In a South American prison cell in a country under authoritarian rule, two polar opposites discover that love may spring in the most unlikely of places. 

 

Kiss of the Spider Woman, adapted by Argentine writer Manuel Puig from his 1976 best-selling novel, El beso de la mujer araña, and translated from the Spanish by Allan Bakerin 1983. It was first staged in London in 1985 at the Bush Theatre. The novel was also adapted by Leonard Schrader for a 1985 film version directed by Hector Babenco, and in 1993 as a Broadway stage musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb.

 

WARNING: This play addresses adult themes.

Communities are reflected in the stories we choose to tell. Once a story is told, it becomes as much a part of the listener as it is of the storyteller. To better understand our audience and enrich your theatrical experience, we invite you to share your views. Tell us about your interests. What do you want to see on stage?

Thank you for choosing to be a part of our story telling process.

Mellissa Marlowe, Director
Trevor Gagnon, Production/Stage Manager

 

CAST

Nicolás R Valdez, Valentin
Rick Frederick, Molina
Trevor Gagnon, Guard
Nathan Thurman, Warden

 

SETTING

A small cell in the Villa Devoto prison in Buenos Aires.

 

This script will be read thru without an intermission

 

THE TOBIN TEAM

President & CEO, Michael J. Fresher
VP & CFO, Jeff LaSante
VP of Brand and Engagement, Christopher Novosad
VP of Development, Renee Garvens
Director of Marketing, Lauren Keck
Graphics Manager, Rigo Ortiz
Community Engagement & PR Manager, Mandie Sullivan
Digital Marketing & Promotions, Alyssa Mora
Graphic Design Coordinator, Lucy Coronado
Front of House Manager, Chance Margotta
Technical Director, Hector Gutierez
Assistant Technical Director, Adam McCoy
Lighting Head, Gabriel Garcia IV
Video Head, David Sangiuliano

 

SPECIAL THANKS

Northwest Vista College Drama Program, San Antonio Community College, Gregorio Mannino

 

PRESENTED IN PART BY

 

BIOGRAPHIES
Nicolás R Valdez

Valentin

Nicolás R Valdez is an interdisciplinary performance artist and cultural arts educator. Taught traditional Conjunto accordion music at age 9 through Guadalupe Cultural Art Center, in 1993 he was the youngest founding member of their youth theater company, Grupo Animo. He studied Drama at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and in 2005 toured nationally with Teatro Campesino’s 25th Anniversary production of Zoot Suit. His original one-man show, Conjunto Blues was featured at LATC’s 2017 Encuentro de Las Americas and San Diego Repertory Theater’s Latinx New Play Festival. Professionally filmed and edited in 2020, Conjunto Blues has since screened at film festivals, universities, and community centers across the country and internationally. Frontman to Los Nahuatlatos, a Xicano-Roots-fusion band, he’s released two full-length albums, Tierra Sin Fin (2017) and Jamás Inquietos (2018). He is a graduate of the NALAC Leadership Institute class of 2016 and Music To Life’s (MTL) 2023 Musicians Accelerator Academy. Nicolás continues to perform around the country and abroad, holding workshops, and finding creative ways to empower youth voices and transform their communities through positive and equitable change.

Rick Frederick

Molina

Rick Frederick is a theatre artist who’s journey began at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, studying ceramics and performance art. And studied theatre at the University of Detroit conservatory program. After working professionally in Detroit, Rick ventured to Chicago, where he made his mark on the stages of The Lifeline, Northlight, and Victory Gardens Theatres. He spent 13 years with the acclaimed European Repertory Company performing many roles in Chekhov, Brecht, Berkoff and Girardeau and designed, production managed and served as Managing Director. His tenure saw the production of European classics and daring experimental works, fostering collaborations with esteemed institutions like Steppenwolf Theatre and the Chicago Department of Arts and Culture. He has lived and worked in San Antonio for nearly 20 years beginning with the Classic and Jump-Start Theatres. He was proudly, among the first resident performances at the Tobin Center acting in God of Carnage with AtticRep in 2014. In 2017, Rick joined the staff at the Tobin Center, where he now serves as the Creative and Resident Relations Director. He is also the Producing Artistic Director of 100A Productions, further solidifying his commitment to fostering creativity and innovation within the San Antonio arts community.

Nathan Thurman

Warden

Nathan Thurman, was recently seen as Hannay in 100A’s first production, The 39 Steps. He entered the San Antonio theater community as an actor in 2006 and has been creating theater locally ever since.  Living a life devoted to this craft, Nathan has undertaken many roles in San Antonio area productions over the years, including actor, scenic designer, lighting designer, director, producer, and technical director. Having worked with companies all over town including The Wonder Theater (previously the Woodlawn), The Public, The Classic, The Overtime, and Northwest Vista College, Nathan currently serves as Technical Director for San Antonio College. Nathan is honored to be participating in 100A’s first staged production and hopes to continue to contribute to San Antonio’s ever growing theater community.

Trevor Gagnon

Guard – Production Stage Manager

Trevor began his entertainment career as an acrobat in the Edmonton Opera’s production of The Mikado in 1991.  He parlayed that experience into an acrobatic and performing career that spanned 23 years and six countries with such acclaimed companies as Dragone Entertainment and Cirque du Soleil.  After retiring from performing full-time, Trevor worked as a Show Manager and Artistic Director in San Diego, California. His show, Cirque Electrique went on to win the IAAPA award for Best Show in 2017.  Trevor is proud to have worked at the Tobin Center in a variety of roles since 2021 and is excited and thankful to be a part of 100A Productions.

Mellissa Marlowe

Director

Mellissa Marlowe  is a theatre artist and educator who has worked in the San Antonio community for many years.  She has extensive experience as an actor, director, producer, and costumer working for many area theatres, including Jump-Start Performance Co., the Magik Theatre, the Witte Museum, and Shakespeare in the Park San Antonio.  She is an Assistant Professor and Founding Coordinator of Drama at Northwest Vista College, where she has helped to build a thriving and diverse theatre program for students and community.  And, most importantly, she is the proud mama of Paulina Esperanza Rodriguez, a brilliant writer, and senior at Barnard College at Columbia University.