Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Cast Of Broadway's 'Real Women Have Curves' Perform Live"

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart takes listeners behind the scenes of Broadway's latest sensation, the musical adaptation of Real Women Have Curves. Live from the WNYC studios in Soho, Alison welcomes Tony-nominated composers Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez, alongside talented performers Tatiana Cordoba, Eileen Mayague, and Florencia Cuenca. Together, they explore the creation, themes, and performances that make this production a standout in contemporary theater.

Behind the Musical

Real Women Have Curves is set in late 1980s Los Angeles and centers on Ana Garcia, an aspiring journalist caught between her dreams of attending Columbia University and her family's expectations to support their household, particularly in her sister Estella's dress factory. Alison Stewart provides a vivid overview of the plot, emphasizing the cultural and familial dynamics that drive the narrative.

At [00:29], Alison introduces the musical:
"If you're looking for some joy on Broadway, look no further than the new musical Real Women Have Curves."

Guests and Nominations

Composers Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez share their heartfelt journey towards creating the musical score, earning them Tony nominations for Best Original Score. Benjamin Velez recounts his emotional reaction upon receiving the nomination:

At [02:11], Benjamin shares:
"I just heard my name and then I heard Benjamin's name and I was in shock for a little bit... I could not stop crying that whole day because this is my first ever musical."

Tatiana Cordoba reflects on the significance of the nomination after 15 years in the theater world, highlighting the fulfillment and recognition it brings to their hard work and dedication.

Live Performances

The episode features captivating live performances from the cast, bringing the musical’s emotional depth to life.

• "Flying Away": Performed by Tatiana Cordoba, this powerful "I Want" song introduces Ana Garcia's internal struggle between pursuing her aspirations and fulfilling family obligations. The song encapsulates her desire to find a balance between personal dreams and familial duty.

  At [03:54], Eileen Mayague explains the song's context:
  "This song sort of is her journey and starting to figure out how she can maybe do those things."

• "If I Were a Bird": Sung by Tatiana Cordoba and Eileen Mayague, this piece explores Itzel’s yearning for freedom amidst the challenges of being undocumented. The lyrics poignantly capture her longing to rise above societal constraints and pursue her true self.

  At [15:38], Florencia Cuenca delivers impactful lines:
  "If I were a bird I'd rise above what feels unfair up in the sky the world seems small do what I want because I am free."

• "Daydream": Florencia Cuenca and Tatiana Cordoba perform this introspective song, delving into Estella’s hopes and dreams despite the hardships she faces running the family factory. The performance highlights Estella’s resilience and vision for a better future.

Composition and Collaboration

Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez discuss their unique collaboration process, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Working remotely, they utilized voice memos and virtual meetings to compose the musical score, demonstrating adaptability and creative synergy.

At [09:26], Tatiana Cordoba explains:
"We would record voice memos on our phones and then text them, email them back and forth."

Benjamin Velez elaborates on how their pop music background enriched the musical theater landscape, allowing for more expansive storytelling through multiple interconnected songs.

At [11:02], Benjamin shares:
"Unlike theater, whenever you want to tell a story through a song, you're telling the whole story in three minutes. Here it's different. You have many songs to tell one story, and you're telling different sides of it."

Incorporating Latin American Influences

The composers emphasize the importance of integrating diverse Latin sounds to authentically represent the Garcia family's multicultural background. Each character’s unique heritage is reflected in their distinct musical styles, blending traditional elements with contemporary influences.

At [12:39], Tatiana Cordoba states:
"We really wanted it to feel contemporary, contemporary, but also specific to each character."

This approach ensures that the music not only complements the narrative but also enriches the portrayal of each character’s individual story.

Themes and Relevance

Alison Stewart addresses the poignant themes of the musical, particularly its relevance to current social issues surrounding immigration and undocumented experiences. Despite being set in the 1980s, the musical resonates deeply today, highlighting enduring struggles and the universal desire for dignity and recognition.

Benjamin Velez articulates the show's mission to humanize and dignify the lives of undocumented individuals:

At [22:00], Benjamin reflects:
"We are humanizing their stories. We are dignifying them with telling how they live... It's a beautiful story about a generation of women... with such grace."

This commitment to authentic representation underscores the musical’s emotional and cultural significance.

Personal Dreams and Inspirations

Guests open up about their personal dreams and the support systems that have enabled them to achieve their aspirations. Tatiana Cordoba shares the pivotal role of her mentors and family in nurturing her musical talents:

At [23:55], Tatiana shares:
"I had this one teacher, Dr. Khalil... She always encouraged me to do it on the side."

Benjamin Velez credits his wife as his primary source of strength and inspiration, highlighting the importance of a supportive personal life in pursuing creative endeavors.

At [25:02], Benjamin expresses:
"She’s my rock. She helps me dream bigger every single day."

Closing Performances and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a moving rendition of "Daydream," performed by Florencia Cuenca, which encapsulates Estella’s internal desires and the overarching theme of dreaming amidst adversity. The performance serves as a powerful reminder of the characters’ resilience and the universal quest for personal fulfillment.

Alison Stewart wraps up the discussion by thanking the guests and highlighting the impactful storytelling of Real Women Have Curves.

At [29:04], Alison summarizes:
"Real Women Have Curves is playing at the James Earl Jones theater. My guests have been Tony nominees Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez, as well as Tatiana Cordoba, Eileen Mayague, and Florencia Cuenca. Thank you so much for being with us."

Conclusion

This episode of ALL OF IT offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of Real Women Have Curves, showcasing the collaborative spirit and cultural depth of the production. Through insightful interviews and enthralling performances, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the musical's artistic and societal contributions, reflecting ALL OF IT’s mission to engage with and celebrate the creators and consumers of culture.