Real Women Have Curves at James Earl Jones Theatre

REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious, joyous, and empowering new show making its way to Broadway this April. Set in the summer of 1987, the production follows Ana García as she dreams of flying away from East Los Angeles. But when her family’s sewing business receives a make-or-break order for two-hundred dresses, Ana finds herself juggling her own goals, her mom’s expectations, and a community of brave women all trying to make it work against the odds. Based on the stunning play by Josefina López that inspired the iconic smash hit movie, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL is “a winner, with a big heart and joyous abandon” cheers The Boston Globe. “It makes us feel we can all soar,” raves WBUR. Book your tickets now to secure your spot!! 

Real Women Have Curves Tickets

“A funny, spirited, and joyous celebration of the power of family and community” – Broadway World

Synopsis

Set in a small sewing factory in East Los Angeles, this is the incredibly funny tale of five curvy Mexican-American women who are striving to meet nearly impossible production deadlines to save their tiny factory from closing down. And as they work, all while hiding from the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), they talk… about their husbands, lovers, kids, and dreams for the future. The tale is told through the eyes of Ana García, the youngest among them. After graduating from high school, Ana is determined to get out of the barrio, go off to college, and become a famous writer. Even though she needs the money, Ana doesn’t enjoy working at the factory and has little respect for the colleagues, who often make fun of her ambitions and what they see as her idealistic feminist philosophies. Nonetheless, Ana keeps turning up to her job and chronicling her experiences in a journal. As the summer of 1987 unfolds, Ana slowly starts to appreciate the work and the women, eventually penning an essay that snags her a journalism fellowship which will take her to the Big Apple. This play is a microcosm of the Latina immigrant experience. At its heart, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL celebrates real women’s bodies, the power of women, and the remarkable bond that happens when women work together.

Creative Team

Initial casting has been revealed, with newcomer Tatianna Córdoba making her Broadway debut as the ambitious high school senior Ana Garcia. She will be joined by Justina Machado (One Day at a Time) as Carmen Garcia. Carmen is Ana’s hardworking mother who idealizes a traditional life for her daughter. 

The project is being spearheaded by Sergio Trujillo, who’s both directing and choreographing. The Broadway musical is adapted from Josefina López’s 1993 play, which also had a 2002 movie rendition. With a score by world class talent like Grammy Award winner Joy Huerta (from Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy) and Benjamin Velez, and a book by the masterful Lisa Loomer with Nell Benjamin, it’s no wonder that REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL is one of the most anticipated shows of the season. 

The production will also have music supervision by Nadia DiGiallonardo, music direction by Roberto Sinha, scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, costume design by Wilberth Gonzalez and Paloma Young, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by John Shivers, video design by Hana S. Kim, hair, wig, and make-up design by Krystal Balleza, as well as orchestrations by DiGiallonardo, Huerta, Rich Mercurio, and Velez. Tripp Phillips will serve as production stage manager, meanwhile B.J. Holt will take on the role of general manager, and Alecia Parker as executive producer.

“A musical that has both a smart book and a smart score” – Cambridge Day

History and Awards

In 2023, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL premiered at the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University. Sergio Trujillo both directed and choreographed the world premiere. The show will open its curtains on Broadway at the James Earl Jones Theatre on 27 April 2025. The musical is based on the 1993 play and 2002 movie of the same name by the visionary playwright Josefina López. 

“”Turn the lights on, I want you to see me” says Ana (America Ferrera), the real woman at the centre of this coming-of-age tale, as she stands naked in front of her boyfriend. Love handles, curves and all, she is – you guessed it – as gorgeous outside as she is inside,” says the BBC of the movie. The big screen version won over the hearts of fans and critics alike with its “charming and funny story of clashing cultures and a clashing mother/daughter relationship,” and we expect the latest rendition to be even better!

Review 

While ​​the stage adaptation of Real Women Have Curves hasn’t hit Broadway yet, the movie was greatly praised. “‘Real Women Have Curves’ is enormously entertaining for moviegoers of any age (it won the Audience Award at Sundance 2002). But for young women depressed because they don’t look like skinny models, this film is a breath of common sense and fresh air. “Real Women Have Curves” is a reminder of how rarely the women in the movies are real. After the almost excruciating attention paid to the world-class beauties in a movie like “White Oleander” (a film in which the more the women suffered the better they looked), how refreshing to see America Ferrera light up the room with a smile from the heart,” Robert Ebert raves. 

“A Glittering Glamour of a Production” – The Arts Fusion

James Earl Jones Theatre

Located in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, James Earl Jones Theatre is the place to be this year. Built in 1912 and designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb, this Broadway theater is one of the finest venues to experience REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL. Brimming with charm and glamour, it was named after the legendary actor James Earl Jones, and honors his amazing contributions to both the stage and screen. Walk straight into the heart of Broadway at James Earl Jones Theatre with stunning architecture, grand chandeliers, intricate designs, and lights that make every performance magical!