Review: KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN at Palm Canyon Theatre

Palm Springs' vibrant theatre scene is abuzz with anticipation as "Kiss of the Spiderwoman" takes center stage at the Palm Canyon Theatre. Running through April 26, this compelling production invites audiences into a world of fantasy and harsh reality, brilliantly brought to life by a stellar creative team and cast.

With a book by the acclaimed Terrance McNally, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, the musical is based on Manuel Puig's novel. This production is skillfully directed by David Brooks, with musical direction by Linda Mack Bevan and inventive Choreography by Nathan Wilson. Mr Brooks’ pulls together a tantalizing story that alternates between camp and heartbreak but never allows it to escape the bars of the dank prison cell. This was one of the season’s finest directorial efforts. The music was Kander and Ebb with no apology while Mr Wilson’s choreography was crisp and definately influenced by Bob Fosse as would be most appropriate for the creatives involved and the stakes of the story being danced.

"Kiss of the Spiderwoman" is a narrative that intertwines fantasy with the starkest of realities. Set in a South American prison, the story follows two cellmates: Molina, a flamboyant window dresser imprisoned for his sexuality, and Valentin, a rugged political prisoner. To escape the grimness of their surroundings, Molina recounts the glamorous escapades of his favorite movie star, Aurora, who also embodies the deadly Spiderwoman—a figure of both allure and doom. As their strange friendship evolves, the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur, leading to a poignant exploration of love, betrayal, and the human spirit.

The story's origins trace back to Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel, which was first adapted into a film in 1985 before making its way to the Broadway stage in 1993. The musical adaptation was met with critical acclaim, winning several Tony Awards, and has since become a beloved piece of theatrical repertoire.

In this Palm Canyon Theatre production, the cast delivers performances that are nothing short of mesmerizing. Nathan Wilson shines as Molina, capturing the character's flamboyance and soul-rending vulnerability with equal finesse. His portrayal is both heartfelt and captivating, drawing the audience into Molina's world of escapism. Opposite him, Luis Salcido IV embodies Valentin with a gritty realism that highlights the character's complexity and inner turmoil. Dominant and aggressive with a dark magnetism that was irrestistable, Mr Salcido’s performance dared you to look away (and find you cannot).

Se Layne dazzles as Aurora and the Spiderwoman, effortlessly transitioning between the roles of dream and death. Her performance is a standout, infusing the production with both glamour and menace. Supporting performances from Jana Giboney as Molina's codling Mother and Nicole Kennedy as Valentin’s upper class paramour Marta provide depth and emotional resonance, enriching the narrative tapestry.

The authoritarian figures, embodied by Paul Grant as The Warden, JT Eberhard as Officer Esteban, and Stan Jensen as Officer Marcos, deliver performances that add tension and an ominous presence to the story. The ensemble, featuring Jimmy Ashmore, Lois Bondurich, Terry Huber, Steffon Martindale, Anthony Nannini, Fiona Sarchett, Brillian Singleton, and Robin Somes, brings vitality and energy to the production, enhancing the storytelling with their dynamic presence. The dance ensemble here really turned up the heat, hands down some of the best dance performances all season.

One thing I will share, this story will trigger audiences. It eludes to torture, and shows brutality that can be a bit jarring. But, then again, this isn’t “Mary Poppins” folks! There was one scene, a split stage between the Warden and a inspector from Amnesty International while on the other end all the prisoners were stuffed into a tiny cage where they could only stand up as a form of torture and hiding an overcrowding problem. It was so well done, I felt a wave of claustrophobia seeing it and had to take some measured breaths to regain control. THAT is how well it conveyed the situation!

The production is a feast for the senses, thanks to the meticulous design work that elevates the theatrical experience. Derik Shopinski's costume design captures the essence of each character, from Molina's flamboyant attire to the austere uniforms of the prison guards. J.W. Layne's scenic and lighting design transforms the stage into a world of contrasts, effectively highlighting the duality of fantasy and reality. Nick Edwards' projection design is nothing short of fabulous, per usual, enriching the narrative with visual storytelling that complements the action on stage.

"Kiss of the Spiderwoman" at the Palm Canyon Theatre is a must-see production that combines powerful performances with stunning production design to create an unforgettable theatrical experience. It is a testament to the transformative power of theatre and the resilience of the human spirit.

“Kiss of the Spiderwoman” only runs one more weekend Thursday at 7PM, Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2pm through April 26. Tickets can be purchased ONLY at palmcanyontheatre.net or by calling the box office at (760) 323-5123. The theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.

Palm Canyon Theatre concludes their 2025-26 season slate:

The Ritz - May 8 - 17: Farce meets fabulous in The Ritz, a hilarious comedy set in a Manhattan gay bathhouse. When a straight man on the run from the mob hides out in an unexpected place, chaos ensues. With outrageous characters and mistaken identities, this rowdy 1970s romp is full of pure campy joy.

The Merry Widow (Produced by Coachella Valley Classical Voices) - May 22 - 24: Romance, wit, and elegance shine in The Merry Widow, a beloved operetta full of charm and glamour. As a wealthy widow’s fortune hangs in the balance, intrigue and love swirl at a lavish Parisian ball. With lush music and sparkling humor, it’s a delightful evening of operatic sophistication.

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