Month: November 2025

Another blockbuster review of Jagged Little Pill – this time in the Grunion Gazette and Press Telegram from Sean McMullen. Excerpts from the review are below and follow the links to read the full article online.

“Landmark excels at exactly this kind of story,” writes Theater Critic Sean McMullen, “pain transfigured into purpose, music as healing.”

“Landmark Theatre’s new production doesn’t just honor the history, it revitalizes it. Under the steady hand of director Richard J. Martinez, this “Jagged Little Pill” trades Broadway bombast for intimacy, finding truth in the lyrics rather than hiding behind spectacle. The result is a show that feels at once fiercely contemporary and unmistakably “Landmark;” it’s human, grounded, and bursting with musical power.”

“As matriarch Mary Jane Healy, Megan O’Toole gives a performance of astonishing emotional depth. Her voice rides the edge between control and collapse, exactly where Morissette’s songs live. She captures both the brittle veneer and the desperate heart of a woman addicted not only to painkillers but to maintaining the illusion of having it all together.”

“Evelyn Carter shines as Frankie, their adopted daughter whose sense of social justice burns as brightly as her confusion about love and belonging. Cole Whiter as Jo explodes off the stage, a power house in spirit and vocals, particularly during “You Oughta Know.” Whiter delivers that iconic song not as angry parody but as emotional exorcism. It’s thrilling and real.”

“Sarah Ledesma gives an impressively controlled and authentic performance as Bella, whose trauma and eventual courage give the show its moral center. When Daelyn Cerruti steps in as both MJ/Bella’s avatar, the internal and external worlds of pain collide with theatrical grace.”

“Jacob Anthony Cain brings sincerity and nuance to Nick Healy, capturing the confusion and pressure of a teenager raised to be perfect. Richie Jones-Muhammad and Adriano Brown round out the ensemble with verve and precision, while the full company creates a wall of sound that shakes the very rafters.”

“Landmark excels at exactly this kind of story — pain transfigured into purpose, music as healing.

It’s not an easy night, but as with Morissette’s own album, the journey hurts beautifully.”

— Sean McMullen, Press Telegram & Grunion Gazette

A glowing review of ‘Jagged Little Pill’ from Anita Harris at the Long Beach Post. Excerpts posted here, along with links to the full review available on the LB Post website.

“Long Beach Landmark Theatre’s production of Alanis Morissette’s musical, based on her 1995 album of the same name, emphasizes its music, humor and humanity, making for an engaging and moving theatrical experience.”

“stealing the show with her singing is Cole Whiter as Frankie’s girlfriend Jo. From “Hand in My Pocket” to “You Oughta Know,” Whiter nails the songs’ melodies and angst, without having to make her voice feel like Morissette’s.”

“Sarah Ledesma as Nick’s friend Bella — who becomes an unsuspecting victim during a party — infuses the songs “Predator” and “No” with emotional depth, assisted by the talented ensemble. Director Richard J. Martinez and choreographer Justin Edmonson keep the cast moving fluidly on the intimate stage, sometimes with powerful protest signs and always with attitude.”

“a talented, energetic cast and an off-stage band directed by Curtis Heard, featuring not only keyboards, guitars and drums but also violin, viola and cello. Morisette’s alt-rock music is melodic and edgy at the same time, with emotionally honest and imagistic lyrics that convey inner feelings in a powerful way.”

— Anita Harris, Long Beach Post

Landmark is proud to announce a moderated panel discussion that will take place immediately following the “Unplugged” Matinee performance of Jagged Little Pill on Sunday November 16.

The panel will be moderated by Rev. Petra Malleis-Sternberg, the Senior Minister of First Congregational Church of Long Beach, and will feature a panel of professionals who will discuss the themes and issues brought forth from the production.

The panel is FREE and open to anyone and is expected to begin around 3:45pm.

Audience members interested in the “Unplugged” Matinee can attend the panel immediately after the performance, or those interested in the full production will have a nice break in between the panel and the evening performance to find dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a glass of wine and a snack in the Courtyard Cafe starting at 6:30pm.

Jagged Little Pill is featured in the Long Beach Posts’ “Things to do this weekend in Long Beach” feature.

Landmark is back in downtown Long Beach with another major musical event! From Nov. 7 to 23, experience the Tony and Grammy Award-winning “Jagged Little Pill,” inspired by Alanis Morissette’s groundbreaking 1995 album. With music by Morissette and Glen Ballard, and book by Oscar-winner Diablo Cody, this electrifying production earned 15 Tony nominations, including Best Musical.

Follow the Healy family as their seemingly perfect lives begin to fracture, revealing a powerful story about resilience, identity, and healing. Featuring iconic hits like “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket,” and “Ironic” alongside new original songs, this production brings raw emotion and unforgettable music to the historic sanctuary of First Congregational Church.

Directed by veteran Long Beach theater artist Richard J. Martinez, with Music Director Curtis Heard leading a live band, this marks a special homecoming as Landmark Artistic Director Megan O’Toole returns to the stage in a leading role. The 21-person ensemble cast features both familiar Landmark performers and exciting new talent.

Columnist Willie Plaschke has penned a nice feature article about Jagged Little Pill and the launch of the “Unplugged” Matinees in The Press Telegram and Grunion Gazette.

This weekend, the Long Beach Landmark Theatre Company invites audiences to unplug — and be enthralled.

As part of their special “Unplugged” matinee performances, the company presents “Jagged Little Pill: The Musical” in a fresh, intimate way.

Inspired by MTV’s iconic Unplugged series and NPR’s Tiny Desk ethos, select daytime shows spotlight music and story in a stripped-down, acoustic-forward format.

Presented alongside Landmark’s full-evening productions — which feature dynamic design and high-impact visuals — the Unplugged Matinees provide a compelling alternative perspective to this captivating musical, the story of a family’s resilience and healing.

Isn’t it ironic? Not really. It’s a fresh and engaging take on a classic jukebox musical.