Broadway Embraces Latinx Stories: Celebrates Cultural Depth with 'Buena Vista Social Club' and 'Real Women Have Curves'
June 23, 2025
The article also references the historical context of U.S. immigration policy, particularly the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, and its relevance to the experiences portrayed in Real Women Have Curves.
The recent article highlights the positive representation of Latinx communities on Broadway, particularly through the musicals Buena Vista Social Club and Real Women Have Curves, which showcase their depth and authenticity during challenging times for people of color in the U.S.
Buena Vista Social Club, which has received ten Tony nominations and won four, celebrates the Grammy Award-winning album that brought Cuban music to the forefront in the 1990s, illustrating the lives of musicians from the 1950s to the 1990s.
In contrast, Real Women Have Curves, set in East Los Angeles in 1987, delves into the generational struggles faced by first-generation youth and their immigrant parents, drawing from a play by Josefina López and a film directed by Patricia Cardoso.
While the musical presents a more sanitized narrative compared to the original film, it resolves character tensions in a feel-good manner, differing from the film's more realistic depiction of immigrant family struggles.
Both productions feature diverse casts and creative teams, underscoring the richness of Latinx culture and art while conveying a sense of resilience and joy.
Despite the obstacles faced by Latinx narratives in mainstream theater, these musicals emerge at a pivotal moment, advocating for broader representation and storytelling in Hollywood and beyond.
This musical not only features performances in Spanish but also emphasizes the contributions of Afro-Cuban musicians, creating an immersive experience that serves as a love letter to the Latinx community.
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LatinaMedia.Co • Jun 23, 2025
Hollywood Should Learn from Latinx Broadway