Review of Real Women Have Curves: The Musical – Empowering Family Musical About Body Positivity
Florencia Cuenca as Estela, Tatianna Córdoba as Ana and Justina Machado as Carmen in Real Women Have Curves (Photo: Julieta Cervantes)
This vibrant new musical celebrates body positivity, family, culture, and finding your voice. Based on the beloved film, Real Women Have Curves brings to life the story of Ana, a young Latina woman navigating family expectations, personal dreams, and self-acceptance in a garment factory in East Los Angeles.
What Makes Real Women Have Curves Special:
Bold, joyful celebration of body positivity and self-acceptance
Powerful exploration of cultural identity and generational differences
Stunning score by Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez
Authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience
A pivotal dance sequence where women embrace who they are with reckless abandon
Our reviewers were deeply moved by this production. "Full of laughter, dancing, singing, and emotion. What a beautiful show about dreaming, family, and community," one shared through tears.
The highlight? A transformative scene where the women dance around their workplace—a space that represents struggle—and turn it into a place of joy. "They are sitting at these desks and they're working so hard. You know, their fingers are bleeding making these dresses over and over again, but they turn what can be a place of struggle into a place of joy. And I think that's really, really beautiful."
The show weaves together powerful storylines about empowerment, family boundaries, and supporting each other when life doesn't go according to plan. "The authenticity, the joy of it, the story lines of empowerment and coming together as a family and what's it like when you have to really push the boundaries of families and how you support each other when it's not how you felt like the plan should go but it's how the plan should go for you."
Your Family Guide to Real Women Have Curves
Theatre for Family Audiences (TFA) Rating: Family Guided
Recommended Age: 13+
Conversation Starter: Before & After
Marvelous Family Pick: ⭐ Yes
What Parents Need to Know
This is a show best suited for middle school and up. While the themes are universal, some content requires emotional maturity.
Content to be aware of:
Moments of intimacy (done tastefully)
Challenging topics: immigration, ICE, access to higher education
Body image and self-worth themes
Cultural and generational conflict
Some themes are more mature
Important Conversations to Have
Given the current political and social climate, this show addresses immigration, educational access, and identity in ways that can spark meaningful dialogue—especially for high schoolers.
Key themes to discuss:
Body positivity and self-acceptance
Cultural expectations and identity
Generational differences in immigrant families
Pursuing your dreams vs. family obligations
What it means to support each other
