Title: Embracing Norma Desmond in 'Sunset Boulevard': Mandy Gonzalez Returns to Her Roots
Stepping into the limelight once more, Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez reprises her role as Norma Desmond in the reimagined Broadway musical "Sunset Boulevard." That iconic tune, "As If We Never Said Goodbye," reverberates through the St. James Theatre, a testament to Gonzalez's enduring resilience and indomitable spirit.
"Watch me fly, we all know I can do it," sings Desmond, her words echoing Gonzalez's own journey along the heights of Broadway stardom. Tutoring Tuesdays and select performances of the production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, Gonzalez breathes new life into the classic role, originally filled by Nicole Scherzinger. The potency of these lyrics lingers, mirroring Gonzalez's own determination and unyielding strength.
Singing "As If We Never Said Goodbye," Gonzalez, affectionately known as "the Beast," draws upon her career spanning two decades since her debut in "Aida." Her resumé boasts originating the role of Nina Rosario in "In the Heights," tackling the multifaceted characters of Elphaba and Angelica Schuyler, and traversing the globe for her concert tours. With her series of young adult novels, "Fearless," penned and a diversity-focused social media movement named #FearlessSquad under her belt, Gonzalez truly embodies the spirit of persistence and growth.
But her journey hasn't been without adversity. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, Gonzalez continued to perform in "Hamilton" during her treatment, courageously sharing her experiences to offer solace to those battling similar struggles. These trials have only strengthened her connection to the vulnerable and resilient Norma Desmond.
Graceful upon the St. James Theatre stage, Gonzalez's heartfelt gratitude pulses as she gazes upon the sea of faces rendered by her memories. "I see everybody who has been a part of my life," she reflects, her Mexican-American father and Jewish mother's influence permeating her every performance. The tender thread of gratitude woven into her on-stage moments elevates "Sunset Boulevard" to deeply personal and intimate levels, being the very essence of empathy and connection.
Her journey began with her steadfast grandmother who believed in her budding talent. Encouraging Gonzalez to attend classes and auditions, she introduced the young starlette to torch singers like Judy Garland, Eydie Gorme, and Ethel Merman. It was the backdrop for her love for music and the forcing ground for her passion in artistry.
From her hometown in Santa Clarita, California, Andrew Lloyd Webber's music became the beating melodrama of her Broadway pulse. It was during an eighth-grade field trip to a Los Angeles production of "Sunset Boulevard" in which she first saw the legendary score come alive, fueling her drive to become a part of that very world.
Gonzalez recalls the hurt of being told to change her name due to her ethnicity, being deemed unfit to play roles like that of Norma Desmond. The struggle of feeling like an outsider even in her very own background came to a head when she landed the iconic role. It marked a full circle, a testament to Gonzalez's unwavering dream to prove her place in the world of Broadway.
Director Jamie Lloyd's minimalist approach to "Sunset Boulevard" relies heavily upon close-ups and stark digital screens, rather than props or set pieces, amping up the intensity of the performances. Gonzalez, joined by Tom Francis, Grace Padgett Young, and David Thaxton, is projected onto massive screens, literally larger than life.
Though daunting, Gonzalez approaches the challenge with confidence in her own abilities. Her experiences and growth as an artist have instilled in her a sense of trust and self-belief, all the while keeping Jamie Lloyd's directive to be "enough" at heart.
"Jamie lifts you up to trust yourself and your instincts," remarks Gonzalez. "He asks you to be your most authentic self." The profound impact of this mentorship is evident in Gonzalez's moving performance, as she combined elements of her own life with Norma Desmond's character, creating something raw and emotional.
Touched that she is the first Latina to play the role of Norma Desmond on Broadway, Gonzalez acknowledges the power of her representation. Regardless of one's background, she expresses, everyone has the chance to stand where she does. "You can be here, too. You can stand in my shoes."
Enrichment Insights:
- Gonzalez's own experiences of resilience and empathy have allowed her to breathe new life into the iconic role of Norma Desmond.
- Her journey, from feeling like an outsider due to her ethnicity to becoming a Broadway success story, has resonated with her portrayal of Norma's struggles.
- The guidance she received from Jamie Lloyd, who encouraged her to embrace her natural talents and authenticity, has further enriched her performance of this classic character.
- Gonzalez's efforts to pave the way for diverse representation on Broadway serve to inspire and motivate young performers from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
After drawing inspiration from Judy Garland, Eydie Gorme, and Ethel Merman, Gonzalez's love for music was ignited during an eighth-grade field trip to a Los Angeles production of "Sunset Boulevard." Andres Lloyd Webber's music became the heartbeat of her Broadway dreams. Despite being told to change her name due to her ethnicity, Gonzalez's determination to prove her place in the world of Broadway culminated in her landing the iconic role of Norma Desmond, a full circle moment for her career.
