Kiss of the Spider Woman deserves a revival too!!!- Page 3

[Tesse]

Posted: 12/15/05 at 11:17am

I saw the show with the incomperable OBC, the second cast (just before Vanessa took over), the tour, and the bus-and-truck tour, all of which had the same basic direction based on Prince's original. In the ensuing years, I've also seen many community and college productions of the show, and I completely agree that the script is strong enough to work with different interpretations.

Much of a production's success depends on finding actors who can summon up the necessary intensity: it's a very emotional show, and any faking will be obvious immediately. I've seen productions with otherwise very accomplished actors who simply crashed and burned in these challenging roles. I've also had college students move me to tears by their intensity and raw emotion. It largely depends on how much of himself an actor is willing to give to the role. Like I said, any faking will be obvious from the beginning.

One production that I particularly loved was staged in a blackbox with almost no set. A light shone down to indicate the perimeter of the cell walls, and was turned off during the movie sequences. It was economical and effective, and by reducing the show to its barest elements, the director proved how strong it truly is.

[zelda]

Posted: 12/15/05 at 11:18am

antonio banderas is not only a bad choice but very pedestrian in casting for valentin

[jimmirae]

Posted: 12/15/05 at 2:18pm

Yes, Ray, I agree, It's just a bit early for me but I DO desire that you see a production, and a GREAT one at that, I admire your wisdom beyond years and have no doubt you shall indeed, You deserve that.
Tesse, Very well said, It cannot be faked in any way or it turns into "Fools Gold". Very well said!
And Zelda, I am so sorry that I was just having a bit of fun and wasn't smoking an L.B. Mayer stogie when I suggested Antonio for Valentin but it was a fun passing thought - You say "Pedestrian" so very well but offer up nothing to the table but criticism, Perhaps you like that Archetype? Have fun with us, Make a suggestion, It doesn't cost you anything for a smile.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 12/15/05 at 2:26pm

A movie version could work, but I doubt it would do very well commercially. If it weren't for the fact that the theater we're doing it at in Chicago is in Boy's Town (you know, the gay neighborhood), I don't think it would have much of an audience. Granted, I'm straight, and I love the show, but it admitedly doesn't have that broad of an appeal.

HOWEVER, if a film version were to be made, I think Vanessa Williams would be a great Spider Woman. She's pretty amazing on the recording. Antonio Banderas would have been a great Valentin back in the day, but he's too old now. And the thought of Richard Gere as Molina just makes me angry.

[jimmirae]

Posted: 12/15/05 at 4:28pm

That sure was right - Gere as Molina is IMHO a frightening thought.
Good luck with your production Distinctive Baritone. BTW, Did you not try out for the leads due to the subject matter or were you open to that as an actor? Just curious and not being catty.

[AAO26]

Posted: 12/16/05 at 6:18pm

I'm all about seeing Chita reprise her role!!!

No one like her!!!

[zelda]

Posted: 12/16/05 at 6:37pm

jimmirae.. you are the kind person that makes me crazy. if you are trying to make a joke for god sake tell us. i am not a mind reader.
nough said on this ridiculous topic with obviously theatre remedials

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 12/16/05 at 7:16pm

OK, it'd be great if Zelda could drop the attitude and just enjoy the conversation we have been having so far on this "ridiculous topic."
Jimmirae, thanks for understanding that I'm dying to see an actual Broadway production of this show. I don't think the show should be revived following Prince's direction or Rob Marshall's choreography. I kinda wish Fosse were alive because this is the kind of show he should've choreographed. Anyways, the idea of doing it in a blackbox theatre sounds great, blackbox theatres make a show so intimate and get you so connected to the performers. One of the reasons this show could be revived in a completely new way is because I don't think any of the songs are book songs so there are less limitations.

[sondheimboy2]

Posted: 12/17/05 at 5:40pm

I'm glad that someone finally mentioned Bebe! She took over for Chita in London. And no one on earth seems to have snuck a tape or video recorder into the theater when she played the part. I would love to have a copy of her performance.