Kiss of the Spider Woman Revival Shines at Leicester Curve with Hollywood Flair
A major revival of Kander and Ebb's early-1990s musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman, is currently captivating audiences at Leicester Curve, offering a slick and earnest production directed by Paul Foster. This staging marks a significant moment for fans, as it is the first major new production since 1992, coinciding with the upcoming general release of Bill Condon's film adaptation starring Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, and Jennifer Lopez.
Grim Setting Meets Golden Age Fantasy
The musical is set in a Buenos Aires prison, a grim backdrop that presents unique challenges for staging. Unlike other musicals with dark themes, such as Cabaret, Kiss of the Spider Woman must balance the harsh realities of incarceration with the escapist fantasy sequences that define its narrative. Director Paul Foster's revival navigates this delicate balance, though it sometimes leans towards a sanitised Broadway version, which can dilute the intensity of the escape into fantasy.
In the production, prisoners Molina, portrayed by Fabian Soto Pacheco, and Valentin, played by George Blagden, endure brutal conditions. Fight sequences choreographed by Kate Waters and back projections by Andrzej Goulding effectively convey the violence and degradation of prison life. However, the real-world horrors are tempered, making the fantasy elements—where Molina conjures movie star Aurora, played by Anna-Jane Casey—seem more like a tribute to Hollywood's golden age than a genuine release.
Stellar Performances and Production Values
Anna-Jane Casey shines as Aurora, embracing the role of the murderous Spider Woman with gusto. She delivers big, belting showtunes that highlight her character's villainous charm, relishing every moment on stage. Fabian Soto Pacheco brings warmth and resonance to his singing as Molina, while George Blagden's performance is fueled by political rage, adding depth to their unlikely friendship.
The production design enhances the theatrical experience. Howard Hudson's lighting transforms David Woodhead's set into a film noir atmosphere, and Joanna Goodwin's choreography, featuring glimmering biceps and dirty vests, is both bold and finely tuned. Under Dan Glover's musical direction, the singing is powerful, especially in the choral numbers, though the live band remains out of view.
A Study in Friendship and Distance
Despite its strengths, the revival maintains a certain fourth-wall distance, with dialogue that can feel blunt at times. This approach results in a production that impresses with its technical prowess and performances but may not fully emotionally engage the audience. The study of Molina and Valentin's friendship is compelling, yet it resonates more intellectually than viscerally.
Kiss of the Spider Woman runs at Curve, Leicester, until 25 April, before touring to Bristol and Southampton until 6 June. This revival offers a timely and polished take on a classic musical, blending grim drama with Hollywood-inspired fantasy in a way that will appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences.
