Broadway Musical “Real Women Have Curves” Delivers Unforgettable Experience
In a theatrical landscape where mid-show standing ovations are rare, the audience at the James Earl Jones Theatre recently experienced an electrifying moment that defies this norm. The cast of “Real Women Have Curves” performed the title track with such exuberance that audience members couldn’t help but leap to their feet, cheering with delight.
Set in a bustling factory working against an impossible deadline to produce 200 dresses, the scene captures an exhilarating moment just three-quarters into the show. As the ensemble (effortlessly bursting with energy and charm) tackles the pressures of their tasks, it becomes clear that both the cast and the audience are thoroughly enjoying the journey.
Adaptation from Film to Stage
“Real Women Have Curves” is an adaptation of the beloved 2002 film featuring America Ferrera and George Lopez. Since its opening on Broadway in April 2023, the musical has garnered two Tony nominations: one for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Justina Machado and another for Best Original Score. Yet, mere nominations hardly capture the overwhelming joy radiating from the production under the skilled direction of Sergio Trujillo.
First Impressions of the James Earl Jones Theatre
Upon entering the recently renovated James Earl Jones Theatre, the intimacy of its 1,082-seat layout is striking. Even those seated farther back can enjoy a close-up view of the vibrant performance. Besides its cozy configuration, the venue boasts modern amenities, as highlighted by Playbill, including a newly constructed wing with accessible facilities, a refreshment area, and dressing rooms.
Storyline Overview: A Family’s Journey
The narrative centers on Ana Garcia, played charisma-filled Tatianna Córdoba. At 18, Ana harbors dreams of attending Columbia University on a full scholarship. However, familial expectations weigh heavily on her; her mother, Carmen, portrayed by Tony-nominated Justina Machado, wants her to work alongside the family tailoring business. Adding complexity to this is the fact that Ana is the only U.S. citizen in the family, placed in charge of navigating everyday bureaucratic responsibilities.
The plot thickens when a buyer requests Estela, Ana’s older sister and head of the business, to produce 200 dresses within a two-week timeframe. This challenge serves as a catalyst for the family to confront their true desires and aspirations in a poignant portrayal of immigrant life, body positivity, and family dynamics.
An Engaging Performance
While the storyline itself might not break new ground, the emotional performances, upbeat musical numbers, and powerful social commentary elevate the experience significantly. The familiar theme of “finishing a job by a deadline” serves merely as a canvas for the rich character portrayals and the thoughtful artistry interwoven throughout the musical.
Highlights of the Spectacle
Throughout “Real Women Have Curves,” the humor packs a punch. One standout moment occurs when Pancha, portrayed by breakout star Carla Jimenez, drops a line that elicits uproarious laughter from the audience. The relatability of these characters creates an engaging connection, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the two-hour show.
The musical numbers, particularly the opening tune “Make It Work,” inject energy into the performance akin to that of “In The Heights.” The lively musicality propels the narrative forward, allowing the audience to sync with the characters’ struggles and triumphs, making it feel more like a concert than a traditional Broadway musical.
Technical Brilliance
On a technical front, the production shines with its innovative, charming sets. The swift transitions between scenes—a factory, a home, a restaurant—are executed seamlessly, enhancing the flow of the musical without relying on elaborate theatrics. This captures the essence of storytelling through simplicity, demonstrating that impactful drama can thrive without excessive spectacle.
Audience Reception
“Real Women Have Curves” transcends its shortcomings, delivering a heartwarming, emotionally resonant narrative with universal themes of family, ambition, and resilience. The relatable characters and infectious humor serve to engage even the most skeptical viewers, proving that the strengths of the cast and crew easily outweigh any potential weaknesses in the narrative structure.
Performance Schedule and Details
Performances of “Real Women Have Curves” take place eight times a week at the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York City. Matinee shows are held on Wednesdays (2 p.m.), Saturdays (2 p.m.), and Sundays (3 p.m.), with no performances on Mondays. The production is set to run until October 5, 2025.
This dynamic musical runs for approximately two hours and 20 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are now available for those looking to enjoy this unforgettable production.
Meet the Cast
Here’s a brief introduction to some of the standout cast members:
Tatianna Córdoba (Ana García): Excited to make her Broadway debut, Tatianna is a proud Latina/Filipina with a BFA in Musical Theater from Boston Conservatory, expressing her gratitude to the “RWHC” team.
Justina Machado (Carmen García): An acclaimed actress known for her versatility, Justina’s past roles include significant television and film projects. Her stage work includes performances in “In the Heights.”
Florence Cuenca (Estela García): Making her Broadway debut, Florence is the first Mexican immigrant to originate a leading role in a Broadway musical, previously performing in Off-Broadway productions.
Mauricio Mendoza (Raúl García): Known for his regional theater experience and TV roles, Mauricio is dedicated to the craft and co-owns a film production company.
Jennifer Sánchez (Rosalí): A seasoned performer on Broadway and Off-Broadway, Jennifer has a rich performance history that contributed significantly to the musical’s overall impact.
Explore More Broadway Options
If you’re looking to catch additional Broadway performances, consider these must-see musicals:
- “Death Becomes Her”
- “Sunset Boulevard”
- “Maybe Happy Ending”
- “Dead Outlaw”
- “Just In Time”
For a complete list of upcoming Tony-nominated productions, check out the full roster of shows for 2025.
This article was crafted by Matt Levy, a live events reporter at the New York Post. With a focus on the latest musical announcements and Broadway openings, Matt leverages his experience to connect audiences with exceptional live performances. Keep an eye on upcoming show schedules as he continues to cover the vibrant world of live entertainment.