Opening Night for UE Theatre's Alanis Morissette's JAGGED LITTLE PILL: The MusicalRead full article…

Posted: Friday, October 17, 2025
By: University Communications

University of Evansville (UE) Theatre proudly opens its 2025-2026 season tonight, Friday, Oct. 17, with Alanis Morissette's JAGGED LITTLE PILL: The Musical, featuring lyrics by Alanis Morissette, music by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, and a book by Diablo Cody.

This groundbreaking production marks the first collegiate staging of Alanis Morissette's JAGGED LITTLE PILL: The Musical. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Shanklin Theatre.

If you miss it tonight, additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 18, 23, 24, 25, and 2 p.m. on Oct. 26.

Nominated for 15 Tony Awards and winner of Best Book of a Musical in 2021, this electrifying production, inspired by Alanis Morissette's groundbreaking 1995 album, takes the stage with raw energy and heart. Featuring Morissette's iconic hits, including "You Oughta Know," "Ironic," and "Hand in My Pocket"-alongside powerful new songs-this show tells an original story of a seemingly picture-perfect family grappling with life's complexities. With themes of healing, empowerment, and finding your voice, this explosive rock musical is a bold and unforgettable theatrical experience that will leave audiences moved and inspired.

Alanis Morissette's JAGGED LITTLE PILL: The Musical is directed by Assistant Professor Wes Grantom '03. Tyler Simpson, guest artist, serves as the music director; Landry Barker, a senior performance major from Fort Worth, Texas, and Bailey Crawford, a junior performance major from Frisco, Texas, are the show's choreographers. Associate Professor Sarah J. Smith serves as the co-costume designer alongside Josie Madzik, a senior stage management major from Howell, Mi.; Austin Kuhn '18, guest artist, is the scenic designer; Jonathan Roth, a senior design and technology major from Brookfield, Wis., is the lighting designer; Visiting Professor Jon Robertson serves as the sound designer; Mel Denison, a junior stage management major from Gainesville, Texas, is the stage manager; and Visiting Assistant Professor Andy Hammond '08, guest artist, is the technical director.

The cast features Kennedy Olson, a senior performance major from Porter, Texas, as MJ Healy; Ben Lodge, a junior performance major from Overland Park, Kan., as Steve Healy; Tomi Akinwande, a senior performance major from Houston, as Frankie Healy; Landry Barker, a senior performance major from Fort Worth, Texas, as Nick Healy; Luna Guyse, a first-year performance major from Jeffersonville, Ind., as Jo; Nicholas Hebert, a first-year performance major from Pflugerville, Texas, as Phoenix; Alyssa Meadows, a senior performance major from Louisville, Ky., as Bella; William Cooper Sanders, a senior performance major from Jeffersonville, Ind., as Andrew; Amanda Pascarella, a sophomore performance major from Staten Island, N.Y., as Denise; Bailey Crawford, a junior performance major from Frisco, Texas, as Jill/Teacher; Gisele Lowery, a first-year performance major from Richmond, Texas, as Courtney/Lily; Brayden Havard, a junior performance major from Montgomery, Texas, as Barista; Owen White, a junior performance major from Valley Center, Kan., as Pharmacist; Nick Geyvandova, a sophomore performance major from College Station, Texas, as Dr. Gardner; Mason Norton, a senior performance major from Bremen, Ind., as Dr. Woodson; Emily Proctor, a junior performance major from Jeffersonville, Ind., as Angie; King Limon, a first-year performance major from Whittier, Calif., as Lancer; Corin Dennis, a first-year performance major from Spring, Texas, as Danni; Santiago Rueda, a sophomore performance major from Garden City, Kan., as Charlie; Allison Cavender, a first-year performance major from Arab, Ala., as Kelsey; and Andrea Vargas, a senior performance major from Missouri City, Texas, as Phoebe.

UE Theatre continues its mission to present bold, relevant, and dynamic works that challenge and inspire audiences.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for senior adults, UE faculty/staff, and non-UE students. UE students may receive one free ticket. Single tickets can be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.

UE Theatre's "Pay What You Will" initiative continues this season-every Thursday evening performance in Shanklin Theatre is available at any price that fits your budget.

Don't miss the opening of UE Theatre's electrifying new season-experience the power, passion, and music of Jagged Little Pill tonight in Shanklin Theatre!