GALA's 'Spider Woman' spins a knockout

From left, Rodrigo Pedreira is Valentin and Martin Ruiz is Molina in GALA's Kiss of the Spider Woman/by Daniel Martinez

Spiders can entrap, they can protect, they are patient, and they wait to entrap their snares.

That GALA Hispanic Theatre has brought back its 1994 Kiss of the Spider Woman when its co-founder, Hugh Medrano (1943-2023) earned a Helen Hayes Award for Lead Actor, the first for a Spanish performance in D.C., is no surprise for success realized then certainly means success today.

And outstanding acting by Rodrigo Pedreira and Martin Ruiz, two prisoners who share an Argentine cell in the 1970s, prove it with the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig of the  same title brought to life.

With haunting original music and sound (by Koki Lortkipanidze), Valentin has been imprisoned for revolutionary practices and protests against Argentine’s political regime while Molina is in jail for child abuse.

Their togetherness in the solitary cell creates recognition of common goals and fears while their warming embrace of differences broadens their perspectives and outlooks.

Adding more stress to his dilemma is Molina's desire for Valentin and the undercover spy operation conducted by the government, effectively presented by phone calls and eerie directions echoing in the chamber to Molina, unheard by Valentin.

The setting (by Tony Cisek) is naturally stark and gray - it's a concrete cell, after all -  the environment intensified by Hailey LaRoe's lighting.

At GALA, theatregoers can see this version of Kiss of the Spider Woman in person, in advance of next month's movie premiere with Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna.

On two screens at either end of the stage GALA presents its version in Spanish with English surtitles.

Jose Luis Arellano directs with assistance from Luz Nicolas. 

Other production team members are Cidney Forkpah, costumes; Tessa Grippaudo, properties; Anson Stevie, technicals; Ilyana Rose-Davila, production manager; Andre Hopfer, makeup and hair; David Peralto, vocals; and Brian Martinez, stage manager.

On September 21, join a talk-back session with Jesse Garcia, public relations manager at Amazon, and Jose Gutierrez, psychologist, both active in human rights and LGBTQ associations.

Through September 26, enjoy Friday night socials in the lobby at Afters at GALA with Latina musicians and karaoke.

What: Kiss of the Spider Woman

When: Thursday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Now through Sept. 28, 2025.

Where: GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010.

Tickets: Start at $25 with discounts available.

Duration: About two hours with a ten-minute intermission.

Ages: For 14 and up, adult themes.

Handicapped accessibility: GALA has four wheelchair accessible spaces and an elevator from the entrance to the lobby and the house.

Metro stations: Columbia Heights is one block from GALA on the Green and Yellow lines. Or, get off Metro at McPherson Square, take a bus up 14th, or, walk two miles from McPherson Square and save money and expend calories! Many places to eat along the way.

Parking: Discounted parking for $4 at Giant's garage around the corner on Park Road with ticket validation in GALA's lobby, and more parking on the street and at the Target's garage also on Park Road NW, between 14th and 16th streets NW.

For more information: Call (202) 234-7174 and/or email info@galatheatre.org

patricialesli@gmail.com