Daniel Pollack-Pelzner in conversation with Brian Herrera: “Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist”

Author and scholar Daniel Pollack-Pelzner will visit Princeton to discuss his new book, Lin-Manuel Miranda: Education of an Artist (Simon & Schuster). Associate Professor of Theater Brian Herrera will join him in conversation at the Princeton Public Library.

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. With full access to Miranda’s inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and beyond. The result is an intimate and captivating exploration of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s artistic journey, revealing how the creator of multiple successful Broadway musicals found his unique voice through bold collaborations and a seamless blend of cultures, redefining the world of musical theater.

About the Guests

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner has written about theater and contemporary culture for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. He teaches theater history at Portland State University and is the scholar-in-residence at the Portland Shakespeare Project.

Brian Eugenio Herrera is, by turns, a writer, teacher and scholar—presently based in New Jersey, but forever rooted in New Mexico. Brian’s work, whether academic or artistic, examines the history of gender, sexuality and race within and through U.S. popular performance. He is Associate Professor of Theater in the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University, where he is also a core faculty member in the Program in Gender and Sexuality Studies and a faculty affiliate with the Programs in American Studies, Music Theater and Latino Studies.