For Mandy Gonzalez, the musical 'Basura' tells a story we all need to hear

For Mandy Gonzalez, the musical Basura frames a personal and universal message through the real story of the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, and it is playing at the Alliance Theatre through July 12. Gonzalez, who has previously appeared on Broadway in Wicked and Hamilton after In the Heights, stars as Mónica, a single mother who is described as strong-willed and overprotective, opposite Nambí played by Jaci Calderon. The production features music and lyrics by Grammy-winning Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan, with a book by Karen Zacarías and direction by Michael Greif. Gonzalez discussed how she was brought into the project about two and a half years ago, including collaboration opportunities that evolved through readings and workshops. After breast cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to Broadway in 2024 as Norma Desmond.