Kiss of the Spider Woman
Kathleen Donaldson | 07/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With the talents of Chita Rivera, Terrence McNally and Kander & Ebb, you'd expect "Kiss of the Spider Woman" to be a tuneful and well written musical with a star performance. It is more than that.
"Kiss of the Spider Woman" is such a superlative musical. The score is perhaps Kander & Ebb's best since "Chicago." While the show only gets good after the wonderful "Dressing Them Up", it truely is perfect for the show. With tender moments ("Dear One", "Mama It's Me), fun ("Where you Are", "Gimme Love"), rolliciking, ("The Day after That") and chilling (The Title Song, "Anything for Him") The score is tuneful and versitile.
We can hear snippets of McNally's chilling libretto. I have read it, and the final scene gives me the chills.
In the performance department, Chita Rivera gives a commanding and masterful performance as Aurora. She is better than any 25 year old around.
Brent Carver is also great in the role of Molina-the gay window dresser. He sings and acts superbly. However, recently, I have grown to enjoy Mr. Anthony Crivello's performance. Starting with his haunting, yet tender section in "Dear One" and ending with his incredible "The Day After That", Crivello gives a terriffic performance.
I recomend this to any Kander & Ebb or Broadway fan, or anyone interested in listeting to the best musical of the 90s, ranking with "Ragtime." Wonderful!"
Great Kander & Ebb Score!
AJK | Chicago, IL | 06/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I originally saw this show, I wasn't exactly sure how the Oscar-winning movie would translate into a musical. A knockout! Brent Carver & Chita Rivera, Tony winners for their roles as Molina & The Spider Woman, respectively, translate marvelously on this cd.
Kander & Ebb's score is highly entertaining, with many standout numbers. Hightlights include:
Her Name Is Aurora
Dear One
Where You Are
You Could Never Shame Me
She's A Woman
Gimme Love
Kiss Of The Spider Woman
Only In The Movies
While not as brilliant as "Chicago", this Kander/Ebb score is every bit as good (or better) that their "Cabaret" score!
A well-deserved win for Best Musical!"