(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- New Jersey City University's Center for the Arts presents Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill across two weekends from March 20-29, 2026 in the Margaret Williams Theatre. Released in June 1995, "Jagged Little Pill" made a household name of Alanis Morissette, earning her the title of the best-selling international debut artist in history. Three decades later, that same album was the inspiration for a Broadway musical. Jagged Little Pill is a raw, edgy, topical, and by no means difficult to swallow.
This is not a bio-musical about Alanis Morissette. It tells the original story of The Healys; a family in crisis. Set in Connecticut, we meet Mary Jane (aka MJ), her husband Steve, her star pupil son Nick (who has just been accepted to Harvard), and her adopted black daughter Frankie. The picture-perfect family, however, might not be as squeaky-clean as it seems and soon the cracks begin to show.
Despite her efforts to keep up appearances, MJ battles a growing addiction to opiates following a car accident and battles with trauma in her past that she has not yet come to terms with. Steve watches his wife become increasingly withdrawn and distant from him, without knowing why. Meanwhile their children are battling challenges of their own. Frankie is determined to find her own voice and discover her sexuality, while Nick must balance the pressure of his parents to do well against exposing his own faults in order to make sure justice is served. Exploring a range of sensitive issues, including rape, sexuality, addiction, and racism, Jagged Little Pill presents a vivid, passionate, and chaotic portrayal of a modern-day family who deal with their pain and find their way to healing.
Performances take place Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 3:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. The theater is located at 2039 John F. Kennedy Blvd in Jersey City, New Jersey. Running Time: 2hrs 20 min.
The NJCU Center for the Arts brings the University's cultural offerings together under one creative umbrella. With New York City just across the river, the NJCU Center for the Arts is a cultural hub of North Jersey, hosting guest artists and speakers in the performing, visual, film, and literary arts, alongside student presentations.
