KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN

Book by: Terrence McNally
Music and Lyrics by: John Kander and Fred Ebb
2023
Director, Artistic Director: Rick Bumgardner
Roxy’s Downtown, Wichita
Starring: Claire Gerig, Shaun-Michael Morse, Zeke Thompson
Costume Design By: Patty Reeder and Gwyn Birk
Lighting Design By: Arthur Reese
Choreography By: Miss Kansas 2023-24 Courtney Wages
Property Design By: Meghan McGehee

Based on the 1976 novel of the same title (El Beso de la Mujer Araña) by Manuel Puig, and the 1985 film starring William Hurt, Raul Julia, and Sônia Braha. The musical follows the story of two inmates in La Hermosa State Prison, one a gay window dresser (Molina) and the other a Marxist revolutionary (Valentin) who are put into the same cell. Both enduring torture within the prison walls, Molina teaches Valentin how to escape the reality of prison-life into the world of the exotic movies and their star Aurora (The Spider Woman).

“The spider woman’s kiss is a gateway to a world beyond reality, where dreams and nightmares intertwine.”
- Valentin, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN

THE STORY

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN has lived with me ever since I first saw the film and then the musical on Broadway with Chita Rivera and then later with Vanessa Williams. Fascinated by the convention of the storytelling, we witness mans’ inhumanity to man, a love story, and understand that to know love and be loved in return is the greatest gift of all.

THE MUSIC

The music of SPIDER WOMAN was nothing short of incredibly amazing to me. With its roots in several different genres of music, each number takes on a life of its own and carries us through the story, not only lyrically, but musically as well.

THE TALENT

Working with the sheer talent associated with the production from cast to creative was nothing short of a real pleasure. These characters’ perseverance, their ability to withstand abuse from within their environment, the unlikely bond that forms between two disparate individuals all spoke volumes to me.

The SPINE of the Show

Man’s Inhumanity to Man

From the poem by Robert Burns: Many and sharp the num'rous ills Inwoven with our frame! More pointed still we make ourselves - regret, remorse, and shame! And man, whose heav'n-erected face the smiles of love adorn, man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn!

VIOLENCE

Beating. Gunshot. Murder.

TORTURE

Poison. Metal Bucket Over Prisoner’s Head. Falaca.

CRUELTY

Shaming. Falsely Giving Hope. Mental Mind Games.

ESCAPE

Real or Imagined?

FREEDOM

At what price?

BEST SHOW

REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

"Thank you Rick for bringing such a thought-provoking piece to the stage 30 years after it began, and a huge congratulations to the cast at Roxy’s for delivering another unforgettable show to close out the season."

Annika Wooten

Social Influencer

"Experience the Spellbinding Magic of "Kiss of The Spider Woman" at Roxy's Downtown! Prepare to be captivated, thrilled, and utterly transported as Roxy's Downtown Theatre in Wichita, Kansas, presents the mesmerizing production of "Kiss of The Spider Woman." This seven-time Tony Award-winning show is a theatrical masterpiece that will leave you breathless and begging for more."

Andy McFayden

Social Influencer

"Everyone should go see this show! I’m glad I did!!!!!!!!!"

Sarah Wine

"This one is still on my mind daily. So much to process and what a job everyone did to make it beyond amazing."

Kent Spor

"Fabulous show! If you don’t already have tickets to see this, get them soon."

Elaine Crowe

"My sister and I, along with my niece and her friend, had front row tickets to this show. This was our second time coming to (Roxy’s). My sister and I were so impressed with the show, Molina and Aurora were absolutely amazing. We loved the dancing, the singing, and the acting."

Tamisyn

HI-HAT HATTIE

THE COLOR PURPLE