Bill Condon and Jennifer Lopez Debut Musical ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ at Sundance
Written by Site Hub on January 27, 2025
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Sundance Film Festival saw an unexpected addition of old Hollywood glamour on Sunday night with Bill Condon’s musical adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, starring Jennifer Lopez.
Lopez, portraying a movie siren in a film-within-the-film, dazzled the audience with her song-and-dance performances, earning spontaneous applause and a standing ovation at the Eccles Theater. Wearing a glittering spiderweb-inspired gown, Lopez expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life.”
Based on Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel, the story follows two cellmates in an Argentine prison. Diego Luna stars as Valentin, a revolutionary, while Tonatiuh plays Luis Molina, a movie-obsessed prisoner who recounts a glamorous musical narrative to escape their harsh reality. The film explores themes of escapism, gender identity, and tolerance, offering a poignant counterpoint to President Trump’s recent remarks on gender policy.
Condon called the project a celebration of cinema’s potential for storytelling and bridging divides. Tonatiuh shared his personal connection, reflecting on his journey as a “femme queer Latin kid” and the joy of portraying Molina’s spectrum of identity.
Lopez, moved to tears, credited West Side Story as her inspiration and praised Condon for bringing her dreams to life. The film, awaiting distribution, captivated Sundance audiences with its bold mix of spectacle and social commentary.
Source: AP News
WDKX Holiday Stream