I can't speak to Mandy Gonzalez's performance. But Ljay is right in that she is a great vocalist and a great actress. Having seen Karen Olivo a couple of weeks ago, I can say I don't think anyone will be able to rap the role like Goldsberry but then again no one will be able to rap like Miranda or Odom. People have to let go of that and appreciate the performances on their own. So Olivo could not rap with the seamlessness that characterized Goldsberry's take on the role, but she delivered an intense, beautifully acted take on Angelica. Her voice was incredible and her acting reminded us all why she is a Tony winner and why she is so sorely missed on Broafway. The point being is time to let go of tbe OBCR and start taking in these new performers on their own without unmerited comparisons. I hope I get to see Gonzalez as Angelica, she's one of the best musical theatre actresses working today.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"