Real Women Have Curves (musical)

Real Women Have Curves
The Musical
Broadway Promotional Poster
MusicJoy Huerta & Benjamin Velez
LyricsJoy Huerta & Benjamin Velez
BookLisa Loomer with Nell Benjamin
BasisReal Women Have Curves
By: Josefina López
PremiereDecember 6, 2023: American Repertory Theater
Productions2023 Cambridge

Real Women Have Curves is a stage musical with a book by Lisa Loomer with Nell Benjamin and music and lyrics by Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez. The show is based on the play of the same name by Josefina López, and the television film based on the play, written by Lopez and George LaVoo.[1]

The show is set in 1987 Boyle Heights, Los Angeles and follows a young woman named Ana García, who works in a garment factory, as she struggles with societal expectations, difficult family dynamics, and finding the courage to follow her dreams.[2]

Production history

Cambridge (2023)

The musical premiered at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 6, 2023, and closed on January 21, 2024. The show is directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo.[3] Orchestrations were done by Bill Sherman and Cian McCarthy.[4] Nadia DiGiallonardo served as musical director and vocal arranger. Scene design was done by Arnulfo Maldonado with costumes by Paloma Young and Wilberth Gonzalez.[5]

Broadway (2025)

On September 12, 2024, it was announced the show plans to transfer to Broadway in 2025 with additional details to be announced. It was also announced Nell Benjamin was added to the creative team. Producers of the show include the theatrical husband and wife team Barry and Fran Weissler. [6]

Original cast and characters

Character Cambridge[7][8]
2023
Ana García Lucy Godinez
Carmen Garcia Justina Machado
Raul Garcia Edward Padilla
Estella Garcia Florencia Cuenca
Pancha Carla Jimenez
Rosali Jennifer Sanchez
Izel Satya Chavez
Henry Mason Reeves
Mrs. Wright Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer
Prima Fulvia Sandra Valls
Prima Flaca Shelby Acosta


Musical numbers

References

  1. ^ Aucoin, Don (2023-12-15). "Yes, 'Real Women Have Curves.' And the ART has a winner". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  2. ^ Collins-Hughes, Laura (2023-12-21). "'Real Women Have Curves' and 'Heart Sellers': Snapshots of Immigrant Lives". New York Times. Archived from the original on 2024-05-02. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  3. ^ "Real Women Have Curves". Playbill. Archived from the original on 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  4. ^ "Real Women Have Curves at A.R.T." American Repertory Theater. Archived from the original on 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  5. ^ "Real Women Have Curves Digital Program". American Repertory Theater. Archived from the original on 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  6. ^ BroadwayDirect.Comaccessed 09/20/2024
  7. ^ "Real Women Have Curves Digital Program". American Repertory Theater. Archived from the original on 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  8. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (2023-10-16). "See Who's Starring In the World Premiere of Real Women Have Curves: The Musical | Playbill". Playbill. Archived from the original on 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-05-05.