World Premiere: Real Women Have Curves at A.R.T.

Under layers of satin and glamour, Real Women Have Curves weaves together a poignant tale of the lives of immigrants and following your heart.

The world premiere musical based on the play by Josefina López and screenplay by López and George LaVoo at the American Repertory Theatre tells the story of Ana Garcia, who dreams of going to college to pursue journalism. But as the daughter of two undocumented immigrants, Ana’s aspirations are a bit complicated as she comes of age. While she dreams of attending Columbia University in New York, her family expects her to stay in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, and work in the family garment factory. Now, Ana is faced with the choice of supporting the family business and giving up her dream career or leaving behind the family that has always supported her in following her dream and navigating life’s curves. Set in 1987, the story remains relevant in 2023, tackling the challenges of immigrants in the U.S., the complications of existing as a woman in society, and the life-changing opportunity to chase a dream.

Lucy Godínez wholeheartedly leads the production as the eager and spirited Ana, not only nailing the awkward moments of a teenager tackling many firsts but also captivating the audience with the power in her voice. Godínez steps so naturally into the role of Ana it feels as though this part was made for her. No drop of Godínez’s talent is wasted in this production. With strong ballads and spotlight moments, her star will soon rise.

The production features Justina Machado as Carmen, the overbearing matriarch of the Garcia family. Machado shines, tackling Carmen’s tough love for her daughters and determination to do what’s best for them. Machado leaves audiences with a song in their hearts and the affirmation “blood is thicker than mole.”

Perhaps one of the production’s strongest moments is the bit of comedic relief Yvette González-Nacer brings to the role of Mrs. Wright. The tough-as-nails businesswoman is the story’s antagonist, tasking Ana’s sister Estella (Florencia Cuenca) with a nearly impossible garment order. Her ensemble number in the second act reveals how the character clawed her way up to her position of wealth and good fortune, lightly suggesting Ana and Estela dare to do the same. Her near-eleven o’clock number is fit for Broadway, while González-Nacer embraces all angles of this character—a standout in the production.

Ana’s world comes to life with a strong score by Joy Huerta & Benjamin Velez — building a robust identity for the musical through a blend of strong ballads and fun ensemble numbers as the show’s beating heart. Sergio Trujillo’s choreography and direction of the production give it a smooth and gentle touch by using movements as gentle as daily routines and as big and bold as eleven o’clock numbers. For a regional premiere, the production already has a strong set design by Arnulfo Maldonado, brought to life by lifelike murals and projection design by Hana S. Kim.

Real Women Have Curves is playing at A.R.T. in Cambridge through January 21, 2024.