Broadway Star Mandy Gonzalez Coming to Great Waters Music Festival in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

There are some people who discover theatre because they love to perform. Others discover that the stage becomes a place where they finally feel like themselves.

That's exactly what happened to me.

Growing up, theatre became my second home. It was where I built lifelong friendships, found confidence, and discovered a passion for storytelling that eventually led me into filmmaking and radio.

It gave me a place where I felt accepted, safe, and encouraged to be creative. That's why I was so excited for the opportunity to speak with Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez ahead of her upcoming performance at the Great Waters Music Festival in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

Mandy Gonzalez via Hailey Helms Publicist

Most people recognize Mandy Gonzalez from her incredible Broadway résumé, including playing Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, originating the role of Nina Rosario in the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights, and starring as Elphaba in Wicked. But I found myself wanting to know more about the woman behind those unforgettable performances and the path that led her there.

Mandy Gonzalez via Hailey Helms Publicist

After asking her a few questions via email, she sent me back a voice memo that exudes her beautiful, sunshine aura.

"I grew up in Southern California," Gonzalez told me. "I was always around music. Singing was how I expressed myself."

That love of music eventually led her to the stage, where she found much more than a career.

"The stage was a place where I could completely be myself... where I belong," she said.

Like so many artists, Gonzalez's path wasn't an overnight success.

"My story is not an overnight story. A lot of auditions. A lot of no's," she shared. "Every setback taught me something. I still show up. Looking back, I am so grateful for this journey. It's made me the artist I am today."

Most recently, Gonzalez starred in the world premiere of BASURA, a new musical inspired by the true story of Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra of Cateura. The production, featuring original music by Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan, tells the inspiring story of children who transformed discarded materials into musical instruments.

Gonzalez said working on the production reminded her "why I love creating new work" and summed up its message in three powerful words: "Hope. Family. Finding beauty in unexpected places." She also called collaborating with Gloria Estefan and the entire team "so incredibly moving," adding, "We are hoping that this is just the beginning of this beautiful journey."

Theatre has shaped her in such a way that really resonated deeply with me.

"Theatre has shaped me as a storyteller. It's made me more compassionate and more fearless," Gonzalez said. "I've always had these things inside myself, but theater brought it out a lot more."

She continued, "Every role I've played has challenged me to understand someone else's perspective. That not only changed who I am, how I perform, but how I move through the world. And if I could help someone feel seen or less alone through a story, then I think I've done my job."

As someone whose own life was changed by theatre, I couldn't think of a more beautiful reminder of why the arts matter!

If you'd like to experience Mandy Gonzalez live, she's performing at Anderson Hall Performing Arts Center on the Brewster Academy campus on Saturday August 8th as part of the Great Waters Music Festival.

Tickets for the Wolfeboro performance currently range from $29 to $94, depending on seating availability. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Great Waters Music Festival ticket page.

Gonzalez has also appeared on television in Madam Secretary, Bull, Quantico, and Only Murders in the Building; voiced characters for Disney; performed with renowned symphony orchestras, including at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops; released her debut album Fearless; and authored the young adult Fearless book series.