Mandy Gonzalez Shines at Boston Pops, Celebrates Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Music

BOSTON, Mass. — On September 20, 2025, Mandy Gonzalez lit up Symphony Hall with an enchanting performance celebrating Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s music. Conducted by Keith Lockhart, the concert featured Gonzalez’s engaging anecdotes and captivating renditions that enthralled the audience.

The evening began with the orchestra’s powerful “Everything I Know-verture,” which incorporated familiar melodies, including a playful nod to Miranda’s “You’re Welcome” from Moana. As the crowd cheered, Gonzalez entered the stage, radiating confidence and warmth.

Gonzalez, who first connected with Miranda while auditioning for his musical In the Heights in 2005, reminisced about meeting the creative team in The Drama Book Shop. “That was the beginning of a lifelong friendship,” she conveyed to the audience.

Highlighting her own bicultural identity, Gonzalez performed “Spanish Me, English Me” from Sesame Street, sharing her experiences growing up listening to ¡Sesame Mucho! with her Mexican-American father and Jewish mother. Reflecting on a past struggle with her name, she declared, “My last name is not Carr with two R’s; it’s Gonzalez with two Z’s.”

As she sang “Breathe” from In the Heights, Gonzalez connected her own journey on Broadway as the character Nina, expressing the emotions of self-doubt. “It resonates deeply with me,” she shared during her performance.

She also addressed a previous Broadway experience, recalling the mixed reviews of Dance of the Vampires in 2002. “I remembered my mom saying, ‘There might be some good ones,’ and then laughing, I realized, ‘There weren’t,’” she joked.

During her rendition of “Almost like Praying,” Gonzalez honored Miranda’s tribute to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, contextualizing the song’s importance and its call to action. “Art can inspire change,” she exclaimed.

Gonzalez introduced guest vocalist Philippe Arroyo in “What the Heck I Gotta Do” from 21 Chump Street, showcasing a playful chemistry that delighted the crowd. Later, she shifted to a suite from Hamilton, performing “Satisfied” with striking conviction and inviting audience participation.

After intermission, Gonzalez invigorated the audience with the Disney hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” noting its historic success on the Billboard charts. She performed parts in various languages, underscoring the song’s universal appeal.

She continued with “Dos Oruguitas,” sharing a personal love story about her parents and their commitment. “My father’s letters won her heart,” Gonzalez recalled, revealing her family’s history.

In a humorous moment during “Delivery” from Working, Gonzalez donned an apron and exchanged banter with Lockhart, highlighting the song’s playful themes.

Concluding her concert, she performed “Everything I Know,” reminiscing about her grandmothers. “My abuelita showed me how to be strong,” she said, as she poured her heart into the performance.

Gonzalez closed with “Fearless,” featuring the Boston Children’s Chorus. “Walls come down,” she emphasized, embodying hope and resilience as the audience erupted in applause. The concert was a journey through Miranda’s work, showcasing Gonzalez’s powerful voice and rich storytelling.