Just last week, Latina and Filipina actress Tatianna Córdoba’s dreams came true as she made her Broadway debut, starring as Ana García in the musical adaptation of Real Women Have Curves, inspired by Josefina López’s 1990 play. Córdoba was honored to redefine the role that’s best known for America Ferrera’s incredible portrayal in the 2002 classic film of the same name. Now, Córdoba gets to carry that torch forward, inspiring people through this coming-of-age musical about culture, independence, and family. Latinitas Magazine caught up with Córdoba right before her debut to talk all about the Real Women Have Curves musical and her journey to getting the role.
Córdoba had been a fan of the play since she was a teenager. “I was auditioning for colleges, and I was [researching] Latina monologues for young women. That was one of the very few that came up. So I decided to buy the play, and I read it, and I loved it.” While she had no idea this would only be the beginning of a beautiful journey with Real Women Have Curves, the story always held a special place in her heart. Coming from a bicultural background, Córdoba found she related heavily to the struggles the main character faced. “That’s why I really gravitated towards Ana’s story. Being from two cultures, being the first to go to college and graduate college in my family. There’s always this feeling of extra pressure,” Córdoba admits.
While her parents never put pressure on her, Córdoba found that she put a lot of pressure on herself, “Whatever I did, I wanted to make sure I did it well and I did it the right way and I did it the best I could so that they could say ‘Yeah, that’s my daughter.’” In that way, her story couldn’t have been more intertwined with Ana’s. “I think that that’s something that Ana really struggles with in the show, and that’s sort of her journey.”
As soon as Córdoba heard about the musical adaptation, she was all in. “I auditioned for a workshop. I was in the final callbacks for the one at ART in Boston. And it was never my time.” Still, Córdoba couldn’t shake the feeling that this show would play a bigger role in her life. “It was just a story that was way too close to home for me to not be a part of it.” She wasn’t picky about what role, either. “I’ll play a tree,” Córdoba says with a laugh; she just wanted to be in the production. Finally, all of her auditioning and hard work paid off. “One of the casting teams was looking through old videos, and [found] my submission for Ana from two years ago. He said, ‘Let’s bring her back for Ana. I think she deserves a second chance.’” And the rest, as they say, is history.
Starring alongside Córdoba is the legendary Latina actress Justina Machado. Macahdo is best known for her roles in One Day At A Time, Jane The Virgin, and Superstore, though now she is returning to her theater roots with Real Women Have Curves, where she plays Ana’s mother, Carmen Garcia. When asked what it was like working with such a powerhouse, Córdoba had this to say, “She is a freaking powerhouse…I mean, everybody has seen her on TV, but getting to see her live–I can’t wait for people to witness her. She’s so amazing. But also, just as a person, as a human, she’s really grounded and really authentic and honest.” Córdoba gushes.
“She’s someone who really knows her worth and knows what she has to bring to the table…I think that’s something that probably takes a lot of years to gain, especially in an industry that’s not made for us. I feel very lucky that I get to learn that now and in my first ever big production.” Córdoba says before jokingly adding, “[And] our dressing rooms are right across from each other, so I get to bother her all day.” She says with a laugh.
Machado isn’t the only person with whom Córdoba is honored to work with, as the entire cast of Real Women Have Curves has been incredible. “I have a lot of fun with my scenes with Mason Reeves, who plays my opposite, Henry.” Córdoba says, “He is just the best, I can’t think of a better person to play opposite of. Joy and Benjamin have done a really great job of making the music truthful. So, all of our songs really give you that giddy fun feeling of falling in love for the first time.”
Following this, I had to ask which song out of the entire soundtrack, written by artist Joy Huerta (from the Mexican duo Jesse y Joy) and theater composer Benjamin Velez, was her favorite: “Probably the finale song. I think I’ve not cried maybe one time we’ve done it. It’s so emotional. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a show, and it makes Justina cry. And if Justina’s crying, everybody’s gone.” Córdoba jokes. In my tireless research for this interview, I came across a piece where Córdoba admits to being a huge fan of the show Criminal Minds. Naturally, I just had to end the interview with which FBI Agent she would want to star alongside in a Broadway show. And really, there was only one right answer: “Definitely Matthew Gray Gubler.” Córdoba says with a laugh, “I love me some Agent Reid!” And honestly, who doesn’t?
At the time of writing this, Tatianna Córdoba has already made her big Broadway debut at the premiere of Real Women Have Curves. With plenty of stars and supporters in attendance, it’s no wonder that Córdoba had an amazing night, even posing with musical legend Lin Manuel Miranda. Though her dreams may have come true, this is just the beginning of a very exciting journey. And if you’re interested in being a part of the story, you can get tickets to Real Women Have Curves, playing now at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
