Podcast Summary: All Of It – "The Music of 'Real Women Have Curves' LIVE"
Release Date: June 6, 2025 | Host: Alison Stewart | Produced by WNYC
Introduction to the Musical and Tony Nominations
In this engaging episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the vibrant world of Broadway with a spotlight on the new musical adaptation of Real Women Have Curves. The show, which has captured the hearts of audiences, is garnering critical acclaim, including Tony nominations for its original score. Alison introduces listeners to the creative minds behind the music: Joy Huerta, one half of the Grammy-winning Mexican pop duo Jesse and Joy, and Benjamin Velez, a seasoned composer and lyricist. Joining them are cast members Tatiana Cordoba, Eileen Mayagotilla, and Florencia Cuenca, who perform live excerpts from the musical.
Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez Celebrate Their Tony Nominations
Alison begins the conversation by celebrating the Tony nominations with Joy and Benjamin. Joy shares her emotional reaction upon hearing the news:
"[02:05] Joy Huerta: ...I just heard my name and then I heard Benjamin's name and just I was in shock for a little bit... I could not stop crying that whole day because this is my first ever musical."
Benjamin echoes the sentiment, reflecting on his long-awaited dream:
"[02:56] Benjamin Velez: ...it's really a dream come true that you hope will happen one day, but you never know."
Their shared excitement sets a heartfelt tone for the discussion, highlighting the significance of their achievements in the theater world.
Live Performance: "Flying Away" by Tatiana Cordoba
The episode features a captivating live performance of "Flying Away", performed by Tatiana Cordoba, who portrays Ana Garcia in the musical. Before the performance, Tatiana provides context for the song:
"[03:42] Tatiana Cordoba: ...this song is basically her talking about all of the things that have been laid out for her. Does she follow her dreams and go to college? Does she stay and help her family?"
The song captures Ana's internal struggle between personal aspirations and familial obligations, a central theme of the musical.
Behind the Scenes: Remote Collaboration in Music Composition
Alison and her guests delve into the unique process of composing the musical's score remotely. Joy recounts how the collaboration between her and Benjamin unfolded during the pandemic:
"[07:38] Alison Stewart: Was it something you wanted to try?
[07:40] Joy Huerta:** ...and then Benjamin Velez came into the picture, and he was just like, such an amazing collaborator... we worked most of the score through Zoom and through FaceTime."
Benjamin adds insight into the advantages of their remote collaboration:
"[09:13] Benjamin Velez: ...we would record voice memos on our phones and then text them, email them back and forth... Thanks to Zoom, we could mute each other and share ideas seamlessly."
Their ability to adapt and innovate during challenging times underscores the resilience and creativity driving the musical's success.
The Importance of Dreams: Benjamin Velez on Personal Aspirations
The conversation shifts to the theme of dreams, a pivotal element in Real Women Have Curves. Benjamin shares a personal anecdote about the influence of his high school teacher:
"[10:40] Benjamin Velez: ...I had this one teacher, Dr. Khalil... she always encouraged me to do it on the side. And when people see something is special for you and they encourage you to do it, it really helps."
He also touches on the disparities in opportunities, aiming to reflect these issues within the musical:
"[11:46] Benjamin Velez: ...not everyone has the ability to dream as big...some people can't. And we really want to try to put that into the song that Estella sings."
This segment highlights the musical's commitment to addressing real-world challenges through its narrative and music.
Live Performance: "Daydream" by Florencia Cuenca and Joy Huerta
Florencia Cuenca takes the stage to perform "Daydream", a poignant piece that delves into Estella's inner world. Before the performance, Florencia explains the song's significance:
"[12:00] Tatiana Cordoba: The world as we know stops and we go into Estella's mind and just look at her, at her heart."
The duet with Joy Huerta adds depth to the portrayal of Estella's character, emphasizing her desires and the constraints she faces.
Closing Remarks and Upcoming Highlights
As the episode draws to a close, Alison Stewart wraps up the discussion by celebrating the collaborative efforts behind Real Women Have Curves and reiterates the significance of the Tony nominations. She also previews upcoming content for listeners:
"[15:13] Alison Stewart: Enjoy the Tonys this weekend. We will be recapping them on Monday with Michael Shulman of the New Yorker. Plus, Riz Ahmed will join us to discuss his new movie relay."
The episode concludes on a high note, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating future discussions and performances.
Key Takeaways:
- Real Women Have Curves is a groundbreaking musical earning Tony nominations for its original score, composed by Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez.
- The creative process embraced remote collaboration, leveraging technology to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.
- Themes of personal dreams versus family obligations are central to the musical's narrative, reflecting broader societal issues.
- Live performances of songs like "Flying Away" and "Daydream" offer profound insights into the characters' inner conflicts and aspirations.
- The episode underscores the importance of encouragement and support in pursuing one's passions.
Notable Quotes:
- Joy Huerta ([02:05]): "I could not stop crying that whole day because this is my first ever musical."
- Benjamin Velez ([02:56]): "It's really a dream come true that you hope will happen one day, but you never know."
- Benjamin Velez ([10:40]): "When people see something is special for you and they encourage you to do it, it really helps."
This episode of All Of It offers a deep dive into the making of Real Women Have Curves, celebrating its artistic achievements and exploring the heartfelt stories that fuel its songs. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or someone interested in the creative process, this conversation provides valuable insights into the intersection of culture, music, and personal ambition.