Falling Under the Spell of "Kiss of the Spider Woman": A Love Letter to the Original Broadway Cast Recording

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Let me take you back to a time when my love for musical theatre was as dazzling as the neon lights of Times Square. During my days in New York City, while hustling through the chaos of it all, I had a brief encounter with Fred Ebb. Imagine if I’d fully known who he was—what a missed opportunity for my budding theatre-loving self! Back then, I didn’t have the vocal chops to belt out the iconic Kander and Ebb tunes, but life has a funny way of revealing its treasures when you’re ready to embrace them.

Before I left NYC, the city was abuzz with excitement about a new Kander and Ebb musical: Kiss of the Spider Woman. Originally staged in Toronto and London, it was set to premiere at the Broadhurst Theatre—the same venue where I sat entranced by Patrick Stewart’s A Christmas Carol December 1992. I remember thinking, “That’s going to be a musical? Interesting choice.” You see, I had seen the film Kiss of the Spider Woman back in middle school with my friend TK. We were expecting a sexy and glamorous gay movie but were instead drawn into its gritty, haunting tale.

Fast forward a few months after I left New York and Kiss of the Spider Woman finally opened to sold-out crowds. When I visited the city again, I was lucky enough to snag a single ticket (thank you, theatre gods!) and witnessed one of the most spellbinding performances of my life. Chita Rivera as Aurora—where do I even begin? To this day, I pinch myself and think, “I saw the legendary Chita Rivera live!”


The moment I stepped out of that theatre, I knew I needed to relive the magic of Kiss of the Spider Woman over and over. Cue my pilgrimage to Colony Records, where I splurged on the “import” printing of the original cast recording—at a price I’d rather not admit. Let’s just say it was triple what the U.S. release was when it was released a few months later. But honestly? Worth every penny.

This album is pure enchantment. From the very first notes, Kander and Ebb’s score pulls you into its world—a surreal, dreamlike journey through love, heartbreak and the darkness of human connection. Brent Carver (Molina) and Anthony Crivello (Valentin) bring every ounce of their characters’ emotional depth to the music. “Dressing Them Up” captures Molina’s charm, while “I Draw the Line” lets Valentin’s fiery defiance shine. The tender “Dear One” brings these two men into harmony with the voices of Molina’s mother and Valentin’s girlfriend, creating a moment of aching beauty.

And then there’s Chita Rivera. Her portrayal of Aurora, the Spider Woman, is nothing short of iconic. Tracks like “Where You Are” and “I Do Miracles” are hauntingly brilliant—blending camp, danger and mystery into a hypnotic performance. It’s no exaggeration to say she is the heart and soul of the recording, commanding every note with an aura that feels almost supernatural.

Over time, the role of Aurora was passed on to other talented women, including Vanessa Williams and Maria Conchita Alonso. Few replacement casts get their own recordings, but Williams’ status as a popular recording artist made it happen. Her performance, while vocally stunning, lacks the same mystique and gravitas that Rivera brought to the role. Aurora isn’t just a character—it’s an idea, a reflection of Molina’s dreams and fears. Rivera embodied that complexity with unmatched charisma, while Williams leans more into vocal precision than emotional depth.

However, the new cast recording isn’t without its triumphs. Brian Stokes Mitchell steps into the role of Valentin and his voice is, as always, a force of nature. He even manages to make “The Day After That,” one of the score’s more polarizing anthems, into a truly stirring moment. Howard McGillin, as Molina, delivers beautiful vocals and hits the head on the fragile desperation the character demands.

While this recording doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original, it’s still worth a listen, especially if you’re a fan of Vanessa Williams, Brian Stokes Mitchell or Howard McGillin.

I had the privilege of seeing another iteration of Kiss of the Spider Woman during its touring production in Chicago in 1995. Carol Lawrence, Chita’s former West Side Story co-star, took on the role of Aurora. Her age added a certain gravitas that worked beautifully, but still, no one has ever truly matched Rivera’s iconic portrayal.

This show is groundbreaking—a surreal, daring masterpiece that tackled identity, sacrifice and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality long before the trend of adapting movies into musicals took off. Terrence McNally’s adaptation of Manuel Puig’s novel and film brought the story’s dreamlike logic to life, but it’s the cast, especially Chita Rivera, who elevated it to legendary status.

So there it is—my love letter to one of the most fascinating cast recordings muscial theatre has ever produced. Whether you’re a die-hard theatre fan or new to the world of musicals, I can’t recommend this album enough. It’s a journey into a surreal, emotional, and deeply human story that stays with you long after the final note fades. 

Have you experienced the magic of Kiss of the Spider Woman—whether on stage, through its recordings or even in the film? Are you excited about the upcoming film release featuring Jennifer Lopez? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! And if this story sparked a bit of nostalgia or introduced you to something new, feel free to share the love—or perhaps drop a small token of appreciation. Every bit helps keep the curtain rising! 🎭💖


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