For Immediate Release: September 28, 2006
Media Contact: Charlene Thellmann, The Ritz Theatre, 856.488.9093

The Ritz Theatre Company presents the Tony Award winning musical "Kiss of the Spider Woman, the Musical" October 19-November 18, 2006 at the historic Ritz Theatre, 915 White Horse Pike, Arts District, Haddon Township, NJ.

Actors Equity guest artist Erick Pinnick of New York stars in the role of Valentin. He appeared on Broadway as Mr. Smythe in Susan Stroman's "A Christmas Carol" and was recently seen as Charlie in the New York premiere of "Warrior." Mr. Pinnick toured Europe as Pilate in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the US in "Sunset Boulevard" starring Petula Clark. Mr. Pinnick recently appeared in "Dreamgirls" at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia.

Starring with Mr. Pinnick will be Nicholas Muni of Collingswood as Molina. Nicholas was last seen on the Ritz stage as "The Cat in the Hat" in this year's production of "Seussical." Past roles include Matt in "The Fantasticks," Pippin in "Pippin," and Prof. Harold Hill in "The Music Man." Marisa Noelle Henriquez of Pennsauken takes the role of Aurora / Spider Woman. This will be Marisa's eleventh performance at the Ritz Theatre. Past roles include Bird Girl in "Seussical," Lulu in "Cabaret" and Michelle in "Dreamgirls."

Based on the novel by Manual Puig, this musical tells the tale of Molina and his cellmate Valentin imprisoned in South America. In order to help survive prison brutality, Molina dreams of the grade B movie star, the alluring temptress, the Spider Woman, and relates stories of her to Valentin. During the time they spend together, the two men come to understand and respect one another.

Also appearing in the production is Jeanne Haynes of Mt.Laurel as Molina's mother. Pat DeFusco of Philadelphia is the Warden. Carly J. Mooney of Philadelphia is Marta. Joshua Bessinger of Burlington takes the roles of Aurora's Man, Gabriel and Prisoner. Mike Bracken of Haddonfield is Marcos.

Directed by Ritz Theatre Producing Artistic Director Bruce A. Curless of Haddon Heights. Music director, Mathew Wright of Camden.Vocal director, Marian Stieber of Philadelphia. Set design, Bart Healy of Collingswood. Costume design, Trish Reichfeld of Voorhees. Choreography, Michele Sasse of Williamstown. Sound design by John Zettlemoyer of Audubon.

Performances: October 19-November 18. Fri., Sat., at 8 PM ($25) and Sun.at 2 PM ($20). Wed., Nov. 1 & 15 at 7:30 PM ($20).Preview Thurs., Oct. 19 at 7:30 PM ($17). Opening night performance, Fri., Oct. 20 at 8 PM ($23). Group rates available. All seats reserved. Advanced reservations: Ritz 24 hour ticket hotline (856) 858-5230. On the web at: www.ritztheatreco.org

Go to News Releases»