Downey native returns to stage in ‘Real Women Have Curves’ revival

Amy Melendrez

Josefina López’s landmark, award-winning American play Real Women Have Curves returns to CASA 0101 Theatre from March 27 through May 3. The venue is a stone’s throw from Downey in Boyle Heights. CASA 0101 is one of Los Angeles’ finest intimate theaters. Located across from the police station, it offers its own parking lot along with ample street parking in a safe community.

There is also a Downey connection. Amy Melendrez, who grew up in Downey, plays Rosalí. She first discovered her love of performing at Rio San Gabriel and East Middle School (now Doty Middle School), where she participated in plays and choir. She later served as a camp counselor for the Parks and Recreation Performing Arts Summer Camp for four years.

“Downey really gave me my roots and my home base,” Melendrez said. “That’s where my family lives. That’s where my love of theater and the arts started. I’ll always be grateful for that foundation. It led me to where I am today, where I get to keep acting and pursuing my dreams.”

Real Women Have Curves helped launch CASA 0101 more than 25 years ago. It was originally produced by Teatro de la Esperanza in San Francisco in 1990 and went on to revolutionize theater by placing working-class, plus-size Latina characters center stage while tackling themes of immigration, body positivity and female empowerment. The play has been produced more than 130 times.

López and producer George LaVoo later adapted the play into the award-winning 2002 film that launched the career of America Ferrera. The late, legendary actor Lupe Ontiveros, who lived in Pico Rivera, also appeared in the film.

Ontiveros once said the play “spoke to the people because of its honesty. It didn’t matter that it was about Latinos, because it was really about everyone.”

In 2025, the story was adapted into Real Women Have Curves: The Musical on Broadway, earning two Tony Award nominations.

Set in a 1987 East Los Angeles sewing factory, Real Women Have Curves follows 18-year-old Ana García as she works alongside four other full-figured Latina women racing to meet a dressmaking deadline. While Ana dreams of escaping to college in New York, the women bond over shared struggles with body image, traditional family expectations and the constant fear of immigration raids. Through resilience and humor, Ana learns to appreciate her heritage and her body, ultimately finding the strength to pursue her own path.

The production is directed by Corky Dominguez and produced by Emmanuel Deleage. The cast includes Stefany Arroyo as Ana García, Yasha Alaniz as Estela García, Blanca Araceli as Carmen García, Amy Melendrez as Rosalí and Laura Vega as Pancha. Understudies include Gabriela Machuca (Ana García/Rosalí) and Mariana Montes Sandoval (Estela García/Carmen García/Pancha).

Performances will be held Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. from March 27 through May 3. Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. are scheduled for March 29 and April 5, with additional 7 p.m. Sunday performances on April 12, 19, 26 and May 3.

Spanish-language performances will be held Sundays at 2 p.m. on April 12, 19, 26 and May 3.

Playwright Josefina López will host talkbacks following the matinee performances on March 29 and April 5.

CASA 0101 Theatre is located at 2102 E. First St. in Los Angeles. Free parking is available at 2130 E. First St. (off Chicago Street) behind Boyle Heights City Hall. Street parking is also available.

For tickets, call 323-263-7684, email tickets@casa0101.org or visit www.casa0101.org.

Tickets are $25 general admission, $22 for students and seniors, and $20 for Boyle Heights residents and groups of 10 or more.