BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Grace Aki Reviews ‘Real Women Have Curves’
Episode Title: Grace Aki Reviews ‘Real Women Have Curves’
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Host: Matt Tammanini
Guest: Grace Aki
Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Introduction
In this episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tammanini welcomes Grace Aki to discuss her latest review of the Broadway musical adaptation of ‘Real Women Have Curves’. Grace brings her insightful perspectives on the show's performances, music, and its place within the current Broadway landscape.
Overview of 'Real Women Have Curves'
Matt opens the conversation by situating the musical within the broader context of the 2024-2025 theatrical season, highlighting its endurance and evolution from a play to a TV movie, and now a Broadway musical. He notes the involvement of Sergio Trujillo as both director and choreographer, Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez composing the music, and Lisa Loomer and Nell Benjamin crafting the book.
Matt Tammanini [01:05]:
"Today, we're going to be talking about the new musical adaptation of Real Women Have Curves, which was based off of a play that was then turned into a TV movie and is now a musical on Broadway."
Performances and Casting
Grace shares her excitement about the show, particularly because her friend Mason Reeves makes his Broadway debut in it. She praises the casting process and the decision to bring in Tatiana Cordoba as Ana Garcia, who did not participate in the out-of-town tryouts.
Grace Aki [02:03]:
"One of my dearest friends is making his Broadway debut in this show, Mason Reeves, which we will get into but just know that everything I say is incredibly biased about him and I don't care because he's that good."
She commends the performances of Justina Machado as Ana's mother and Florencia Cuenca as her sister Estella, emphasizing their nuanced portrayals and the dynamic they bring to the familial relationships depicted on stage.
Balancing Serious Themes with Upbeat Musicality
The conversation shifts to the musical's ability to tackle serious, politically charged themes such as immigration and deportation, while maintaining an upbeat and pop-centric musical score. Grace highlights how the show manages to be both deeply political and entertaining without compromising on either front.
Grace Aki [03:21]:
"It's a classic musical. Like from beginning to end you are seeing a very good traditional musical. It has obviously like broken a lot of boundaries in terms of like Mexican representation and it is deeply political accidentally, I believe."
She appreciates the show's traditional structure amidst a Broadway season dominated by diverse and avant-garde productions, suggesting that it stands out for its classic approach and well-constructed narrative.
In-Depth Analysis of Performances
Matt prompts Grace to delve deeper into the lead performances, focusing on Tatiana Cordoba, Justina Machado, and Florencia Cuenca. Grace acknowledges their excellence but expresses a desire for more character development within the show's multiple plotlines.
Grace Aki [05:58]:
"They're all excellent actors. I really enjoy their performances. ... I just wanted to lean more into, like, why does she want to pursue that career? What does she want about it?"
She notes that while the actors deliver strong performances, the multitude of storylines can sometimes dilute the depth of individual character arcs, particularly regarding body positivity and cultural expectations—central themes from the original film.
Adaptation from Film to Musical
Grace touches upon the challenges of adapting the original film to a musical format, especially with the inclusion of musical numbers that require trimming certain plot elements to fit the typical Broadway runtime.
Matt Tammanini [08:13]:
"Because it's a film or it was a play first, then a film like that has all these story lines, but when you're going to turn that into a musical..."
Grace adds that despite these challenges, the adaptation succeeds in maintaining the essence of the story while introducing new layers through its musical composition.
Music and Score Evaluation
Discussing the musical score, Matt describes it as "catchy and earwormy," a sentiment echoed by Grace, who highlights specific songs that stood out.
Grace Aki [09:49]:
"I enjoy the music a lot. I think that the one that stuck out to me was the 'Bird Shitting Song' by Itzel Eileen Mayaguetta, who is excellent in the show."
She praises the score's traditional musical theater feel, its pop influences, and its ability to enhance the storytelling without overwhelming it. Grace mentions that Mason Reeves's performances through song have particularly resonated with audiences, contributing to the show's popularity.
Final Thoughts and Ensemble Performances
As the episode nears its conclusion, Grace lauds the ensemble cast, especially the women working in the dress shop within the musical. She expresses a strong appreciation for their individual characters and the collective energy they bring to the production.
Grace Aki [11:48]:
"I think that the women in the dress shop particularly should have a light shone on them because... every performer on stage that is just giving a fantastic performance."
She wistfully suggests that these ensemble characters deserve their own spotlight, perhaps envisioning a future "Part Two" focused solely on their stories.
Conclusion
Matt wraps up the discussion by encouraging listeners who have seen the show to share their experiences on social media. Grace sums up her review by reiterating the strength of the performances and the show's successful blend of traditional and contemporary elements.
Grace Aki [12:25]:
"I'm not sure if we'll have any more of these from the 2024-2025 season, but thanks for following along. And if you like hearing Grace's thoughts, on things, let us know and maybe we can convince her to do more of these more often."
Key Takeaways:
- 'Real Women Have Curves' successfully adapts a beloved film and play into a traditional yet refreshing Broadway musical.
- Stellar performances by the lead actors, especially Tatiana Cordoba, Justina Machado, and Florencia Cuenca, elevate the production.
- The musical balances serious political themes with an upbeat, catchy score, making it both thought-provoking and entertaining.
- The ensemble cast, particularly the women in the dress shop, adds depth and vibrancy to the storytelling.
- Grace Aki's review emphasizes the show's potential as a classic addition to Broadway's repertoire, blending cultural representation with timeless musical elements.
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