Broadway will dim the lights a little sooner than expected for Real Women Have Curves, the vibrant and heartfelt musical adaptation of Josefina López's iconic 1990 play, which will end its run despite receiving critical acclaim and multiple Tony nominations.
The show, which opened to glowing reviews earlier this year, will play its final performance on July 14. Producers made the announcement Monday, citing a "challenging economic climate" despite the show's artistic success and a recent surge in ticket sales following awards season buzz.
Directed by Tony nominee Sergio Trujillo (Ain't Too Proud) and with music and lyrics by Grammy winner Joy Huerta of Jesse & Joy, the musical tells the story of Ana, a Mexican-American teenager in East Los Angeles, grappling with body image, generational expectations, and the pursuit of dreams against the backdrop of a bustling garment factory. The original story, long embraced by the Latinx community and feminists alike, found new resonance onstage in a moment where conversations about representation and equity are more urgent than ever.
The show garnered four Tony Award nominations, including Best Original Score, Best Leading Actress for Carla Jimenez as the matriarchal Carmen, and Best Choreography. Critics praised the musical for its pulsating Latin pop score, fierce ensemble performances, and its unflinching yet loving portrayal of working-class Latina women.
"Real Women Have Curves is more than a musical—it's a movement," said Trujillo in a statement. "We told a story Broadway hadn't seen before in this way, and I hope this is just the beginning."
The closing marks yet another bittersweet chapter for original, non-franchise musicals with modest budgets, especially those centered on communities historically underrepresented on Broadway. Still, the show's legacy is likely to live on, with rumors already swirling of a cast recording, regional productions, and even a national tour.
As Ana says in the show's final number: "This is my body, my voice, my truth." And for a few precious months, Broadway was lucky enough to listen.
