|
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Book by Terrence McNally
(Based on the novel by Manuel Puig)
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Directed by Susan Finque
Musical Direction/Conductor Robert Ollis
Choreographer Brenda Didier
At Bailiwick Repertory Theatre
1229 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL
Call 773-883-1090, tickets $25 - $30
Thursdays thru Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 3:30
Running time is 2 hrs, 25 min with intermission
Through February 18, 2006
Kiss of the Spider Woman weaves a thrilling web
Bailiwick Repertory’s latest Broadway musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman, is another stunning achievement in a long list of fine shows this non Equity Theatre company has mounted in the last few years. From the large, olive-drab prison set with small cage-like cells to the bunk bed centered cell to the vaulted cage upper tier, Rebecca Hamlin’s set aptly takes us into a rotten Latin American prison. Jared Moore’s lighting and Joe Huppert’s sound design create the atmosphere necessary to heighten the mood. Robert Ollis and his orchestra gave the score nice treatment.
Based on Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel, Kiss of the Spider Woman converted into a Broadway musical with book by Terrence McNally and a beautiful, haunting score by Kander and Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago and Steel Pier) that ran for 906 performances beginning in 1993. 
Kiss explores the relationship between two very different men in a Latin American prison in 1980’s. Molina (Ryan Lanning) is a flamboyant, super-queen (gay) window-dresser imprisoned for sexual advances toward a juvenile. His cellmate is Valentin (Stan Q. Wash) a political prisoner and super-macho (straight) freedom fighter. The warder (Clay Sanderson) loves to torture the prisoners until they give him the information he desires. He promises Molina his release if he informs on Valentin. The show is a marvelous story of the strength of the human spirit during stress. We see that Molina is a self-described sissy, coward and weakling. Or is he really? While the macho Valentin is the tough macho fighter, the two bond together. Molina’s escape mechanism from the horrors of prison life is his fantasizing about B-films starring Aurora that he introduces to Valentin.
From the opening number “Her Name is Aurora,” we meet the fantasy figure who keeps Molina distracted for his retched prison. This is a terrific old Broadway tune with a distinct Latin flavor featuring Aurora/Spider Woman (newcomer Katherine Lynne Condit) that allows us to experience his dreams. We hear a haunting anthem “Over The Wall” that speaks to the angst of the people against oppression. The score includes character-driven songs like “Dressing Them Up” where Molina tells about his life and “I Draw The Line” allows Valentin to introduce himself.
We hear each prisoner pine for their women, Molina his mother, Valentin his girlfriend in the enchantingly sad “Dear One,” probably the show’s finest song. With effective use of Aurora and the dancers spelling relief, the show goes from nasty torture to terrific fantasy with a varied and uniquely distinct score that grows on us. The dynamite “Where You Are” is a true classic dance show-stopped deftly landed by Katherine Lynne Condit and choreographer Brenda Didier’s interesting and stylish dance design. It worked nicely.
Kiss of the Spider Woman needs an effective Aurora/Spider woman and Katherine Lynne Condit lands her numbers with sensuality and style. Stan Q .Wash, a veteran song and dance man, is outstanding as Valentin. He brings intensity, strength and a wonderful tenor voice to make Valentin an honorable man. Wash nails “Marta” and “The Day After That” with power and intensity. It is nice to see Stan Q. Wash get a staring role. He sure delivered as Valentine.
What makes Kiss of the Spider Woman work is the charisma need in the flamboyant Molina. He must be an excellent actor able to deliver humor and sell a song. Ryan Lanning was marvelous as Molina. Lanning is so likable, has a terrific voice as he shows in songs like “Mama, It’s Me,” “Anything for Him” and “She’s A Woman.” Lanning demonstrates that he is indeed a triple threat performer. He anchors this marvelous show.
 |
Kiss of the Spider Woman is really an operetta with powerful themes that unfolds with a curious mixture of dark drama, character study with sprinkles of romance together with a fine varied score complete with stylish dance. It is a love story between two men who form a unique bond allowing the gay character to sacrifice himself as he emerges as the noble hero. This is a moving, highly entertaining and poignant musical. Its beauty and it haunting score is ultimately satisfying and intoxicating. Director Susan Finque delivers a first rate, nicely flowing show that packs a wallop. If you’ve never seen Kiss, get to Bailiwick Repertory to experience an intimate and powerful rendition. Those of us who know the show were impressed with the production values of Finque’s show.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
This show eligible for a C.S.T. Non-Equity Theatre Award
Talk Theatre in Chicago Radio Show
January 16, 2006
Jeff Recommended
|
