Review: EVERYTHING I KNOW: MANDY GONZALEZ SINGS LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA at Marian Anderson Hall
Mandy Gonzalez delivers a powerhouse performance celebrating Lin-Manuel Miranda's greatest hits with the Philly Pops orchestra.
I knew Mandy Gonzalez could sing, even belt, but I was unprepared for the power house she truly is. Mixing elements from her own life, insight on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s background and his influences, the Philly Pops with conductor Chris Dragon, special guest José Mendez, humour, great music, and amazing singing, Everything I Know: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Lin-Manuel Miranda, is a show that simply cannot be missed.
Including fan favourites from Hamilton, In The Heights, Moana, and much more, the score is elegantly elevated by the Philly Pops orchestra, adding a small classical layer. In a smart choice, the music highlights Mandy’s sense of humour. Whether it’s pulling a small prank on the audience, poking fun at herself, or just highlighting her emotional highs and lows; the Philly Pops effectively raises the bar.
Matching the overall themes of support, community, inclusion, and knowing you always have a place where you belong; it was no surprise to see everyone in the theatre laughing, clapping, and even singing along (when asked). Beyond the audience, even the Philly Pops happily let loose. Spinning their instruments, singing a few lines, and clearly dancing in their seats.
My favourite part, though? The inclusion of the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Disney’s Encanto. In nothing short of the epitome of inclusion, Mandy impressively sings the lyrics in a multitude of languages including, but definitely not limited to, Japanese, Spanish, English, Ukrainian, and Turkish.
Everything I Know: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Lin-Manuel Miranda is a show that should not be missed. For me, once just isn’t enough. I can’t wait to catch it a second time in Pittsburgh.
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