Powell's Presents: Daniel Pollack-Pelzner in Conversation With Lindsey Mantoan

How did Lin-Manuel Miranda, the sweet, sensitive son of Puerto Rican parents from an immigrant neighborhood in Manhattan, rise to become the preeminent musical storyteller of the 21st century? Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist (Simon & Schuster) offers a compelling narrative that traces Miranda’s path from a friendly but often isolated child to the winner of multiple Tonys and Grammys for his Broadway hits Hamilton and In the Heights, a global chart-topping sensation for his songs in Disney’s Moana and Encanto, and the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Genius Grant. Miranda’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and cultural synthesis. Despite not being a musical prodigy, Miranda’s insatiable drive to create art and learn from those around him propelled him to synthesize his Latino heritage with the pop, hip-hop, and Broadway musical styles of New York City. The unique blend allowed him to craft a new way of telling American stories. Drawing on over 150 interviews with Miranda’s family, friends, and mentors, including insights from Miranda himself, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda’s artistic vision. From his early musicals in high school and college to the creation of his professional masterpieces, this book reveals the sources of Miranda’s creativity — not only as innate genius, but also as a result of exceptional openness and collaboration. With full access to Miranda’s inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and beyond. Pollack-Pelzner will be joined in conversation by Lindsey Mantoan, the Ronni Lacroute Chair in Theatre Arts and an Associate Professor at Linfield University.

Buy the book: https://www.powells.com/events/daniel-pollack-pelzner-in-conversation-with-lindsey-mantoan-9-21-25

You may also like the following events from Powell's Books, Inc.:

• This Monday, 15th September, 07:00 pm, Powell's Books: John Birdsall in Conversation With Claire Lower in Portland
• This Thursday, 18th September, 07:00 pm, Powell's Presents: Tami Parr in Portland
• This Saturday, 20th September, 10:30 am, Powell's Presents: Kids' Storytime With Steph Littlebird in Portland

Also check out other Arts events in Portland, Fine Arts events in Portland, Theatre events in Portland.