Review: Welk Resort's KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Revival Is a Knockout

Frequently described as a cross between steel and gossamer, Kander and Ebb's musical of Manuel Puig's mind-boggling novel Kiss of the Spider Woman is nothing short of breathtaking when properly produced. Dealing with reality versus illusion (steel, for prison bars and gossamer, the feminine side of Molina's mind), the play adapts perfectly to musical form, where Molina (Jeffrey Scott Parsons) and his troupe play out Aurora's (Natalie Nucci) screen life through song and dance. In fact, I've always found the musical more intriguing than Hector Babenco's 1985 film also because of the omnipresent operatic themes of romance, love, passion, violence and betrayal.

Now in a rare revival at Welk Resort Theatre in Escondido, Kiss is receiving a brilliant production under the direction of resident director Ray Limon. Its small ensemble is perfectly cast. Its subject matter makes it a bold and daring risk for Welk Theatre patrons yet its fantastic theatricality should appeal to most theatre goers, now through October 22.

It's set somewhere between 1964-1985 in Brazil during the shaky Brazilian government, cursed by revolution. Molina, a window dresser, is imprisoned for molesting a minor and is serving out his sentence when into his cell comes revolutionary Valentin (Richard Bermudez). Molina has a sick mother (Lisa Dyson) and is offered by the Warden (Robert Hoyt) an opportunity for freedom if he can break Valentin down and obtain pertinent outside information relating to his cause. The relationship between the two men is volatile...strained by the fact that Molina is outwardly gay and likes to live out fantasies about movie queen Aurora, who appears to him in various guises. Valentin is homophobic to the max, draws a line down the middle of the cell and demands that Molina stay on his side. At first Molina doesn't care about betraying Valentin's cause, but as time moves along, he becomes intensely attracted to him. When he helps him get through a rough period with ptomaine poisoning, Valentin recognizes his kindness and a bond develops between the two.

The beauty of Kiss is in its representation of the fierce tension within the prison walls, but then along comes a musical break with Aurora and her prisoner dancers, and we are thrust into a world of delicious fantasy and entertainment that in its function is like comedy relief, making the tension easier to bare. Aurora never speaks; she only sings, except for the dialogue in the performance of the romantic countess in "Russian Movie"/"Good Times" ....and, as the character the Spider Woman, she is ferociously cold and terrifying in demeanor. Molina is afraid of the Spider Woman, for he sees his own death, but he must become a man for once in his life, carry out a brave mission and make the ultimate sacrifice of love...for Valentin.

Under the magical baton of director/choreographer Limon, the actors are miraculous. Parsons presents a very layered Molina that is far more than just your ordinary homosexual. His ties to his mother and the outside world and his attraction to the movies make him a deeply complex tragedian. Parsons manages to cover it all in a full-out magnificent performance. Bermudez as Valentin is equally engrossing in his depiction of a man who loves yet lives primarily for the revolution. This man has a tremendous vocal instrument and should be singing on Broadway! Nucci makes a glorious Aurora/Spider Woman. Her voice and sensuous movements are treats to the ear and eye. Dyson makes a caring, supportive mother for Molina and also has a lovely voice. Hoyt is terrific as the cruel, demonic Warden. Kylie Molnar is pretty and a pleasure to watch in her few glimpses as Valentin's girlfriend Marta. Praise as well to the small ensemble of 8 prisoners/dancers who do triple threat work throughout the two and a half hour show. They are Matthew Ryan, Sean Kiralla, John Paul Batista, Justin Matthew Segura, Sergio David Salinas, Max Herzfeld, Collin Rand, and Colden Lamb.

Kander and Ebb's score is deliriously upbeat with some beautiful ballads interspersed. Hummable songs include: the title tune, "Gimme Love", "Dear One", "I Do Miracles", "Marta", "Only in the Movies", "She's a Woman", "Anything For Him", and the dynamic "The Day After That". Let's not forget Justin Gray's wonderful musical direction, evocative sets by Limon, Jennifer Edwards and Doug Davis, vibrant costumes designed by Jane Pitcher, Patrick Hoyny's sound design and Jennifer Edwards brilliant lighting design, all of which add up to making this production as stellar as it is.

Don't miss Kiss of the Spider Woman in Escondido at the Welk Resort Theatre! It's a real treat and the drive is well worth the effort through October 22 only!

https://welkresorts.com/san-diego/theatre/

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