John Cardoza, a proud alumnus of Boston Conservatory at Berklee (B.F.A. ’16, musical theater), shares his captivating journey as a cast member in “Jagged Little Pill,” the groundbreaking new musical inspired by Alanis Morissette’s iconic album. Cardoza offers a unique insider perspective on what it truly means to be part of developing a brand-new theatrical production.
John Cardoza, Boston Conservatory alumnus and cast member in Jagged Little Pill musical
Currently performing at the prestigious American Repertory Theater (ART) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in June 2018, Cardoza reflects on his deep connection to the venue. As a student in Boston, he frequently attended performances at ART, an aspiration for any aspiring theater professional. Returning to this esteemed theater, and to Boston, as a working actor in “Jagged Little Pill” marks a significant and fulfilling milestone in John Cardoza’s burgeoning career.
“Jagged Little Pill” made its highly anticipated world premiere at ART, a culmination of numerous readings and workshops in New York City. For John Cardoza, being integral to the evolution of a new musical piece like “Jagged Little Pill” is an extraordinary opportunity. He describes it as witnessing and actively shaping the show’s identity from its very inception. This developmental process is a unique and enriching experience coveted by actors and creative minds alike.
Cardoza notes that “Jagged Little Pill” is the second original musical he has been involved with since graduating from the Conservatory. His first experience was with “October Sky” at the Old Globe in San Diego. He expresses a particular fondness for new works, emphasizing that these projects demand a comprehensive engagement of an actor’s skills – pushing them to their limits intellectually, musically, and physically. This resonates deeply with John Cardoza’s passion for multifaceted performance.
Within “Jagged Little Pill,” John Cardoza embodies a compelling role as part of the chorus. He describes this chorus as an “omnipresent conscience” that dynamically shifts and transforms into the individuals and events influencing the central characters. This role allows him to both encourage and challenge the choices made by the principal characters, adding layers of depth and complexity to the narrative. Furthermore, Cardoza also understudies two significant roles, with the rewarding opportunity to have performed one of them on multiple occasions during the show’s run.
The production boasts a stellar creative team, spearheaded by ART’s Artistic Director Diane Paulus. The music is a powerful collaboration between Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, with musical arrangements skillfully crafted by Tom Kitt and music direction by Bryan Perri. Adding another dimension to the show is the choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and the thought-provoking book is penned by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody.
The ensemble cast of “Jagged Little Pill” is remarkably diverse and talented. John Cardoza highlights the presence of fellow Boston Conservatory alumna Ebony Williams (B.F.A. ’05, contemporary dance), who serves as the dance captain. He remarks on the joy of collaborating with alumni throughout his career, emphasizing the strong and supportive network fostered by the Conservatory within the industry, extending from New York and beyond. The enthusiastic support from current Conservatory students and faculty during the ART run has been particularly meaningful for John Cardoza.
John Cardoza firmly believes that the rigorous musical theater program at Boston Conservatory provided him with the essential skills to excel in such a demanding environment. The program honed his ability to efficiently learn and retain complex music, intricate choreography, and ever-evolving scripts. This adaptability is crucial when developing characters and bringing the nuanced performances seen on stage to life. He points out the demanding nature of the preview process for new musicals, where changes to music, staging, and script are often implemented and performed on the very same night. In this fast-paced environment, proficiency across all performance disciplines is not just beneficial, but absolutely necessary.
In closing, John Cardoza expresses his immense pride in being part of the “Jagged Little Pill” production and in representing Boston Conservatory. “Jagged Little Pill” at the American Repertory Theater ran until July 15, 2018, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and solidifying John Cardoza’s promising trajectory in musical theater.
