Mandy Gonzalez recently honored Lin-Manuel Miranda’s extensive musical legacy during a captivating concert at Symphony Hall. The event, held on September 20, 2025, showcased her powerful vocal abilities alongside the Boston Pops, under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart.
Mandy Gonzalez Celebrates Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Music
This concert, titled “Everything I Know: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Lin-Manuel Miranda,” was a heartfelt tribute featuring familiar melodies and engaging storytelling. Gonzalez’s connection to Miranda began in 2005 when she auditioned for his acclaimed musical “In the Heights” in New York City.
Opening Night and Warm Anecdotes
The evening kicked off with the orchestral piece “Everything I Know-verture,” which skillfully integrated well-known melodies, including a nod to “You’re Welcome” from Disney’s “Moana.” As Gonzalez confidently stepped onto the stage, the audience welcomed her with enthusiastic applause.
Exploring Cultural Identity Through Music
One highlight was Gonzalez’s rendition of “Spanish Me, English Me,” from “Sesame Street.” This song resonated with her bicultural upbringing, influenced by her Mexican-American father and Jewish mother. In her performance, she declared, “My last name is not Carr with two R’s; it’s Gonzalez with two Z’s,” affirming her identity.
Reflections on Broadway and Personal Experiences
- Gonzalez performed “Breathe,” reflecting on her journey as Nina in “In the Heights.”
- She reminisced about her experience with “Dance of the Vampires,” sharing humorous stories of its premiere.
- Her powerful performance of “Almost like Praying” spotlighted its origin, written in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Diverse Performances and Guest Artists
Gonzalez also captivated the audience with “One School” from “21 Chump Street,” introducing young talent Philippe Arroyo, who sang “What the Heck I Gotta Do.” The playful banter between them delighted attendees, showcasing Gonzalez’s stage presence.
As a former Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton,” Gonzalez delivered a moving suite of songs, particularly her rendition of “Satisfied,” engaging the audience to join in a sing-along.
Chart-Topping Hits and Family Stories
Following intermission, Gonzalez energized the crowd with “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from “Encanto.” The song made history as the first from a Disney animated film to top the Billboard Hot 100 in nearly three decades. Her multilingual delivery highlighted its global appeal.
Continuing the theme of love and family, she performed “Dos Oruguitas,” sharing her parents’ love story. This emotional moment resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing her ability to connect through music.
Heartfelt Conclusion with Community Support
Gonzalez closed the concert with “Fearless,” featuring the Boston Children’s Chorus. This song stemmed from her social media movement aimed at uniting and uplifting voices. Together, the harmonious performance celebrated themes of resilience and community.
As the final notes echoed, the audience responded with thunderous applause, honoring Gonzalez’s interpretation of Miranda’s music. This unforgettable evening illuminated the profound connection shared between the artist, her heritage, and the musical genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda.
