Send us a text

What happens when fantasy becomes your only means of survival? This week, we dive deep into Kiss of the Spider Woman, the powerful 1992 Tony Award-winning musical that remains one of Broadway's most underappreciated masterpieces.

Set in an Argentinian prison during the military dictatorship, this Kander and Ebb musical (with book by Terrence McNally) tells the story of two cellmates who couldn't be more different. Molina, a window dresser imprisoned for his sexuality, escapes the harsh reality through elaborate fantasies of films starring his idol Aurora. His cellmate Valentin, a political revolutionary tortured for information, initially rejects these fantasies but gradually forms a profound connection with Molina that transforms them both.

We explore how the musical uses the character of Aurora/Spider Woman (originally played by Broadway legend Chita Rivera at age 60) to represent both escape and death - a stunning duality that makes this character so fascinating. The show's brilliant score merges Latin rhythms with classic Broadway style in numbers like "Where You Are," "Give Me Love," and the haunting title song.

With Jennifer Lopez starring in an upcoming film adaptation directed by Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls) set to release this October, there's never been a better time to discover or rediscover this musical. We discuss how the film appears to focus more on the fantasy sequences than the gritty prison reality, and what that might mean for the storytelling.

What truly makes Kiss of the Spider Woman remarkable is its exploration of how marginalized people create survival mechanisms through art and fantasy - demonstrating that imagination isn't merely escape but a profound act of resistance. Have you experienced this powerful musical? Let us know your thoughts and whether you're excited for the film adaptation!

End of MLL

Support the show

Don't forget to rate us, share with your friends and follow us on our social media channels.