New Musical Explores 'Girl, Interrupted' Memoir

A new musical adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's memoir, "Girl, Interrupted," is now playing at the Public Theater through July 12. Directed by Jo Bonney, the "play with music" format aims to capture the disorienting sensation of finding oneself in a psychiatric institution.

The production, based on the 1993 book, utilizes Martyna Majok's script to merge past and present. The ensemble cast remains onstage, interjecting into Susanna's story, offering commentary and acting out scenes, creating a dynamic portrayal of her experiences.

Lead actress Juliana Canfield effectively conveys the character's internal struggles, while King Princess delivers a memorable performance as Lisa. The musical's score features songs by Aimee Mann, with standout solo numbers for characters like Tori and Daisy.

However, the integration of the musical numbers with the dramatic narrative presents challenges. While Mann's songs are strong individually, their adaptation for group numbers and dramatic structure needs further development. The score's connection to the script occasionally feels disjointed, partly due to the material being finalized earlier in the production's development.

Despite these challenges, the creative team, including director Bonney and playwright Majok, aims for further revision. The production's attention to detail, coupled with potential refinements to the music and script, could elevate "Girl, Interrupted" into a more resonant theatrical experience.