Joy Furuta and Benjamin Velez: Collaborative Journey on ‘Real Women Have Curves’
Grammy-winning artist Joy Furuta and accomplished musical theatre songwriter Benjamin Velez formed an unexpected partnership while crafting the score for the Broadway adaptation of *Real Women Have Curves*. This collaboration led to the rapid development of their musical, which premiered on Broadway on April 27, following its roots in the acclaimed 2002 indie film.
Insights from the ‘Stagecraft’ Podcast
In a recent episode of the *Stagecraft* podcast, Furuta and Velez discussed their innovative approach to songwriting. Velez shared, “Five years from start to Broadway are weird! I’m involved in many other projects, but this one was particularly dynamic and energizing.” Their dedication to instantly refining ideas contributed to the swift progress of their work.
The Unique Workshop Experience
Furuta, known for her success as half of the Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy, embraced her first experience writing for the stage. “It felt like a dream I didn’t realize I had,” she expressed, highlighting how fulfilling the journey was for her.
Adapting to Challenges
The pandemic introduced unique circumstances that required Furuta and Velez to adapt their collaborative practices. Prior to the lockdown, their only communication was through Zoom. Velez remarked, “It helped because Joy plays the guitar and the piano. Being virtual allowed us to mute ourselves as we explored different ideas.” This method facilitated the sharing of ideas without interruption, enabling them to record voice notes and iterate seamlessly.
Creating Character-Specific Sounds
During the *Stagecraft* discussion, both artists elaborated on how they shaped the distinct musical voices for their characters. Furuta emphasized her intention to integrate her burgeoning theatrical experience into further performances, stating, “I want to put it into space and continue with the Broadway musical.” Now that *Real Women Have Curves* has debuted, she is eager to balance her concert tour with her commitment to the musical.
Listen and Subscribe
To explore their journey in detail, listeners can access the complete discussion via the link provided below. New episodes of *Stagecraft* air biweekly across popular podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Broadway Podcast Network.