Real Women Have Curves is fun. It’s fresh. Everyone on stage is having a great time, and that joy is infectious. The show has no shame about its two major themes: first, that beautiful women often have curves, and second, the immigrant story, specifically the struggle of Latino immigrants living without regular status. In fact, this is the first Broadway musical to address the realities of migration without regularization so directly. The show makes it clear it’s going to give you a story arc with a happy ending, and while real life is more complicated, you can’t help but enjoy this telling.
Courtesy of Adam Josephs
The first couple of songs are delivered with plenty of energy, but they carry that obligatory “establish the world” vibe and end up feeling clunkier than they need to be. After that, though, the rest of the score finds its rhythm—it’s fun, fresh, and feels completely true to the characters. Once it gets going, the music sings.
Arnulfo Maldonado’s scenic design turns the set into an additional character. The vibrant, mural-based visuals don’t just decorate the space, they define it. There’s a boldness and authenticity to the artwork that’s impossible to ignore. While Maldonado is currently nominated for a Tony for his work down the street on Buena Vista Social Club, the design he delivers here is every bit as deserving. It’s a vital part of the storytelling, grounded, specific, and beautifully alive.
Even in a nearly full house, where many audience members see themselves or people they know on stage, I’ve been surprised by how many people from the communities this show represents haven’t even heard of it. I hope the production invests even more in reaching those audiences, especially those who don’t usually attend Broadway shows, let alone see musicals like this.
If you want an evening full of smiles and to see lingerie on a Broadway stage like you’ve never seen it before, definitely catch this show. And bring your friends.
Real Women Have Curves is currently running at the Shubert Theatre, located at 225 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036. The production began previews on April 29, 2025, and officially opened on May 19, 2025.
Awards:
Nominated for 3 Tony Awards, including Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Arnulfo Maldonado), Best Original Score, and Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Yesenia Ayala).
Official Tickets:
Purchase directly from the production at:
https://www.realwomenhavecurvesonbroadway.com
Telecharge:
Buy tickets through the official ticketing partner:
https://www.telecharge.com/Real-Women-Have-Curves-Tickets
TKTS Discount Booths:
Same-day discounted tickets may be available at TKTS booths. Check current listings at:
https://www.tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tkts-by-tdf/
TodayTix App – Digital Rush:
A limited number of $45 digital rush tickets are released at 9:00 AM on the day of the performance via the TodayTix app.
https://www.todaytix.com
© Adam Josephs, 2025
Out in STL
