Latest news with #RealWomenHaveCurves:TheMusical
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
8 of the Best Latin-Themed Musicals Ever on Broadway: From ‘West Side Story' to ‘Buena Vista Social Club'
Two Latin-themed musicals have opened on Broadway within five weeks of each other, receiving some love from the Tonys this year: Buena Vista Social Club, which co-leads the list of nominees for the June 8 awards ceremony with 10 nods, and Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, which received two. More from Billboard Patti LuPone Apologizes for Her 'Demeaning and Disrespectful' Comments on Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald Los Alegres del Barranco Cancel Show in Michoacán for 'Security Concerns' Grupo Firme Cancels U.S. Concert Due to Work Visas Being in 'Administrative Process' Buena Vista Social Club — which narrates the story of the Cuban artists who brought the acclaimed Grammy-winning album of 1997 to the world — competes in categories including best musical, best performance by an actress in a featured role (Natalie Venetia Belcon), best book (Marco Ramirez) and best direction (Saheem Ali). Furthermore, the musicians who make up the band in the show will be recognized with a special Tony Award. Real Women Have Curves: The Musical is nominated for best original score — by Latin music star Joy Huerta (half of the Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy) and Benjamin Velez — and best performance by an actress in a featured role (Justina Machado). Based on the play by Josefina López and HBO's movie adaptation, it follows 18-year-old Ana García, a daughter of immigrant parents who struggles between her ambitions of going to college and the desires of her mother for her to get married, have children and oversee the small, rundown family-owned textile factory. And a third Latin-themed show is currently in the works: BASURA, with music and lyrics by no other than Cuban-American superstar Gloria Estefan and her daughter, songwriter Emily Estefan. Inspired by a true story, BASURA (Spanish for 'garbage') will narrate the journey of Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra, a group of young artists who turn scrap material into instruments and music into possibilities. But Broadway has had a long-standing history affair with Latin music and artists, with shows ranging from classics like West Side Story, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Evita and Man of La Mancha, to more recent productions like In the Heights and On Your Feet! — and legendary stars from Rita Moreno and Chita Rivera, to Lin-Manuel Miranda. There was also the short-lived The Capeman [1998] starring Rubén Blades, Marc Anthony and Ednita Nazario, a Paul Simon musical based on the life of convicted murderer Salvador Agrón which closed after only two months; and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown [2010], an adaptation of Pedro Almodóvar's iconic black comedy film, which received mostly negative reviews and lasted three months. Meanwhile, some non-Latin themed shows have featured Latin stars throughout the years, like Hamilton, starting with creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and including Anthony Ramos and Javier Muñoz; and Chicago, with Mexican actress Bianca Marroquín playing both Roxie and Velma intermittently since 2006, and star guests including Sofía Vergara, Jaime Camil and Sebastián Yatra. In honor of the 78th Tony Awards, scheduled for June 8 at the Radio City Music Hall and airing live on CBS and Paramount+, here are eight of the best Latin-themed Broadway musicals from past and present, in alphabetical Date: Mar 19, 2025 Closing Date: n/a About: Inspired by true events, Buena Vista Social Club brings the 1997 Grammy-winning album to life as it tells the story of the Cuban legends who lived it. Music By: Buena Vista Social Club Book By: Marco Ramirez Main Original Cast: Natalie Venetia Belcon (Omara), Julio Monge (Compay), Mel Semé (Ibrahim), Jainardo Batista Sterling (Rubén), Isa Antonetti (Young Omara), Da'Von T. Moody (Young Compay), Wesley Wray (Young Ibrahim), Leonardo Reyna (Young Rubén), Renesito Avich (Eliades), Ashley De La Rosa (Young Haydee), Justin Cunningham (Juan De Marcos). Tony Nominations: 10 Tony Awards: TBDOpening Date: Sep 25, 1979 Closing Date: Jun 26, 1983 Revival: Apr 5, 2012 to Jan 26, 2013 About: Set in Argentina, Evita tells the story of Eva Perón, the iconic first lady of the Latin American country, who rose from poverty to become a powerful figure in the region. The musical explores her political ambitions, charity work, and eventual death from cancer at age 33. Music / Lyrics by: Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice Book By: Tim Rice Main Original Cast: Patti LuPone (Eva Perón), Bob Gunton (Perón), Mandy Patinkin (Che) Main Revival Cast: Elena Roger (Eva Perón), Michael Cerveris (Perón), Ricky Martin (Che) Tony Nominations: 11 for the original, 3 for the revival Tony Awards: 7 for the original, including best musical, best book of a musical, best original score, best actress in a musical (Patti LuPone), best featured actor in a musical (Mandy Patinkin), best lighting design, and best direction of a musicalOpening Date: Mar 9, 2008 Closing Date: Jan 9, 2011 About: A story of heritage, faith and healing love, In the Heights is about the hopes and struggles of residents of New York City's Washington Heights. Music / Lyrics By: Lin-Manuel Miranda Book By: Quiara Alegría Hudes Main Original Cast: Lin-Manuel Miranda (Usnavi), Andréa Burns (Daniela), Janet Dacal (Carla), Robin De Jesús (Sonny), Carlos Gomez (Kevin), Mandy Gonzalez (Nina), Christopher Jackson (Benny), Priscilla Lopez (Camila), Olga Merediz (Abuela Claudia), Karen Olivo (Vanessa) Tony Nominations: 13 Tony Awards: 4, including best musical, best original score written for the theatre, best choreography and best orchestrationsOpening Date: May 3, 1993 Closing Date: Jul 1, 1995 About: Based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig, Kiss of the Spider Woman explores the complex relationship between Molina and Valentin, two cellmates in an Argentine prison during the Dirty War. Molina, a gay man, uses his imagination and his love for movies to create a world of escapism for himself and, unexpectedly, for Valentin, a political prisoner. Music / Lyrics By: John Kander / Fred Ebb Book By: Terrence McNally Main Original Cast: Chita Rivera (Spider Woman / Aurora), Brent Carver (Molina), Anthony Crivello (Valentin) Notable Replacements: Vanessa Williams played Spider Woman from Jun 27, 1994 to Mar 18, 1995; Maria Conchita Alonso portrayed the role from Mar 20, 1995 to Jul 01, 1995 Tony Nominations: 11 Tony Awards: 7, including best musical, best book of a musical, best original score, best actor in a musical (Brent Carver), best actress in a musical (Chita Rivera), best featured actor in a musical (Anthony Crivello), and best costume designOpening Date: Nov 22, 1965 Closing Date: Jun 26, 1971 Revivals: Jun 22, 1972 to Oct 21, 1972; Sep 15, 1977 to Dec 31, 1977; Apr 24, 1992 to Jul 26, 1992; Dec 5, 2002 to Aug 31, 2003 About: A retelling of Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote and his quest, Man of La Mancha celebrates the perseverance of one man who refuses to relinquish his ideals and who is determined to see life not as it is, but as it ought to be. Music / Lyrics By: Mitch Leigh / Joe Darion Book By: Dale Wasserman Main Original Cast: Richard Kiley (Don Quixote – Cervantes), Irving Jacobson (Sancho Panza), Joan Diener (Aldonza – Dulcinea) Tony Nominations: 7 for the original, 1 for the 1977 revival, 3 for the 2002-2003 revival Tony Awards: 5 for the original, including best musical, best composer and lyricist, best actor in a musical (Richard Kiley), best scenic design, and best direction of a musicalOpening Date: Nov 5, 2015 Closing Date: Aug 20, 2017 About: On Your Feet! tells the inspiring true story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, two people who believed in their talent —and each other— to become an international sensation. Featuring their hits like 'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You' and 'Conga', the show is a celebration of their musical journey and the challenges they faced in music and in life. Music / Lyrics By: Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan Book By: Alexander Dinelaris Main Original Cast: Ana Villafañe (Gloria), Josh Segarra (Emilio), Andréa Burns (Gloria Fajardo), Alma Cuervo (Consuelo), Eduardo Hernandez (Nayib) Tony Nominations: 1 Tony Awards: 0Opening Date: Apr 27, 2025 Closing Date: n/a About: Set in the Boyle Heights section of Los Angeles in 1987, Real Women Have Curves follows Ana García, an bright 18-year-old determined to become the first member of her family to go to college. But when the family garment business receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses, Ana finds herself juggling her own ambitions, her mother Carmen's expectations, and a community of women all trying to make it work against the odds. The show is based on the play by Josefina López and HBO's movie adaptation. Music / Lyrics By: Joy Huerta, Benjamin Velez Book By: Lisa Loomer, Nell Benjamin Main Original Cast: Tatianna Córdoba (Ana García), Justina Machado (Carmen García), Florencia Cuenca (Estela García), Mauricio Mendoza (Raúl García) Tony Nominations: 2 Tony Awards: TBDOpening Date: Sep 26, 1957 Closing Date: Jun 27, 1959 Revivals: Apr 27, 1960 to Dec 10, 1960; Apr 8, 1964 to May 3, 1964; Feb 14, 1980 to Nov 30, 1980; Mar 19, 2009 to Jan 02, 2011; Feb 20, 2020 to Mar 11, 2020 About: A modern representation of Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is set in the West Side of New York City during the summer of 1957, and explores the rivalry between two youth warring street gangs: The Jets, of European roots, and the Sharks, of Puerto Rican origin. Things get complicated when Tony, a member of the Jets, falls madly in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks' leader. Music / Lyrics By: Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim Book By: Arthur Laurents Main Original Cast: Mickey Calin (Riff), Larry Kert (Tony), Carol Lawrence (Maria), Ken Le Roy (Bernardo), Chita Rivera (Anita) Tony Nominations: 6 for the original production; 2 for the 1964 revival; 2 for the 1980 revival; 4 for the 2009-2011 revival Tony Awards: 2 for the original production, including best scenic design and best choreography; 1 for the 2009-2011 revival, for best featured actress in a musical (Karen Olivo) Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
Actress Justina Machado: 'It's exhilarating, it's magical, and it's about time.'
ABC News' Juju Chang spoke with Justina Machado about her Tony nomination for 'Real Women Have Curves: The Musical,' portraying the immigrant experience on stage, and the importance of representation. May 30, 2025
Chicago Tribune
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Review: ‘Real Women Have Curves: The Musical' gets a feel-good Broadway bow
NEW YORK — 'My husband likes a big woman,' says one of the characters in 'Real Women Have Curves: The Musical,' enough to spark a roar from a matinee audience. 'More territory to explore.' 'My husband likes a short woman,' comes the fast response from a fellow worker. 'You get to the destination faster.' Sexy quips like that are sprinkled throughout this affirmative musical about Latina garment workers in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles in 1987, a new Broadway attraction based on both Josefina López's original play and the 2002 film adaptation that starred America Ferrera. Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, it's a modestly scaled melodrama about the experience of mostly undocumented and hard-working immigrants and, although theoretically set nearly 40 years ago in the late 1980s, it has arrived at the James Earl Jones Theatre with striking timeliness. The show, which has a score by Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez and a book by Lisa Loomer and Nell Benjamin, wisely leans into that circumstance. The cultural touchstones of the 1980s aren't exactly dominant here and until someone mentions Ronald Reagan, I swear most audience members thought they were watching a show set, sad to say, in the present. The title of the piece, a value statement, signals the show's point of view, and that there will be support and community and determination and body positivity aplenty. That's exactly how it goes. The plot is straight melodrama and derivative of several recent musicals, from 'In the Heights' to 'The Full Monty,' but especially 'Kinky Boots.' Carmen (Justina Machado), a Mexican immigrant who has opened her own garment factory, gets an order from a mean, pencil-skirted buyer named Rosalí (Jennifer Sánchez) to sew hundreds of dresses on a ridiculously tight deadline. If she doesn't make it, she won't get paid (you suspect she just might find a way before the end of Act 2). That's one source of dramatic tension, especially since the factory also has to worry about immigration raids and workers disappearing. The other big conflict flows between Carmen and her daughter, Ana (Tatianna Córdoba), an 18-year-old with Big Dreams, including an acceptance with a scholarship letter from Columbia University, allowing her to pursue her goal of becoming a journalist (still a viable career ambition in 1987). Ana's gentle dad (Mauricio Mendoza) is cool, her sister (Florencia Cluenca) is ready to step up at the shop and Ana's boyfriend (Mason Reeves) is geeky-cute and supportive (the show is no font of machismo), but mom Carmen wants her kid to stay and help with the garment biz. Ana is torn between her familial responsibilities and her own desires. You think she may figure out how to manage both before the final bows? The book for 'Real Women' really does tie itself into a pretzel trying to achieve its goal of keeping Carmen a likable character with whom the audience can empathize (the enemies here are the evil capitalists who forget where they came from, along with the immigration authorities) while also creating conflict with her daughter who just wants to go to any Ivy League college on a full scholarship. Certainly, children of immigrants feel much pressure due to their parents' prior struggles and those first-generation Americans often count family loyalty above all, but they also typically prize education and Carmen's lack of support for college for a whip-smart daughter the show insists she adores is just very hard to believe. Machado does her best to make it work and the personalized passion with which the talented Córdoba approaches her standard-issue, let-me-at-'em 18-year-old is enough to lift the character, especially in front of an audience willing to let her stand on their collective shoulders. This show, which has a genial, populist score of entertaining and empowering numbers, is not really about that plot anyway. Everyone who has ever seen a musical knows where it is going. It's more about the collective journey, the chance to celebrate oft-overlooked garment workers who know of skill and artistry and to enjoy actors with panache (Aline Mayagoitia, a very notable talent, is notably moving as a Guatemalan refugee). Most of the company is celebrating a Broadway debut and the audience is primed to enjoy their triumph, fictionally and formatively. Trujillo, an old pro, understands his material and his lively choreography is both created for the bonafide dancers in the cast and designed to make everyone else look and feel good. So they do. There's a song about menopause that went over like gangbusters at the show I saw, determined ballads of hopes, fears and resilience and even a bit of PG semi-nudity when the factory gets too sweaty and confidence rises. The curves promised on the marquee are vivaciously delivered.
The Independent
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Broadway welcomes 'Real Women Have Curves: The Musical,' which lets the Latino community see itself
The immigrant experience takes center stage on Broadway this spring as 'Real Women Have Curves: The Musical' explores Latino culture in America with a predominantly Latino cast playing characters not usually portrayed on the biggest stages. 'We are here. We are the largest consumer demographic in North America,' said director and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, a Tony- and Olivier Award-winner. 'We represent the vast majority of immigrants in this country. We believe in making a better life for ourselves. We believe in the American Dream. We are a hardworking, devoted, happy and joyful community. I want to be able to represent all of those wonderful colors in what I know how to do and that's through musicals.' Based on the play by Josefina López that inspired the HBO 's film, 'Real Women Have Curves: The Musical' follows Ana Garcia, as she dreams of flying away from East Los Angeles and her family's sewing factory. But when her family receives a dress order that could make or break their businesses, she finds herself juggling her ambitions, her mother's expectations and a community of women trying to make it work despite the odds. Preview performances for 'Real Women Have Curves: The Musical' are set to begin Tuesday at the James Earl Jones Theatre, ahead of opening night on April 27. Along with 'Buena Vista Social Club," which opened on March 19, the musical is one of the few shows on Broadway since 'In the Heights' and 'On Your Feet!' with a predominantly Latino cast. The musical works to encapsulate the long hours many Latino mothers worked and sacrificed to make their children dreams come true. Trujillo was drawn to do the show because he was inspired by the movie's message of resilience and the authenticity of the Latino immigrant experience. The son of a seamstress, Trujillo said him directing and choreographing is in honor of his mom. Trujillo, who is of Colombian heritage, said the musical is a way for him to empower the Latino community, through a story where they can see themselves. For Aline Mayagoitia, the musical marks her Broadway debut and she couldn't be more excited. Mayagoitia plays a factory worker from Guatemala, a character she says she never imagined seeing on Broadway. She said she's honored to serve as representation for the experiences of many Latinos in the U.S. 'To demonstrate that on stage, on Broadway, I think is pretty historic,' Mayagoitia said. 'I've never seen that on stage. And I think, sadly, because of the way things are happening right now in our country, it is going to hit really hard.' Having moved to the U.S. from Mexico City at the age of 10, she has an inside perspective into the struggles of many of the show's characters. Mayagoitia said she understands the pressure there is when you grow up in a family with different immigration statuses. Having each actor on stage understand the Latino immigrant experience is a bonus as they can bring that to their role, Trujillo said. 'These are actors who know it, who live it, who breath it, who understand it," Trujillo said. Trujillo said the show will be one where all Latinos can see themselves and celebrate their community and the show's cast album will be a big part of that. The music specifically represents the Mexican American experience, he said. 'That was an opportunity to be able to find ways in which we can create a sound and reflect the beauty, joy and passion of our culture,' Trujillo said. Mayagoitia said she feels the show's score is true Latino pop. She said it feels like the music she grew up listening in Mexico. Joy Huerta, the show's co-composer and lyricists, said she was excited to be part of the show because she felt its message is one that can still resonate with the Latino community. 'I liked all the possibilities of things we can do in terms of representation and visibility and just a story that many people can relate to,' Huerta said. Huerta said each song in the show represents the Latino culture but have a bicultural element to show the how the characters have adapted into the U.S. but still keep their roots in mind. The songs are also a bit of English and Spanish, Huerta said. He said it was a way to show all audiences an insight into Latino culture. 'It's just represents our culture so much,' Huerta said. 'Being bilingual and bicultural has been a really big part of my life,' Mayagoitia said. Huerta said when they started working on the show five years ago she could not predict what would be happening in the U.S. right now. But that is why she thinks the show will 'transcend generations." 'I cannot emphasize enough the fact that this is a human story,' Huerta said. Trujillo said he hopes young Latinos who see the show with their families can stay true to their dreams and stick to what they believe in while still respecting the sacrifices of those that came before them. 'My hope has been to inspire and ignite the passions of young audiences,' Trujillo said.
