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Tatianna Córdoba is having a moment.
The 25-year-old actress is making her Broadway debut in Real Women Have Curves, the acclaimed new musical adaptation of Josefina López’s 1990 play and its hit 2002 America Ferrera-led film of the same name. And judging from the rave reviews she received when the musical opened on Sunday, April 27 at the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York City, this is only the beginning!
On stage, Córdoba plays Mexican-American teenager Ana Garcia, who — in the summer of 1987 — has her sights set on college away from her home in East Los Angeles. But when her family’s garment business receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses, Ana is forced to juggle her own ambitions with her mother’s expectations.
It’s a classic conflict, in many ways, and one that has clearly connected with audiences for 35 years now. But the musical — with a score by Grammy winner Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez, a book by Lisa Loomer with Nell Benjamin, as well as direction and choreography from Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo — breaths new life into the tale, letting it sing (literally) in entirely new ways.
“I’m so excited to share this story with audiences,” Córdoba tells PEOPLE. It’s a story we all need right now. We lead with love and use our joy as an act of resilience.”
Alongside Córdoba, the musical stars One Day at a Time‘s Justina Machado, Florencia Cuenca, Shelby Acosta, Carla Jimenez, Aline Mayagoitia, Mauricio Mendoza, Mason Reeves, Jennifer Sánchez and Sandra Valls, along with Ariana Burks, Quincy Hampton, Zeus Mendoza, Claudia Mulet, Christopher M. Ramirez, Monica Tulia Ramirez, Shadia Fairuz, Elisa Galindez and Omar Madden.
To celebrate opening night, Córdoba took PEOPLE behind the scenes as she got ready for the red carpet (and the show’s afterparty celebration at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, sponsored by Gran Centenario).
Below, she opens up about the experience, in her own words.
Getting in Glam
Avery Brunkus @abrunkus
To get ready for the big day, Córdoba enlisted the help of a a fab glam team made up for hairstylist Alison Farfan and makeup artist Rachel Roberts. Together they crafted a fresh look for the Broadway newcomer, giving her a soft eye, a muted pink lip, and a classic half-up, half-down ‘do with cures accented around her face.
The process of getting into glam was peaceful for the actress. “You only make your Broadway debut once,” Córdoba tells PEOPLE. “I was trying to soak in every moment all day and let myself feel all the feels.”
A Family Affair
Avery Brunkus @abrunkus
Though she was in the spotlight, Córdoba wasn’t alone. “I was so happy to have my family and boyfriend with me while I got ready for the day,” she says. “My family is the reason I’m here and to share this moment with them means the absolute world to me.”
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Golden Girl
Avery Brunkus @abrunkus
For the carpet, Córdoba chose a bold two-piece look by Harleen Kaur, that featured a cropped, strapless bodice and full skirt. The ensemble — perfectly fitted by tailor Shanelle Butler — was made of a golden yellow fabric and adorned with bedazzled pink, orange, blue and green flowers.
“I was so excited to find a look for this special night and I’m so happy with what we came up with,” says Córdoba, who was styled by Alison Hernon from Exclusive Artists. “Our show is a mural of vibrance, life and culture ,and I think my dress totally captured that.”
Amazing Accessories
Avery Brunkus @abrunkus
To accessorize the ensemble, Córdoba went with gold open-toed Steve Madden heels and matching gold jewelry (earrings and a bracelet) by Sassy Jones.
She carried a tan clutch by Alexis Bittar, while a pink floral pin proved to the perfect accessory for her boyfriend’s lewk.
Final Touches
Avery Brunkus @abrunkus
“I felt so much adrenaline and excitement while getting ready,” the actress recalls. “I was so excited to see my cast all dressed up and truly celebrate this moment with them.”
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Soaking It All Up
Avery Brunkus @abrunkus
For leaving for the carpet, Córdoba took time to reflect on the milestone.
“This has been my dream since I was a little girl, and to have it all come true at this time, with this show, feels so special,” the star says. “I’m so proud of myself and the work I’ve put into making this character come to life.”
Red Carpet-Ready
Avery Brunkus @abrunkus
Once she hit the carpet, there was no stopping Córdoba.
“I couldn’t stop smiling all day,” she says. “Getting to talk about the show and share it at this scale is such an honor. We put so much of ourselves into it and I think that resonates with people.”
Take a Bow
Avery Brunkus @abrunkus
Opening night of Real Women Have Curves: The Musical was attended by a slew of stars, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and wife Vanessa Nadal, Harvey Guillén, Karine Jean-Pierre, Judy Reyes, Michelle Buteau, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Dascha Polanco and more.
All were on their feet to cheer Córdoba and the cast on at curtain call.
“Taking our opening night bow felt like the biggest sigh of relief,” she remembers. “We did it!! All of our work and hearts left on the stage for people to receive.”
