Comedian Sandra Valls Is Featured In “Real Women Have Curves: The Musical”

An exclusive interview

“There’s something special about knowing your work will live on and reach people in places you may never go.” —Sandra Valls

“Real Women Have Curves: the Musical” opened on Broadway at the James Earl Jones Theatre on April 27, 2025 after a successful run at the A.R.T. in Cambridge, Mass. It will play throughout the summer.

Based on the 1990 play by Josefina López that inspired the hit film “Real Women Have Curves” (2002) starring America Ferrera, the musical is a dazzling display of talent.

The musical score by Grammy Award-winning composer Joy Huerta has been nominated for a Tony Award, and director Sergio Trujillo is a Tony Award winner. The musical features Tatianna Córdoba, Justina Machado of One Day at a Time, Florencia Cuenca, and comedian Sandra Valls cast as Prima Fulvia.

The extraordinarily talented Ms. Sandra Valls

Curve Magazine has named comedian/actor/singer/dancer/writer Sandra Valls one of the Most Influential Queer Women in the Country as well as one of the Top 10 Funniest Lesbian Comics. They are distinctions she has earned. A masterful storyteller with a quick wit, at age 59 she is making her Broadway debut.

Sandra Valls gave Adelante Magazine this exclusive interview.

Laura Moreno: Who were some of your favorite celebrities/comedians when you were growing up? have you had a chance to meet any of them yet?

Sandra Valls: I’ve had a few major influences, but Bette Midler stands out in a huge way. I remember watching one of her specials on HBO, and that was it—I was sold. The way she could sing, tell jokes, and move effortlessly between comedy and music—it was electric. I knew I wanted to do that. She really set the standard for what I saw as a dream career, and I’ve been a fan ever since.

I was also a huge fan of Stevie Nicks. There’s something so mystical and powerful about her presence—she’s an icon. And yes, I’ve had the incredible chance to meet her, which was surreal. I also loved the late John Ritter—his comedic timing was brilliant—and George Carlin, who was just on another level in terms of wit and social commentary. Each of them left a mark on me in a different way.

Not many celebs come from Laredo. (I'm from Texas myself.) What gave you the gumption to go for a career in entertainment? I’m incredibly proud to represent Laredo. From a young age, I was drawn to the arts—singing, acting, dancing, playing the piano—anything that let me express myself creatively. In high school, I had my own cover band and was very active in the Laredo Little Theatre. Performing was never just a hobby—it was who I was. I majored in musical theatre at UT Austin, then went on to study at AMDA in New York City. Somewhere along the way, I found stand-up comedy, and I’ve been performing ever since, balancing comedy, music, and acting. It’s something I’ve always done. It’s part of my identity.

Honestly, there was never a question about whether I’d pursue this path—I didn’t know exactly how it would happen, but I knew deep down that this was what I was meant to do. I’m very lucky to have a supportive, loving family and a circle of friends who’ve encouraged me every step of the way.

I also believe, with all my heart, that we’re each born for a reason. We all have our own unique Asé—a beautiful Yoruba word that means the life force within us, the power to make things happen. I truly believe this is mine. This is my medicine, my way of contributing to the world.

Your name sounds Catalan. Do you know if it is? Yes, it is. It’s also the name of a city in Spain.

Your television credits are truly badass: NickMom Night Out (Nickelodeon), One Night Stand Up (LOGO), Comics Unleashed (ABC), and Habla! (HBO). Which show did you most enjoy doing? Do you prefer TV or live performance? I’ve been fortunate to be part of some amazing projects, but the one that stands out the most for me is The Original Latin Divas of Comedy on Showtime. It was nominated for an Alma Award, and I had the honor of sharing the stage with powerhouse Latina comedians—Sara Contreras, Monique Marvez, and the late, great Marilyn Martinez. That show was groundbreaking. At the time, there was truly nothing else like it—it was bold, daring, hilarious, and most of all, unapologetic. We weren’t trying to fit into a mold. We were just ourselves: fierce, funny, and real. I was proud to represent both my LGBTQIA and Latin communities in that space. It meant everything to be part of something that authentic and trailblazing, and I’m still proud of it to this day.

TV or LIVE? Honestly, I love both. They offer such different experiences. Live performance is electric—you feel that exchange of energy with the audience in real time, and it fuels you. But television has its own magic. It allows you to capture a performance and keep it forever, which is such a gift. There’s something special about knowing your work will live on and reach people in places you may never go.

The new music video "Make It Work" is very impressive. Do you have any favorite songs from the musical "Real Women Have Curves"? It’s tough to pick just one—I love all the songs for so many different reasons. Each one captures a moment, a message, or a feeling that’s deeply personal to me. Make It Work, for example, is all about resilience. It’s about overcoming obstacles, pushing through, and turning poison into medicine. No matter what life throws at you, you figure it out and keep moving forward.

Other songs dive into themes like chasing your dreams, self-discovery, body positivity, cultural identity, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Every track tells a story, and they each hold a special place in my heart. So no, I can’t pick a favorite—but I can say I’m proud of them all.

Care to share any celebrity secrets about how you stay so young looking, or anything else? LOL! Thank you. When I was 24, I worked with this absolutely stunning woman in her 50s—which, at the time, I thought was ancient (I know, I know!). I was in awe of her flawless, smooth skin, and I finally asked her what her secret was. She gave me the best advice I’ve ever gotten: “No matter what, moisturize—morning and night. And don’t forget your neck!” I’ve followed that religiously ever since. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize—it’s simple, but it works!

One last thing…never give up on your dreams. Keep going. Si se puede.