‘Jagged Little Pill’ actress talks about role in musical
Lauren Chanel portrays Frankie Healy in “Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill.” Photo provided by Broadway in Chicago.
Lauren Chanel saw “Jagged Little Pill” in 2018/2019 on Broadway and knew it was something she wanted to do and something she could do. Now, Chanel is portraying Frankie in the National Tour of the musical.
“Jagged Little Pill” is playing at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, located at 24 W. Randolph, until April 23rd. The music had 15 Tony Award nominations in 2020 and in 2021, the music from the show won a Grammy Award. Lauren Chanel comes from a creative family, her mother is a singer and her older sister is a professional dancer. She grew up watching “Cheetah Girls” on the Disney Channel and “Victorious” on Nickelodeon.
“Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill,” is a musical written by Diablo Cody, with music from Canadian artist Alanis Morisette. The story follows the Healy family, and Lauren Chanel’s character Frankie is a transracial adoptee. Lauren Chanel described Frankie as very outspoken about injustices, while exploring her Blackness, as an adopted child living in a white family in a predominantly white town.
Lauren Chanel prepared for the role by reading books and watching videos about transracial adoptees. She wanted to get a feel for how she would genuinely react to some of the situations her character goes through in the musical. “This production is cool, they touch on an array of different topics. This is the most raw, real musical that I’ve ever seen and encountered,” Lauren Chanel said.
In Lauren Chanel’s opinion, Morisette’s music was way before its time. She found the music very relatable. Although she hadn’t heard of the music before she saw the show, she felt something listening to the songs. She said, “If I was upset, I would definitely be screaming ‘You Oughta Know.’” Lauren Chanel’s favorite song from the production is “Uninvited.” She said the way the song is done visually is breathtaking. She described it as “top tier, chef’s kiss.”
“I hope people take away acceptance and know that it is OK and acceptable to love and accept the messy parts of you that aren’t so pretty and just be open-minded and outspoken, regardless of anybody’s feelings,” she said. Lauren Chanel said people should come with their tissues and be prepared for a roller coaster ride. As for what’s next for Lauren Chanel, she wants people to follow her along her journey because there are a lot of things happening.
From Chicago, the tour goes to Lincoln, Neb., and Schenectady, NY. Next up at the Nederlander is “into the Woods,” from April 25-May 7, and “MJ,” from Aug. 1- Sept. 2. Cost is $35-$125. To purchase tickets to “Jagged Little Pill,” visit www.broadwayinchicago.com.
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