Finding Home: Mandy Gonzalez on Broadway, Belonging, and Her Miami Connection
Meet Mandy Gonzalez, an artist whose grounded warmth matches the unmistakable power of her voice. While theatergoers know her for commanding performances as Elphaba in Wicked and Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, originating Nina Rosario in In The Heights remains deeply personal.
That breakthrough role closely mirrored her own arrival in New York City, where pursuing an ambitious career meant learning how to build a chosen family from the ground up. Today, Gonzalez continues to bring that same authentic energy to every project, appearing on television in Only Murders in the Building and headlining symphonic stages across the globe.
Her creative work reaches far beyond the stage and screen. Gonzalez authored the young adult novel series FEARLESS, sharing a title with her debut solo album. That central message inspired her to establish #FearlessSquad, an online community founded on inclusivity and the reminder that vulnerability is simply part of personal growth. She also dedicates substantial time to philanthropic work, holding active board roles with both the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. When stepping away from professional commitments, she recharges through quiet routines, whether working on a needlepoint project or listening to true crime podcasts.
In this exclusive interview with Miami Living, Gonzalez reflects on the roles that shaped her life and the advice she would offer her younger self starting out. She discusses her love for Miami culture, her friendships with Gloria and Emily Estefan, and how the legacy of Buena Vista Social Club inspires her own musical vision. When picturing an ideal afternoon in the city, she skips tourist destinations in favor of sitting at a local cafe, enjoying a fresh cubano and cafecito with close friends.
On Stage and Finding Home
Miami Living (ML): You’ve played Nina in In the Heights, Elphaba in Wicked, and Angelica in Hamilton. Which character has stayed with you the most offstage?
Mandy Gonzalez: I really think all of these characters have stayed with me a little bit. I played these characters at very poignant times in my life. As they were growing, so was I.
ML: In the Heights explores family, identity, and belonging, themes that resonate in a city like Miami. What did playing Nina teach you about your own sense of home?
Mandy Gonzalez: Nina made me feel less alone. Coming to NYC on my own to follow my dreams, being from a proud, loving family that believed in me... so much of what I did at that time wasn't only for me, but for them too. I think I was searching for a place I could call home. Being a part of that company, we created our own sense of home, and I had never felt so seen and loved.
Sound, Culture, and the Miami Connection
ML: When you think of Miami, what comes to mind first? Is there a place or an experience here you’d love to make time for?
Mandy Gonzalez: I think of my dearest friends from In The Heights and Gloria and Emily Estefan! I want to immerse myself in the culture and the place that they love and grew up in, so I really hope to see them while I'm there.
ML: Miami has a mix of musical influences. Is there a sound or an artist outside of Broadway that you’d love to explore in your own music?
Mandy Gonzalez: Absolutely! One of my favorite shows on Broadway right now is Buena Vista Social Club. I listened to those songs as a young girl, and to see those stories onstage makes me want to find more, to honor the history and see what new sounds are happening. When you grow up somewhere so rich in artistry, you can't help but be inspired by it.
Everyday Bravery and Life Offstage
ML: Between your music, your books, and #FearlessSquad, the word “fearless” keeps coming up. What does it mean to you on a day when you’re not feeling particularly brave?
Mandy Gonzalez: Oh, I have many of those days. I think my message is a reminder that we are not alone, and our struggles and suffering are part of the journey. The more we embrace and accept the fear, the less it controls us.
ML: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you when you’re not performing?
Mandy Gonzalez: Well, I just started needlepointing and I like to knit! I really like staying busy by creating things.
ML: Do you have a guilty pleasure that doesn’t fit the image people might have of you?
Mandy Gonzalez: I love Reese's Pieces and true crime podcasts. Somehow they just go together!
A Day in the City and Looking Ahead
ML: If you had a completely free day in Miami, would you head for the beach, find somewhere good to eat, explore the city, or do something else entirely?
Mandy Gonzalez: I would spend the day at a cafe, eating a cubano, drinking cafecito, and chatting with friends.
ML: Looking back at the young performer who was starting out, what would you tell her now?
Mandy Gonzalez: Listen to your heart, and fly! You will find home everywhere you go.
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