In a surprising turn of events, the immigration-themed musical “Real Women Have Curves” is set to close on Broadway after struggling with soft ticket sales. The announcement comes as the second show to make plans to shut down following this year’s Tony Awards, marking a disappointing end to what was hoped to be a successful run.
“Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” premiered on April 27 at The James Earl Jones Theatre to a reception of mostly positive reviews from critics. The show, based on the hit film of the same name, tells the story of a young Latina woman navigating the challenges of American society while celebrating her body and heritage. Despite its critical acclaim, the production failed to attract a substantial audience at the box office.
With 31 previews and 73 regular performances under its belt, “Real Women Have Curves” will play its final show on June 29. The decision to close the musical was ultimately driven by the lackluster ticket sales, which failed to pick up momentum even during a season that saw significant success for other star-driven productions.
The news of the show’s closure has sparked mixed reactions among theater enthusiasts and industry insiders. Some have expressed disappointment over the early end of a production that resonated with themes of empowerment and representation, particularly for Latinx audiences. Others have pointed to the challenges faced by smaller-scale productions in a competitive Broadway landscape, where commercial success often dictates longevity.
In a statement addressing the closure, the production team behind “Real Women Have Curves” expressed gratitude to the cast, crew, and supporters who contributed to the show’s journey. They acknowledged the difficult decision to end the run but emphasized the importance of celebrating the stories and voices that the musical brought to the stage.
The closure of “Real Women Have Curves” raises broader questions about the sustainability of diverse and culturally significant narratives in mainstream theater. As audiences continue to demand inclusive and authentic representation on stage, the industry faces ongoing challenges in balancing commercial viability with artistic integrity.
While the musical may be ending its Broadway run prematurely, its impact on audiences and the broader conversation around diversity and inclusion in entertainment is likely to endure. As the theater community reflects on the lessons learned from this experience, the legacy of “Real Women Have Curves” will serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and unite audiences from all walks of life.
References:
1. The New York Times: [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/theater/real-women-have-curves-broadway-closing.html]
2. Deadline: [https://deadline.com/2025/06/real-women-have-curves-broadway-closing-date-1236435698/]
