Kiss of the Spider Woman Revival at Leicester Curve
A major revival of Kander and Ebb's early-1990s musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman, is currently captivating audiences at Leicester Curve. This production, directed by Paul Foster, marks a rare staging since 1992, offering a blend of grim prison drama and golden-age Hollywood fantasy. The show features standout performances from Anna-Jane Casey as Aurora, Fabian Soto Pacheco as Molina, and George Blagden as Valentin, bringing Manuel Puig's novel to life with emotional depth and musical flair.
Escape into Fantasy
Set in a Buenos Aires prison, the story follows two inmates: Molina, a window dresser imprisoned for soliciting a minor, and Valentin, a political prisoner. Their harsh reality is punctuated by fantasy sequences where Molina conjures Aurora, a movie star portrayed by Anna-Jane Casey. These scenes, filled with high kicks and belting showtunes, provide a stark contrast to the brutal prison environment. However, the production navigates a delicate balance, ensuring the fantasy feels like an escape without sanitizing the grim setting.
Kate Waters' fight sequences and Andrzej Goulding's back projections add a layer of intensity, depicting food poisoning, torture, and degradation. Yet, the show maintains a Broadway-esque polish, which some might argue lessens the raw impact. Anna-Jane Casey relishes her role as the murderous Spider Woman, delivering powerful vocals that highlight the musical's dramatic tension.
Production Highlights
The technical aspects of this revival are particularly impressive. Howard Hudson's lighting transforms David Woodhead's set into a film noir landscape, while Joanna Goodwin's choreography features glimmering biceps and dirty vests, creating a bold and finely tuned visual experience. Although the live band remains out of view, Dan Glover's musical direction ensures the singing is powerful, especially in choral numbers.
Fabian Soto Pacheco brings warmth and resonance to his singing as Molina, complemented by George Blagden's portrayal of political rage as Valentin. Their performances explore an unlikely friendship that forms in the face of adversity, though the production sometimes feels distant due to blunt dialogue and a fourth-wall approach.
Tour and Legacy
This revival at Leicester Curve runs until 25 April, with plans to tour to Bristol and Southampton until 6 June. It arrives alongside renewed interest in the story, including Bill Condon's upcoming movie starring Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, and Jennifer Lopez. For fans of musical theatre, this production offers a compelling study of friendship and fantasy, impressing with its slick execution even if it occasionally lacks emotional movement.
Overall, Kiss of the Spider Woman at Leicester Curve is a testament to the enduring appeal of Kander and Ebb's work, blending dark themes with show-stopping musical numbers in a revival that is both earnest and entertaining.
