Broadway is about to get a powerful dose of Latina storytelling! Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, the highly anticipated stage adaptation of the beloved Mexican-American coming-of-age story, has revealed two of its leading ladies. The production is set to debut at the James Earl Jones Theatre on April 1, with opening night scheduled for April 27.
Tatianna Córdoba takes on the role of Ana Garcia, an ambitious high school senior with dreams beyond her working-class roots. The character, originally played by America Ferrera in the 2002 HBO film, became an iconic representation of Latina resilience and self-discovery. Joining Córdoba is Justina Machado (One Day at a Time, Pulse), who will portray Carmen Garcia, Ana’s hardworking mother, whose vision for her daughter’s future clashes with Ana’s aspirations. Additional casting details are yet to be announced.
This musical adaptation is based on Josefina López’s original play and its subsequent film, which featured a screenplay by López and George LaVoo. The show’s music and lyrics are crafted by Grammy-winning artist Joy Huerta (of Jesse & Joy) and composer-lyricist Benjamin Velez. The book is co-written by Lisa Loomer with contributions from Nell Benjamin, and Tony Award-winning director-choreographer Sergio Trujillo is at the helm of the production.
The creative team also boasts an impressive lineup, including music supervision by Nadia DiGiallonardo, scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, costume design by Wilberth Gonzalez and Paloma Young, lighting design by Natasha Katz, and sound design by John Shivers. Additionally, Hana S. Kim is handling video design, while Krystal Balleza is in charge of hair, wigs, and makeup. The orchestration team includes DiGiallonardo, Huerta, Rich Mercurio, and Velez.
After its world premiere at Harvard University’s American Repertory Theater in 2023, Real Women Have Curves is now bringing its heartwarming, empowering message to Broadway. Set in the summer of 1987, the story follows Ana, a young woman dreaming of a life beyond East Los Angeles. However, when her family lands a crucial order for 200 dresses, she finds herself torn between her personal ambitions, her mother’s expectations, and the unbreakable bonds of the women around her—all fighting for their own dreams against the odds.
With a powerhouse cast and a creative team dedicated to telling an authentic, vibrant Latina story, Real Women Have Curves: The Musical is set to make a lasting impact when it takes the Broadway stage.
