Read and discuss the books that inspired Broadway musicals, enriching understanding and enjoyment of both!
Kiss of the Spider Woman (El Beso de la Mujer Araña) is a 1976 novel by Argentinian novelist Manuel Puig about the relationship between two cellmates as their jailors try to use their budding connection to blackmail each other for more information and they try to to find solace and mental escape from prison life. It is mostly written in stream-of-consciousness and almost theatrical dialogue without traditional narrative voice. Originally banned in Argentina and with many translated versions edited for content, the book eventually became a critically acclaimed piece of Latin American fiction. In 1885, it was adapted into a movie of the same name.
After starting its run in London in 1992, "Kiss of the Spider Woman" the musical opened on Broadway in 1993. The music was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the book written by Terrence McNally, and the original production directed by Hal Prince. It's most pronounced adaptation is the stage personification of Aurora the Spider Woman, originated by Chita Rivera. It won the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Actor Awards for Brent Carver, Chita Rivera, and Anthony Crivello.
We typically meet the fourth Thursday of the month at the Northeast Neighborhood Library at 6:30pm in the Mezzanine Conference Room. Due to holidays, we will be be meeting Thursday, December 8, 2022 in the Northeast Neighborhood Library Mezzanine Conference Room. Please click "Register" or email Jeff at jeffrey.gluckman@dc.gov if you would like to attend!
To reserve you own copy, check the catalog here.
To see past and upcoming Page to Stage Book Club selections and more about the book club, check here!
To go beyond the book: