On May 1, Justina Machado made a striking entrance to the Broadway stage during a performance of *Real Women Have Curves: The Musical*. The audience’s excitement enveloped her, a response magnified by her recent Tony nomination, showcasing the deep admiration for the actress and her pivotal role in this groundbreaking production.
In a pre-show interview with *Good Housekeeping*, Justina, now 52, referred to her casting as Carmen as “a dream come true.” She reminisced, “This is exactly what I wanted to do when I left Chicago in the nineties and moved to New York. I wanted to originate a role on Broadway; I wanted it to be a musical.” This sentiment underscores the personal significance of her journey to this point in her career.
*Real Women Have Curves* stands out not only for its engaging narrative but also for its commitment to showcasing Latinx performers from diverse backgrounds, shapes, and ages. As Justina stated, “I didn’t really see a lot of representation growing up, and when I did, it stood out.” Her experiences resonate deeply with themes of identity and belonging presented throughout the show.
Originally written by Josefina López, the play sets its narrative in a Los Angeles sewing factory in 1987, exploring themes related to the immigrant experience through the lives of Latina women, particularly viewed through the eyes of the youngest character, Ana. The story was also adapted into a film featuring America Ferrera in the role of Ana.
Justina’s ties to this narrative run deep; she participated in the play’s world premiere back in 1993 at Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago, where she portrayed Ana herself. “I’ve always been drawn to the play,” she shared, highlighting her growth and transformation into the character of Carmen over the decades.
In her portrayal of Carmen, Justina imbues the character with a blend of humor and emotional depth, particularly evident in the song “Adios Andres.” This piece reflects on menopause, eliciting laughter from the audience while simultaneously addressing the intricacies of aging and womanhood.
Justina Machado as Carmen in *Real Women Have Curves: The Musical* on Broadway.
The musical adaptation of López’s play brings fresh elements to the storytelling, featuring a book by Nell Benjamin and Lisa Loomer, while Joy Huerta, from the Grammy-winning duo Jesse & Joy, contributed the score. Justina’s nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the Tonys further highlights the show’s significance, with additional nominations for Joy and Benjamin in the Best Original Score category.
Justina remarked on the music’s exceptional quality, stating, “The music is just beautiful. It’s really all these different worlds coming into Broadway. It’s pop, it’s musical theater. It’s really youthful and fun, and the songs stick with you.”
At the heart of *Real Women Have Curves* is an exploration of female empowerment and unity. The issues of body image, feminism, and sexuality are examined through a contemporary lens, reaffirming the original play’s political themes that resonate significantly today.
Bringing this powerful narrative to Broadway in 2025 is an endeavor that Justina believes requires courage, noting the current sociopolitical climate. “It’s unfortunate but incredibly relevant, as much as it was when Josefina wrote it in the ’80s,” she stated. Ultimately, she conveys hope to the audience, encouraging them to expect a beautiful and joyous experience: “They are going to see something really beautiful… The story is poignant, it’s a powerful story, but it’s quite a ride,” she emphasized, encapsulating the essence of the theatrical journey.
