Composer

:

John Kander

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1993

"Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Terrence McNally. The musical is based on the novel of the same name by Manuel Puig. The plot revolves around two cellmates in a Latin American prison: Molina, a gay window dresser, and Valentin, a Marxist revolutionary. Molina passes the time by telling Valentin stories, including a film noir-style tale about a woman known as the Spider Woman who seduces and kills men. The musical was composed in 1990 and premiered on Broadway on May 3, 1993, at the Broadhurst Theatre. The original production was directed by Harold Prince and starred Chita Rivera as the Spider Woman and Brent Carver as Molina. The show received critical acclaim and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical. The musical is divided into two acts, each with its own distinct musical style. The first act is set in the prison cell and features intimate, character-driven songs such as "Her Name is Aurora" and "Dear One." The second act takes place in Molina's imagination and features more elaborate production numbers, including the show-stopping "Gimme Love." One of the defining characteristics of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" is its exploration of complex themes such as love, sexuality, and political oppression. The relationship between Molina and Valentin is at the heart of the show, and their interactions reveal the ways in which their respective identities are shaped by their experiences of marginalization. Overall, "Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a powerful and thought-provoking musical that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its innovative score, compelling characters, and timely themes make it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art and politics.

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