Kiss of the Spider Woman

“There were so many moments of momentous beauty in the Cape Rep production of Kiss of the Spider Woman that words no matter how carefully chosen cannot do them justice. How do you describe the pain and ecstasy of love? The hurt anger and brutality of man? The screams of torture and glimmers of hope that sear the human spirit? It’s like calling the Leaning Tower just a building, The Last Supper just a painting, Bassey just a singer. The words conjure up images, but to feel, to experience, to have the memories scorch your soul words on paper mean nothing. Such was the power of Kiss of the Spider Woman, John Kander and Fred Ebb’s musicalization of Manuel Puig’s novel. Bob Troie, artistic director of Cape Rep, wanted to mount this show for a long time, but held off, waiting until he had the right amount of tenacityand talent. Thank God he waited, for a more professional, more haunting, more heartfelt, more wrenching, more honest work will never be found on the Cape. That I promise you. Much of the success of this production went to its leading men. Ethan Paulini, the young actor whose talents have been honed and sharpened through years on local stages (most notably at the Harwich Junior Theatre) has lost the gangly adolescent awkwardness and feyness that marred some of his early work. Here, he was as electric as he is electrifying. Stephen Colella was a crumbling tower of virility, totally credible as his hostility turns into understanding and affection and acceptance. The chemistry between the two thespians is not just tangible; it was blistering and highly erotically charged. Directors Bob Troie and Elisabeth Lehr deserved much credit for wringing such flawless performances.” – Alan W. Petrucelli, Barnstable Patriot