Machado, Dacal, and more will lead REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES musical at ART- Page 2

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 1/15/24 at 5:46pm

Saw this a few weeks ago and found it to be rather winning. There are definitely some bumps to be ironed out, but I could see this being a big hit in New York. To watch these women of size and color empower themselves and celebrate it, no matter how bumpy the journey to get there is at times, is SO heart warming and will win over even the most cynical grump. The score is one of the best I've heard in quite some time, on par (if not better than) Shucked. Lucy Godinez is going to be a big star; she's plucky, strong, and incredibly well-sung. Janet Machado and Florencia Cuenca are also lovely in their roles, though the book could do them each some favors.

Overall, the book could use some trimming. They are trying to say and do quite a lot; it can all fit but some economic cutting would be helpful. My big suggestions:

a new opening number (ideally something upbeat) that puts Ana front and center, setting the scene, is necessary. Right now the show starts very sleepily and we don't get to Ana, our leading lady, until a good ten minutes into the story and then it starts to gel.

The act 1 finale could also use a rewrite, or be scrapped and replaced. The intention behind it is right, it's just a little indirect and unfocused right now. It would also for it to build into the crisis with Izel, with all of the women singing together at the very end.

Mrs. Wright needs a greater presence in Act 1 both to give Estela stakes to play against and also to set up Mrs. Wright's big act 2 villanous/comic song-and-dance turn, which as of right now, doesn't work; the character is absent up until that point; only a voice over a phone that we, the audience do not hear, so it feels out of place/unearned. A couple short scenes of her calling the factory to apply pressure to Estela (a la the Wicked Witch of the West's small scenes in The Wizard of Oz) would do the trick.

Also, the book could give the mother just a little bit more nastiness - I see why they don't want to go too far, as there's a fine line; we should have a reason to want to see Ana forgive her. But as of right now, she doesn't feel resolved enough to be the monolith that Ana must overcome.

All said, If they get the kinks out, I could see this smashing. There are many moments that REALLY work (the title song is such an incredible moment). All of the pieces are there, just needs to be rearranged a bit.

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 9/12/24 at 9:31am

Broadway 2025

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 10/16/24 at 9:28am

BROADWAY NEWS EXCLUSIVE: "Exclusive: ‘Real Women Have Curves’ reveals dates for Broadway premiere" by Broadway News' Michael Abourizk - "The previously announced musical will play a Shubert Organization-owned theater to be announced, beginning previews on April 1 ahead of an April 27 opening night. Sergio Trujillo will repeat his dual director-choreographer duties from the musical’s 2023 world premiere engagement at American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ...

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/16/24 at 9:39am

What theater is this going to?

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 10/16/24 at 9:39am

ACL2006 said: "What theater is this going to?"

Hearing either the Booth, Belasco, or Longacre. 

If it takes the Booth, we’ll have two Latinx-centered new musicals right next to each other in the spring — this and BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB. 

GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS and THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE are also being considered for these venues. 

Updated On: 10/16/24 at 09:39 AM

[nativenewyorker2]

Posted: 10/16/24 at 9:54am

How does this show that popped up out of nowhere already have Broadway dates but Smash which has been edging us for years doesn’t lol

[DCS]

Posted: 10/16/24 at 10:08am

SMASH will likely be announcing for the Imperial Theatre very soon.