The stage adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's cult memoir 'Girl, Interrupted' has finally premiered off Broadway at New York's Public Theater, after a decade in the making. The musical, directed by Jo Bonney and written by Martyna Majok, stars Tony-nominated actress Juliana Canfield as Susanna and pop star King Princess in her stage debut as Lisa.
A Fresh Take on a 90s Classic
While the 1999 film adaptation starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie remains iconic, the stage version draws solely from the memoir. Canfield admits the film was a touchstone for her as a teen, saying, 'It felt like permission to accept that I was struggling with things; it was cathartic for me.'
Behind the Scenes
The production originated with producer Angelica Zollo, who discovered the book as a teenager. She brought the idea to her parents, including Barbara Broccoli, known for the James Bond franchise. For music, Zollo envisioned Aimee Mann, whose songs for the musical were released as the 2021 album 'Queens of the Summer Hotel.'
Playwright Martyna Majok, a Pulitzer winner, was approached in 2017. She fell for Kaysen's 'voice, her wit, clear-eyed perspective, and her beautiful heartache.' Kaysen, though not involved, gave her blessing for the team to make it their own.
Structure and Design
The play is framed as a memory piece, alternating between older and younger Susanna. The minimalist set features a circular platform evoking a nurse's station and leveled platforms. Majok notes, 'The 38-year-old Susanna is questing for something to help move her life forward.'
Canfield, who remains onstage throughout, transitions rapidly between emotional turmoil and calm reflection. 'Older Susanna is a reprieve from the difficult mental space that the younger Susanna often finds herself in,' she explains.
Characters and Themes
The adaptation focuses on five female patients: Tori, Daisy, Polly, Grace, and the mischievous Lisa. King Princess developed Lisa's physicality by watching videos of jaguars and Marc Bolan. 'She's kind of a predator, she slinks around, very hip-forward,' says King Princess.
The folk music emerges organically during therapy sessions and late-night chats. The choreography by Tony winner Sonya Tayeh is understated, with a revolving stage. Despite heavy themes like suicide and electroconvulsive therapy, there are moments of levity, such as a birthday party for catatonics.
Relevance Today
King Princess notes that conversations around mental health have evolved, but the material remains relevant. 'A lot of our government officials have the same point of view as male doctors in the 60s,' they say. The play also draws parallels between the girls' horror at Vietnam war coverage and today's news cycles.
Ultimately, the narrative of finding community in a strange place resonates. 'It's always difficult to navigate being a teenager,' Canfield says. 'Girl, Interrupted is an evergreen reminder that you are not alone in that struggle.'
Girl, Interrupted runs at the Public Theater in New York City until 12 July.
