Mandy Gonzalez

Jan. 8. Mandy Gonzalez sat on the edge of the Cain Center for the Arts stage on Saturday night and fielded about a dozen questions from members of Lake Norman youth choirs who joined in her next to last song.

It all happened during rehearsal where the star of “Hamilton”—she played Angelica Schuyler—was down to earth, funny and warm.

Her stunning voice was apparent during the gala first-anniversary performance that brought out hundreds of people.

Gonzalez, who also starred in “In the Heights” and “Wicked,” wowed everyone with her star-power.

The New Jersey resident was a fitting first-anniversary performer: Her mighty voice and humanity were apparent the entire evening. She explained her mother is Jewish, while her father is Latino.

She is a breast cancer survivor.

Cain Center | Photo by Justin Dionne

Cain at 1 year

The $25 million, 400-seat theater showed off its noteworthy acoustics as well as an inviting art gallery and classroom space.

During its first year, the Cain Center hosted more than 15,000 adults and children, including all programs, classes and events, at the same time engaging more than 200 volunteers.

The youth choir was a special one-time combination of students from around Lake Norman. It consisted of cast members from the upcoming shows Frozen Jr (Davidson Community Players) and Be More Chill, which are both performing here.