Sentimental Men - Episode 73: "Make It Work! Make It Work!" (with Tatiana Córdoba)
Released on June 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 73 of Sentimental Men, hosts Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi delve deep into the vibrant world of musical theatre, focusing on their admiration for prominent women in the field. This episode features an engaging conversation with Gloria Estefan and an insightful interview with Tatiana Córdoba, a rising star in Broadway's Real Women Have Curves.

Exploring Classic Musicals: Gypsy and Sunset Boulevard

Quincy and Kevin kick off the discussion by reflecting on their experiences with iconic musicals. They share their excitement about recent performances and the profound impact these shows have on them.

Gloria Estefan reminisces about her love for Wicked, highlighting the electrifying performance of Elphaba:

"I love watching Wicked. I love watching Elphaba girl go off. I love watching I do it."
[00:35]

Sara Bareilles adds her enthusiasm:

"Yes."
[00:45]

The conversation then shifts to Gypsy, where Sara discusses attending a Tiny Desk concert featuring the cast:

"We have a lot to talk about. It was a long time ago and we were all very young. I went... we have all four principals, plus the three strippers. All were there."
[02:12]

They express admiration for Audra McDonald's performance, noting her ability to bring depth and freshness to classic roles:

"Seeing Audra do Gypsy was very akin to seeing SJB do the Baker's Wife for me or see SJB do Into the Woods. I loved it. I thought she was so good."
[04:31]

The hosts also discuss Sunset Boulevard, with Sara sharing her emotional response to the production:

"I did cry when he went outside... it was just so visually beautiful."
[07:05]

Interview with Tatiana Córdoba: Breaking Barriers in Musical Theatre

The centerpiece of the episode is an in-depth interview with Tatiana Córdoba, a powerhouse vocalist making her Broadway debut in Real Women Have Curves. Gloria Estefan shares her personal journey and the significance of representation in theatre.

Tatiana's Journey to Broadway

Tatiana discusses her path to the stage, emphasizing her dedication and the challenges of being a first-generation college student:

"I was trained mostly doing theater outside of school and then moving into the more contemporary musical theater world as it started gaining popularity."
[20:45]

She reflects on her experience auditioning and landing her role swiftly:

"I got a tape for it on a Sunday and that next Saturday I got the part. So it was a whirlwind."
[25:11]

Connecting Personal Experiences with Her Role

Tatiana highlights the deep connection between her personal life and her character, Ana, in the show:

"When there is so much overlap, I have learned that you just have to lean into that... It only makes it richer."
[27:47]

She speaks passionately about representing her community and the importance of authenticity in her performance:

"As an actor, your job is to play other people. So to get a chance to, you know, the possibility of playing yourself and representing your community is so, so cool."
[26:15]

Navigating the Demands of a Leading Role

Tatiana opens up about the challenges of her first professional gig, balancing the excitement with the pressures of leading a major production:

"Taking that on... to be so new in your professional career and for this to be your first... It was really terrifying."
[40:15]

She shares strategies for maintaining her well-being amidst a demanding schedule:

"I'm learning how important it is to be okay with asking for grace or rescheduling... Moving forward, I feel like I won't be as scared to ask for those things."
[46:40]

Behind the Scenes: Building Community and Resilience

The episode also delves into the communal spirit of the Real Women Have Curves cast. Gloria Estefan emphasizes the supportive environment and the collective effort to create a meaningful production.

"Our goal, as soon as you watch the opening number, is to feel like you're a part of that community so that you're strapped in with us the whole time."
[32:08]

Gloria discusses the balance of serious themes with uplifting moments, ensuring the show remains both impactful and heartwarming:

"There are these things that are really scary... but through that, they're still singing, they're still dancing, they're still making jokes."
[33:20]

The hosts commend the show's ability to address pressing issues like immigration without overshadowing the inherent joy of the production:

"It's important to include those themes and to include those really scary grounding moments. But it does not come at the cost of the joy of the piece."
[36:11]

Celebrating Achievements and Future Aspirations

Towards the end of the episode, the conversation shifts to the show's reception and the personal triumphs of the cast members. Despite not receiving the anticipated Tony nominations, the cast remains resilient and proud of their work.

"We were down, but we were so, so over the moon for Justina and Joy and Ben. We were like, yes, that."
[50:00]

Gloria expresses her excitement for the upcoming cast album and the enduring impact of the show:

"We're so excited for the cast album to come out in a week and a half. It's such fun music to sing every night."
[51:12]

Looking ahead, Tatiana shares her dreams of originating roles and continuing to represent her community on stage:

"My dream has always been to try to be a part of the representation I didn't see. And I'm doing that in real time with this role."
[55:47]

Conclusion

Episode 73 of Sentimental Men offers a heartfelt exploration of the intersections between personal identity and professional artistry in musical theatre. Through engaging discussions and an inspiring interview with Tatiana Córdoba, Quincy and Kevin celebrate the resilience, creativity, and community that define Broadway's leading women. Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for the dedication and passion that fuel the magic of musical theatre.

Notable Quotes:

• "Audra McDonald is my first it was the wizard of Oz and Judy Garland, and then it was Annie starring Audra McDonald." — Sara Bareilles (04:15)

• "As an actor, your job is to play other people. So to get a chance to, you know, the possibility of playing yourself is so, so cool." — Gloria Estefan (26:15)

• "Our goal is to feel like you're a part of that community so that you're strapped in with us the whole time." — Gloria Estefan (32:08)

• "Some things aren't for me. And that is okay." — Gloria Estefan (57:59)

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