BWW Blog: Ashley Arcement of FLASHDANCE! National Tour - Flashdance is Sydney Morton's Turn...

By: Feb. 28, 2014
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"There's a time in your life when everything is possible and then, before you know it, there's a time when almost nothing is. This isyour turn. And if you fall you get right back up." These are the words in Flashdance that hold intense meaning to Sydney Morton, our new Alex Owens. In this scene, Alex's mentor, is giving her the inspiration and fire she needs to face her fear of being rejected by a dance school for being different.

Growing up dancing ballet, Sydney recalls that it was always an uphill climb. She didn't necessarily fit the typical ballerina mold. Eventually she focused less on dance and more on the singing and acting to get roles in musicals. So getting the chance to dance one of the most challenging parts in theatre currently means the world to her. She also relates to not knowing how much longer she can perform like this and doesn't take any moment for granted.

She felt both thrilled and slightly nervous to take on such a stamina-fueled dance role, after having done fewer challenging dance roles in the last few years. As she points out, there just aren't that many parts in musicals that require so much dancing, singing, and acting, and rarely leaving the stage. She calls it a "Liza with a 'Z' on steroids."

Sydney made her debut performance last week in Peoria, Illinois. And what a welcome to Flashdance she got! Due to blizzard-induced flight cancellations, two cast members didn't make it to the show, we had one principal on vacation, and it was also the debut of another ensemble member. In total there were six people performing roles for the first time, including me! Sydney was actually thrilled that she could slide into her part without all the focus being on her. And sure everything didn't go perfectly, but she said the cast made her feel so supported that she was able to laugh and enjoy herself during the show.

Sydney is a Broadway veteran, having appeared in Motown, Evita,and Memphis. However, she has never before done a tour! She is loving it and now thinks that tour life is something every performer should experience. She enjoys being able to focus on the show and have fewer distractions than she would at home in New York. And I'm pretty sure she also thinks we're fun.

The Flashdance family is thrilled to welcome Sydney and we are all looking forward to having our remaining few months of the tour be with her at the helm! Also, check out the personal blog of Ms. Morton at http://sydneymorton.wordpress.com

She has things to say about things!



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