In one of the most talked-about Broadway performances of the season, 25-year-old Tatianna Córdoba has captivated audiences and critics alike in her breakout role as Ana in Real Women Have Curves: The Musical. The production, adapted from Josefina López’s beloved 1990 play and the 2002 Sundance-winning film, opened earlier this year to wide acclaim. Now in its third week as of September 16, 2024, the show continues to draw standing ovations at the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York City.
Córdoba, a San Francisco native and Boston Conservatory graduate, landed the lead role after an intensive three-year casting process that sought to find a voice both powerful and authentic enough to embody Ana—a first-generation Mexican-American teenager with dreams of escaping her family’s garment factory to pursue a future on her own terms. In portraying the spirited and self-aware Ana, Córdoba delivers a performance that is both emotionally charged and musically resonant.
Audiences have responded especially strongly to her rendition of the show’s title number, “Real Women Have Curves.” In this climactic scene, Ana sheds societal and familial expectations with powerful vocals and vulnerable honesty. “It’s the moment where Ana truly claims her space and her worth,” Córdoba shared in a recent interview. “That number brings people to tears because it’s not just about size or appearance—it’s about identity, value, and belonging.”
Directed by Tony nominee Sergio Trujillo with music and lyrics by Grammy-winning duo América Ferrera and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical adaptation stays faithful to the core themes of the original play while incorporating contemporary elements that resonate with new generations. Set in 1990s Los Angeles, the story explores the intersections of body image, labor, immigration, and generational conflict—topics that remain profoundly relevant today.
The show’s creative team has made deliberate efforts to ensure cultural authenticity and representation. The bilingual script, choreographed sequences inspired by Latinx traditions, and an ensemble cast featuring predominantly Latina actresses all contribute to an experience that feels deeply rooted in community. Critics have praised the production’s ability to balance joy and struggle without veering into sentimentality.
The New York Times described Córdoba’s performance as “a revelation,” while Variety called her debut “as emotionally textured as it is vocally commanding.” It’s rare for a Broadway newcomer to command such attention so quickly, but many are already speculating that Córdoba could be a frontrunner in the upcoming awards season.
The musical has also garnered praise for its bold approach to body positivity. In an industry that has long been critiqued for its narrow standards of beauty, Real Women Have Curves offers a powerful counter-narrative. Costuming, lighting, and staging choices all reinforce a message of self-acceptance, often prompting visible emotional responses from theatergoers.
Offstage, Córdoba has become an advocate for greater representation of plus-size and Latina women in the performing arts. “Representation isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being heard and validated,” she said in a recent panel discussion hosted by the Latinx Theatre Commons. “I didn’t grow up seeing people like me on Broadway stages. This role is bigger than me. It’s for every girl who’s been told she’s too loud, too big, or too much.”
Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has also extended its reach beyond the stage. Educational programs and community partnerships are underway with local schools and immigrant advocacy groups, inviting broader conversations about labor rights, self-worth, and Latina heritage. These efforts are part of a growing trend of socially conscious theatre that seeks to not only entertain but also engage.
With performances scheduled through the fall and a potential national tour being discussed, the future looks bright for both the musical and its rising star. As Córdoba continues to shine in a role that has already become career-defining, audiences are reminded of the power of theater to inspire, challenge, and transform.
