don’t get the current music; if you have tinnitus or an arrhythmia; if you’re over eighty.
Don’t go if you expect the old musical comedy (emphasis on comedy) where the music is gentle, comforting, understandable, mellow, and soft. Don’t go if violence, fearfulness, sex, or nudity are troublesome for you.
“Jagged Little Pill” is a powerful tale, addressing issues that are more important than ever to highlight. I understand that, and it is necessary today. OK.
Oh, did I say that we played music from “My Fair Lady” on the way home? Call me crotchety. That’s OK too. But make me feel good.
Dr. Ed Iannuccilli is the author of three popular memoirs, “Growing up Italian; Grandfather’s Fig Tree and Other Stories”, “What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner” and “My Story Continues: From Neighborhood to Junior High.” NOW, he has written his fourth book "A Whole Bunch of 500 Word Stories."
LEARN MORE HERE