Review Roundup: KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN at Welk Resort Theatre

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN revamps a harrowing tale of persecution into a dazzling spectacle that juxtaposes gritty realities with liberating fantasies. Cellmates in a Latin American prison, Valentin is a tough revolutionary undergoing torture and Molina is a gay man serving eight years. Molina shares his fantasies about an actress, Aurora, with Valentin. One of her roles is a spider woman who kills with a kiss. KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN runs at the Welk Resort Theatre through October 22.

The show, based on the novel by Manuel Puig of the same name, has a book by Terrence McNally and music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb. This production is directed and choreographed by Ray Limon.

The cast features Jeffrey Parsons as Molina, Richard Bermudez as Valentin, Nicole Nucci as Aurora, Robert Hoyt as Warden, Lisa Dyson as Molina's Mother, Kylie Molnar as Marta, Colden Lamb as Prisoner/Esteban, Collin Rand as Prisoner/Marcos, Max Herzfled as Prisoner/Gabriel, Sergio David Salinas as Prisoner/Relg Fanatic/Carlos, Justin Matthew Segura as Prisoner/Fuentes, John Paul Batista as Prisoner/Model/Amnesty, Sean Kiralla as Prisoner/Aurelio/Molina Asst, and Matthew Ryan as Prisoner.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Pam Kragen, The San Diego Union-Tribune: Jeffrey Scott Parsons (last seen at Welk as the Emcee in "Cabaret") gives a sensitive, tender and well-sung and -danced performance as Molina. With his powerful vocals and emotionally nuanced performance, Richard Bermudez practically steals the show as Valentin, who is repeatedly tortured and then poisoned at the hands of the sadistic prison guards... The costumes and choreography in the dance scenes sparkle and lift the mood throughout, especially at the end when it's needed most. The Welk show has a solid male ensemble who muscle through Limon's athletic choreography.

Pat Launer, Times of San Diego: At the Welk Resort Theatre, expert director/choreographer Ray Limón is giving the piece the full-on, glitz-and-glam treatment. The male chorus is striking and talented. And mercifully, there are live musicians in the pit, under the assured musical direction of Justin Gray - back where he belongs. The live music contributes mightily to the prodigious energy of the production... But as the pivotal characters, Jeffrey Scott Parsons and Richard Bermudez are first-rate, both dramatically and musically. Parsons even gets to dance a bit (he's an ace hoofer), tangoing with his fantasy siren. He brings an aching vulnerability to Molina, who flaunts his Theater Queen cred to hide his pain and shame; he's been demeaned and humiliated both inside and outside the prison.

Tony Frankel, Stage and Cinema: Ray Limon's revival at the Welk Resort Theatre manages to overcome the musical's shortcomings with a stunning central performance by Richard Bermudez as Valentin, superb musical direction by Justin Gray, a cast of sterling vocalists, and an indefatigable male ensemble that executes Limon's inventive yet fantastically old-school Broadway choreography... Still, the marvelous Kylie Molnar as Valentin's girlfriend, Marta, and the exquisite Lisa Dyson as Molina's mother both transcend their superficial roles with beautifully crafted, empathetic characterizations and stellar musicality... It is Richard Bermudez who steals the show as a rugged and dignified Valentin; in stature, gravitas, sexiness and Broadway-caliber vocals, this guy is a stunner.

San Diego Story, David Dixon: Parsons and Bermudez are front and center onstage for almost the entire runtime. Each of them display polar opposite personalities through both their acting and singing. Parsons often croons with a droll sense of humor, while Bermudez sings many of his numbers with laser-focused intensity.... Both performers assuredly navigate through the stages of Luis and Valentin's connection from odd couple bickering to loyal devotion. They sell the unusual progression in their camaraderie by letting conversations evolve naturally... Ambitious and touching, Limon's rendition makes for an edgy and haunting experience. Kiss of the Spider Woman doesn't get produced often in California, and it's definitely worth the car ride to Escondido.

Photo: Ken Jacques

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