A beloved comedy about sisterhood, resilience, and self-acceptance
HOUSTON, TX – Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre and Artistic Director Rob Melrose announce the cast and creative team of Real Women Have Curves. Josefina López’s vivacious comedy follows five Latina women navigating the pressures of body image, immigration, and cultural expectations. Directed by Lisa Portes, celebrate the beauty of embracing who you are with this beloved classic.
“It’s a famous movie with America Ferrera and even more recently a Broadway musical, but before all this, Real Women Have Curves started as a play that had its premiere in the Mission District of San Francisco in 1990. I’m excited to get back to playwright Josefina López’s original words to discover what was so special about this play that gave it such enduring success. While set in East Los Angeles, the love and humor of this play will resonate strongly here in Houston, Texas. This play is so honest, emotional, moving, and yes sometimes a bit bawdy. I just love it and am excited to share it with Houston audiences,” mused Melrose.
“Real Women Have Curves celebrates resilience, family, and the power of community – qualities that define Houston itself,” shares Alley Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein. “With our city’s vibrant, diverse spirit, we know this story will connect in a truly special way.”
The cast includes Melinna Bobadilla as Estela, Angela Lanza as Carmen, Sophia Marcelle (The Body Snatcher) as Rosali, Brenda Palestina as Ana, and Xochitl Romero as Pancha.
The creative team includes Scenic Designer Mariana Sanchez, Costume Designer Raquel Barreto, Lighting Designer Mextly Couzin, Composer & Sound Designer David R. Molina, Intimacy Consultant Melissa Pritchett, Dialect Coach Cynthia Santos DeCure, Casting by Brandon Weinbrenner and X Casting/ Victor Vazquez, CSA, Stage Manager Madolyn Friedman-Logue, and Assistant Stage Manager Casey Boriskie.
ADVANCED PHOTOS: Brenda Palestina as Ana. Photos by Tasha Gorel.
SPONSORS: Real Women Have Curves is generously sponsored by Christina and Steve Morse (Associate Producers). Alley Theatre is supported by the 2025-26 Season Sponsors United Airlines, the official airline of Alley Theatre, and Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites Downtown Houston, the official hotel of Alley Theatre.
TICKETS: Performances of Real Women Have Curves run from Friday, January 23 to Sunday, February 15 in the Hubbard Theatre. Tickets are now on sale, starting at $36. Discounted tickets are available for military, seniors, educators, and any student, regardless of age, with a valid ID for designated performances in designated sections. Tickets can be ordered online (alleytheatre.org) or by phone (713.220.5700).
