Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has revealed its leading cast members as it prepares for its Broadway debut. Tatianna Córdoba, a newcomer to Broadway, will take on the role of Ana Garcia, an ambitious high school senior. This character was famously portrayed by America Ferrera in the 2002 HBO film that helped launch her career. Joining Córdoba is Justina Machado, known for her performances in projects like “One Day at a Time” and “The Horror of Dolores Roach.” She will step into the role of Carmen Garcia, Ana’s devoted mother who has traditional aspirations for her daughter’s future.
The musical is slated to commence performances on April 1 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, with its official opening night scheduled for April 27.
Real Women Have Curves: The Musical is set to be a vibrant and uplifting addition to Broadway. Set in the summer of 1987, the story follows Ana Garcia’s dreams of leaving East Los Angeles behind. However, a crucial order for 200 dresses complicates her aspirations as she strives to balance her ambitions with her mother’s expectations amidst a supportive community of women navigating their own challenges.
The production has assembled an impressive creative team for its Broadway run. Direction and choreography will be led by Sergio Trujillo, a Tony and Olivier Award winner. The music and lyrics will be crafted by Grammy Award winner Joy Huerta alongside composer and lyricist Benjamin Velez. The book is penned by Lisa Loomer and Nell Benjamin, with musical supervision by Nadia DiGiallonardo. Additional production design elements will include scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, costume design by Wilberth Gonzalez and Paloma Young, and lighting, sound, and video design by Natasha Katz, John Shivers, and Hana S. Kim, respectively. Hair and makeup design will be handled by Krystal Balleza, with orchestrations by DiGiallonardo and her collaborators. The production stage manager Tripp Phillips will also play a vital role in bringing this ambitious project to life.
This musical is based on Josefina López’s original play as well as the acclaimed HBO film Real Women Have Curves, which was co-written by López and George LaVoo. The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T) at Harvard University hosted the musical’s celebrated world premiere in 2023.
For Tatianna Córdoba, this upcoming performance will mark her first appearance on Broadway. She earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and is originally from the Bay Area in California.
Justina Machado has garnered a diverse portfolio in both film and television, with her latest role in the Netflix medical drama “Pulse.” Her notable previous appearances include “The Horror of Dolores Roach,” “Queen of the South,” and the Emmy-winning “One Day at a Time,” where she became well-acquainted with star Rita Moreno. Moreover, Machado also featured in the independent film The Throwback, directed by Mario Garcia. Her history on Broadway includes performances in In The Heights and A Free Man of Color, and she had previously portrayed Carmen Garcia in the musical’s world premiere.
The production of Real Women Have Curves: The Musical is backed by Barry and Fran Weissler, Jack Noseworthy, and an array of producing partners that includes Peggy Koenig and the Nederlander Organization, among others.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com