PSJA ISD alum designing costumes for major Broadway productions
Texas Border Business
NEW YORK, NY – Wilberth Gonzalez, a PSJA North High School Alum and Associate Costume Designer for seven-time Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Catherine Zuber, is currently living his childhood dream of working in the Big Apple.
Working alongside Zuber for the last six years, Gonzalez shared that he has assisted in designing pieces for numerous Broadway shows like “Moulin Rouge,” “My Fair Lady,” “The King and I,” “War Paint,” and most recently “Mrs. Doubtfire.”
“It’s surreal to often be one of the only Hispanics and youngest artists in the room,” said the 29-year-old. “It inspires you to keep going, continue to work hard, and be the example.”
The Valley native grew up in Pharr. He graduated from PSJA North High School in 2008 and received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in Theater and Dance with a focus in Costume Design and Scenic Art in 2012. Gonzalez went on to complete Julliard’s Professional Apprentice Program in 2013.
While at PSJA ISD, the alum was a part of the PSJA North High School Orchestra, Marching Band, and assisted during the theatre children’s show production of Aladdin, Jr.
Despite living in New York, Gonzalez shares that he stays in touch with his family who still resides in the Rio Grande Valley and remains in contact with teachers and lifelong friends from his time at PSJA.
“I love giving back and motivating others,” said the PSJA alum. “Coming from the Valley has made me want to go further. I want to keep going and never settle.”
About Wilberth Gonzalez
Wilberth Gonzalez is a costume designer and crafts artist. Design work includes costume and scenic design for “Unshakable”, part of The Santa Fe Opera’s for all ages. Costume design for “The Tempest” part of the Public’s Mobile Unit. Assistant design credits include: “My Fair Lady” Broadway, “War Paint” Broadway, “Fiddler on the Roof” Broadway, “King and I” Broadway. Associate design for “Moulin Rouge” the Broadway musical. He has also created costume pieces for the film “Hustlers”, Ocean’s 8”, “The OA” Season 2, HBO’s “Fahrenheit 451”, HBO’s “Watchmen”, Disney+‘s “Noelle”. Upcoming work includes associate design for “Mrs. Doubtfire” the musical, set to premiere on Broadway in the spring.
