New York, NY—September 12, 2024 — Real Women Have Curves, the beloved story that began as a 1990 play and later became a 2002 cult-classic film starring America Ferrera, is set to debut as a musical on Broadway in 2025. Producers Barry Weissler, Fran Weissler, and Jack Noseworthy announced the highly anticipated adaptation today, marking another exciting chapter in the journey of a story that has resonated with audiences for decades.
The new musical had its world premiere in 2023 at the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, where it garnered critical acclaim for its engaging portrayal of immigrant life, generational tension, and the pursuit of personal dreams. With a fresh score blending vibrant pop and heartfelt ballads, Real Women Have Curves is poised to bring a new level of emotion and energy to Broadway audiences.
A Star-Studded Creative Team
The musical adaptation boasts an impressive creative team. The score features music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning artist Joy Huerta, known for her work as one half of the Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy. Joining her is composer and lyricist Benjamin Velez, a rising talent known for his innovative musical style. Together, they have crafted a score that is both contemporary and rooted in Latin rhythms, perfectly capturing the spirit of the show’s Boyle Heights, Los Angeles setting.
The book for the musical is written by Lisa Loomer, the playwright behind the original 1990 work. Loomer, celebrated for her ability to balance humor with poignant social commentary, brings her unique voice to the stage once again. Additional material is provided by Nell Benjamin, a Tony-nominated writer whose credits include Legally Blonde: The Musical, adding further comedic flair to the project.
Directing and choreographing the production is Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, renowned for his work on Broadway hits such as Jersey Boys and On Your Feet!. Trujillo’s expertise in blending dance and storytelling is expected to bring a dynamic and kinetic energy to the musical. Music supervision will be overseen by Nadia DiGiallonardo, a seasoned Broadway professional whose credits include Waitress and Pippin, ensuring the score resonates with both power and precision.
A Story of Identity and Family Tension
Set in the summer of 1987 in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, Real Women Have Curves follows Ana, a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, as she wrestles with the weight of her family’s expectations and her own aspirations. At 18, Ana dreams of leaving her immigrant parents’ home to pursue college and a career in New York City. However, her family hopes she will stay home to work at their garment factory—a small, but vital business—and continue their traditions.
At the heart of the story is Ana’s complicated relationship with her mother, whose sharp wit and tough love mask her fears of losing her daughter to a world beyond their working-class neighborhood. As Ana navigates the clash between familial duty and personal ambition, the musical explores themes of body image, identity, and cultural expectations in a way that is both timely and deeply relatable.
The show’s producers promise an experience that is as heartfelt as it is humorous. “It’s about dreaming big, but also about the importance of where you come from,” said co-producer Jack Noseworthy. “Ana’s story is one that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt torn between their dreams and their family’s hopes for them. It’s a celebration of curves—both literally and figuratively—in every aspect of life.”
A History of Impact
The original play Real Women Have Curves debuted in 1990, written by Lisa Loomer, and was an immediate success for its raw, authentic portrayal of Latina women. The 2002 film adaptation, starring a young America Ferrera in her breakout role, went on to become a cultural touchstone, winning the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and gaining a loyal following for its positive representation of body image, working-class struggles, and immigrant family dynamics.
The film also marked a significant moment in the portrayal of Latina women in Hollywood, highlighting the complex narratives that had previously been overlooked in mainstream media. With its powerful message of self-acceptance and familial love, Real Women Have Curves continues to be a source of inspiration for audiences who see themselves reflected in its characters.
The musical adaptation is expected to build on that legacy, delivering the same authenticity and depth, while adding new layers through its vibrant music and choreography. It promises to be a celebratory experience for long-time fans of the story and newcomers alike.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As anticipation builds for its Broadway debut, the creative team behind Real Women Have Curves is hard at work bringing the show to life. With its combination of a compelling, heartwarming narrative, Latinx representation, and an exhilarating musical score, the production is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited shows of the 2025 Broadway season.
Fans of the original play and film are sure to be excited by this fresh reimagining of a beloved classic, while new audiences will be introduced to a story that speaks to the universal struggle of balancing family obligations with the pursuit of personal dreams.
Details on casting and performance dates will be announced in the coming months, with ticket sales expected to begin in early 2025. As Real Women Have Curves prepares to make its mark on Broadway, it offers a reminder that stories of underrepresented communities can thrive and inspire on the world’s biggest stage.
The musical’s debut on Broadway marks a major moment for the show’s creators and its audience, further cementing Real Women Have Curves as a timeless story about culture, family, and the courage to dream.
