Real Women Have Curves’ Tatianna Córdoba Shares Her ”Good Vibes” Playlist

Tatianna Córdoba is a self-described “Cali girl” through and through. It’s a characteristic the proud Bay Area native — and newly-christened Broadway star — shares with Ana García, the character she plays in Real Women Have Curves.

Now playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre, the musical adaptation of the original 1987 stage play by Josefina López (and subsequent 2002 HBO film starring America Ferrera) tells Ana’s inspiring story as she’s working in her family’s East Los Angeles garment factory while confidently chasing her dreams of going to college and moving to New York City — just like Córdoba did to make her Broadway debut.

With music and lyrics by Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez and a book by Lisa Loomer with Nell Benjamin, Real Women Have Curves has garnered two Tony Award nominations for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for Justina Machado’s turn as Ana’s hardworking mom Carmen.

Here, Córdoba lays out a carefully curated playlist of songs that take her from relaxed to pumped up ahead of curtain call each night. “This playlist is the ultimate Feel Good, Get Hype Playlist,” Córdoba promises. “Before a show, I like to be in a positive, calming headspace that also gives me the energy to run around a stage for two and a half hours. This playlist totally eliminates my nerves and makes me feel ready to go!”

Check out Córdoba’s picks, which include Tyla, 2Pac, Beyoncé, and Drake, and scroll to the end for a playlist of all 10 tracks.

1. Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng – “Jump”

This song gets me in a good mood while getting ready for the show. The show itself is also set in the summer, so I love listening to songs that set the summer vibes. I like to start off my Get Ready playlist with songs that put me in a positive and calm headspace.

2. Original Koffee – “West Indies”

I love listening to African pop and reggae. Koffee is one of my favorites that I discovered a few summers ago. It also is one of my favorite physical warm-up songs.

3. Cardi B featuring Chance The Rapper – “Best Life”

This song is such a bop and just makes me happy, so it’s an essential when getting ready.

4. Justin Timberlake featuring JAY-Z – “Suit & Tie”

An oldie but a goodie. This is when my playlist starts to ramp up and I get closer to show time. Good vibes turn into party vibes.

5. 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre – “California Love”

As a California girl myself, I have to have some West Coast rap on the playlist. Ana (my character in the show) and I are both Cali girls so it just makes sense.

6. J Balvin & Willy William – “Mi Gente”

This song gets me PUMPED and moving my body. Also, it’s a must to have some Latin music on the playlist for this show.

7. P-Lo featuring E-40 – “Put Me On Somethin’”

Now some BAY AREA RAP!!! I am a Bay Area baby through and through and this is the song I’ll put on at a party if you hand me the aux.

8. Beyoncé, Shatta Wale & Major Lazer – “ALREADY”

This song brings out a confidence in me that I need in order to play Ana. Ana has her insecurities, yes, but she leads with a confidence and belief in herself that I really admire. I love to listen to music that makes me feel that way before the show.

9. Ozuna featuring Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Farruko & Anuel AA – “Baila Baila Baila – Remix”

The biggest thing I have to remind myself while doing this job is to HAVE FUN. It is sometimes easy to forget why you are doing something in the first place — especially when it becomes your everyday routine. For me, listening to fun music or laughing with my other cast members before a show, reminds me how fun it is to get to do this and I think the audience can feel that gratitude and joy onstage.

10. Drake & Future – “Jumpman”

This is my ultimate pump-up song. It is the perfect song to get you focused and ready to go. This has been a staple on all my Get Ready playlists for years.