REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES

My first thought when I saw the title of this play at the Pasadena Playhouse was, “How was I not in this show???”

But, as I was watching it, I realized I could not be in it.  Besides that I’m not Latina, (which the characters all are,) the actresses have to perform a lot of physical actions, (like sewing, ironing, etc.,) which lets me out. I have no domestic talents whatsoever, even stage ones! So, I applaud them all for that.

The entire multi-part Opening Night was a lot of fun.  Good thing it all started early in the day!

I always appreciate learning about the Playhouse’s Diversity Program, and the first show of their season, (which Real Women Have Curves is,) always features their unique Diversity Awards. And, from what I’ve seen of this special occasion now and in the past, they once again chose a play which reflects the Program so well. This play not only stars five Latina characters, but is also written by a Latina, as well.  What a perfect choice! More on the show in a minute, but let’s go in order.

The evening was exceptional from the get-go.  Kenny Ortega, (who’s been a director, choreographer and producer forever, and gained even more fame as the director of Michael Jackson’s This Is It,) was honored with the 2015 Diversity Award.  Sheldon Epps, the Playhouse’s Artistic Director, stated of him, “Kenny Ortega… is a great artist who also cares deeply for artists and their development.  It is our great pleasure to…recognize his extraordinary achievements as an entertainer and a great humanitarian. Our celebration is all about those who have used the arts to overcome challenges to achieve great success. That being the case, Kenny is an ideal honoree!”

Kenny spoke so well of many things in his life and career. Of particular interest to many of us was the story he told of how the title This Is It came about.  He said that he and Michael had been looking for a big, new project for Michael, and had chatted about it over the years.  Then, one day, Michael called him and said, “This is it!”  He had found something for them to collaborate on, which was the big tour they were in rehearsals for when Michael shockingly passed away.

Kenny also told a story that was apropos of the occasion, which was to celebrate the Diversity Project.  (And of life today!)  He said that one time, in his early days as a choreographer, he put together a group of some of the best dancers he had ever seen.  When one of the head honchos saw the team, he said something to the effect of, “We think that your chorus line is a little dark.” To which Kenny innocently asked, “Then why don’t you just turn on more light?” (I can commiserate with his experience because about fifteen years ago, when I was a  hip-hop club promoter, I kept getting reprimanded for the same things with my guest list, which upset me no end. And still does!)

Abel Ramirez, the founder of Pasadena’s El Portal Restaurant, was also honored (at a pre-show reception,) for being a “business and cultural leader of the Pasadena community.”

The last one to speak was the playwright herself, Josefina Lopez.  She said that now she wants to write another play titled, Real Men Cook and Wash Dishes!  I hadn’t realized that she knows Mr. X!  (There’s actually not a title long enough to include everything he does for me! But that’s a story for another day.)

She also suggested that all youngsters keep a journal, as the girl in her play does.  I second that recommendation, but probably for different reasons.  I think she meant to use it to record your hopes and dreams.  I wrote in my teen-age diaries about my nail designs, every restaurant meal I ate, and of course, all my dates!  (Boy, I’ve changed so much.  Yeah, right.)

Now to the show.  I’m sure that many of you are familiar with the popular 2002 movie of the same name, which starred America Ferrera in her pre-Ugly Betty days.  I was not aware that Real Women Have Curves was a play first, in 1987, written by a twenty-one-year-old Josefina López.

While I recognize the merit of it, this production didn’t do much for me, on several fronts. Chief among them was that, outside of one hilarious scene in the second act, the title had nothing to do with the action of the play.  It’s a wonderful title, (and one that I couldn’t understand when the movie came out, because I was still very skinny,) so I just wish the story had gone along with it.  The play actually depicts one week in the life of the owner and employees of a five-woman sewing business, in East Los Angeles, who are trying to keep it afloat, while hiding from the immigration authorities.  They do mention being “fat” several times, but that’s about it. Being heavy has nothing to do with their work or green card troubles. They could have been skinny minnies, and their problems would have been the same.

The mother in the play does tell her teen-age daughter, played by Santana Dempsey, that she’s fat, a few times.  When the girl stripped down to her cute underwear in Act Two, I realized that she’s far from it!  She has an adorable body, which I have a feeling the boys at the beach can back me up on.  So, perhaps they should have gotten a chubby actress to play the part.  (Actually, [and I hate saying this,] they should have hired someone else, anyway, because, although she looks good, Santana plays the part like she’s doing a high school production, not one at one of the most respected theatres in Los Angeles.)

Real Women Have Curves is definitely worth seeing, but I do have to admit that a few of us felt the whole production is sort-of amateurish.  We couldn’t put our fingers on if it was the writing, direction, acting, or a combo.  (It was written almost thirty years ago, so, even with the modern updates, that may have something to do with it.)  Still, there are several positives.

I was a fan of the intricate set, designed by David F. Weiner. He made us understand every nook and cranny of the ladies’ work space, which, in turn, helped us feel everything they going through.

And Blanca Araceli, as the mom, did her best to make it amusing. Her delivery was excellent; even when the acoustics prevented me from not understanding everything she was saying, I still laughed.

This one brilliant line made-up for any weakness of the rest of the show: “You’re not ugly; you just need to know how to dress!”  I hear you! I’m sure that line will run through my head at every party I attend from now on.

One interesting note, especially for the fans of the movie, is that Ingrid Oliu, who played Estela on film, is now playing Pancha on this stage!  I love that! Props to the Playhouse for that bit of clever casting.

And even though I was tense the whole time, worrying for the women, I was thrilled that the play has a happy ending, which you all know I love. And the opening night audience really enjoyed the fun curtain call, too.

It was interesting to discover the updates to the scenario. I had never seen the movie, but I knew he date it was made, so when I noticed little things on stage, like a cell phone, I wondered how the play was done the first time around. One very modern thing that made me chuckle is when Estela successfully hangs up on someone. There’s not that satisfying banging down of the receiver that we had in the good old days!

Unfortunately for society, the problems these ladies face are still very relevant today, especially with creeps like Donald Trump around, stirring up nothing but trouble. You all know what I’m talking about.

To end the review part of this write-up on a very positive note, I heard that a musical version of this Real Women Have Curves script is currently being developed, and I think that has the potential to be a massive hit.  So, I’m glad I got to see this now, to have a basis for it. (Wouldn’t it be great if the Pasadena Playhouse produces that, as well?!)

When the show came to an end, the jubilant crowd went over to the beautiful and classy after-party, which featured good food and lovely live music. (But it was semi-outdoors, where this crazy LA weather rendered the atmosphere way too hot.  I guess that was to emulate the conditions in the play!!! That re-creation was spot-on!)

The soiree took place in an interesting location; it was in the outdoor “court” (that looked like it was going to be inside) of a big floral shop right around the corner from the Playhouse.  The tables were decorated with all sewing items; cute touch.

There were two bars and seven food stations, each with famous Pasadena eateries providing a dish or two.  But I had eyes for only the delicious blackened shrimp crostini from redwhite+bluezz, and potato puffs from Portos’ (although I still want to know what was in the middle of them.)  Of course, the ice cream station was mobbed throughout the evening.

A wonderful band entertained the huge crowd all night (I’m so sorry that I didn’t get their name, but, if I ever do find-out, I’ll be sure to add it here.) A memorable time was had by everyone who was lucky to attend this very special event.

Real Women Have Curves running through October 4, 2015
Pasadena Playhouse 39 South El Molino Ave. Pasadena 626-356-7529 www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org