Though Alyson Moriarty had performed at community events in Coral Springs, Parkland, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and the Starz of the Future Talent Competition in West Palm Beach, she hadn’t sung in her hometown of Coconut Creek until this year.
Moriarty, 18, performed at Coconut Creek’s Butterfly Festival after winning the city’s first “Creek Idol” competition, claiming the title with her performance of “Vanilla Ice Cream” from the Broadway musical “She Loves Me.”
The senior at the College Academy at Broward College, who is obsessed with the musical “Hamilton,” recently was accepted at the University of Florida. She talked with Coconut Creek Lifestyle about what the future holds.
How did you discover your singing talent?
Music has been in my family, but I started singing with a music teacher when I was in third grade [in chorus class], and I haven’t stopped. I don’t plan to.
I want to be a trauma surgeon, but I want to still perform at local places. I know I’ll probably be busy, but I definitely want to make [singing] something that I keep doing.
When did you know you wanted to become a surgeon?
My mom had scoliosis. It’s genetic, and I knew I would have it. … When I got checked in middle school, they told me I should see an orthopedic surgeon. When they measured my curve it was already 50 degrees—not too much for a brace, but I knew that a brace wouldn’t help much because it was increasing quickly. I had surgery when it was 63 degrees.
I knew I always wanted to be some kind of doctor. I was really excited to have [the surgery]. I watched a bunch of videos, and it made me more interested in it.
I talk to people on the phone who are about to have surgery who need some inspiration. I love inspiring people or helping them.
How else did the surgery affect your life?
I think it made me more confident. I was never the kind of person to be negative about myself, but I was always self-conscious. One hip would stick out more than the other and my shoulder blades would stick out. They still do, but I had the surgery and I like spreading the word about it. I wear green during June because that’s Scoliosis Awareness Month.
How have you worked on peforming?
I’ve worked really hard on having a stage presence because I used to stand still on stage in front of the microphone. … At the beginning of this year, I actually started to move around on stage.
Performing on stage was never a huge thing for me, but actually getting the stage presence [was important]. With that, I hope to inspire other people who see me to work hard to do the same thing. As a trauma surgeon, it’s also the same (goal)—to inspire people, because my doctor inspired me to become a doctor.
Do you think your love for music and your career will ever intersect?
If I have time as a trauma surgeon, I’d love to put myself out there as a surgeon and a singer. But my mom always tells me, ‘Show me the singing surgeon’ and that’s what everybody tells me when they hear I want to be a surgeon. If I could do both, I’d love to do both.
DON’T MISS
Check out these performances and events throughout the month:
Jay Leno
The comedian and former “Tonight Show” host offers up a night of laughs.
When: April 6
Where: Broward Center
Dionne Warwick
The five-time Grammy winner performs her greatest hits at The Pavilion.
When: April 8
Where: Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
Miami City Ballet
The company presents three ballets, including two from George Balanchine.
When: April 8 & 9
Where: Broward Center
Panic! At the Disco
The rockers end their “Death of a Bachelor” tour with guests MisterWives.
When: April 15
Where: The BB&T Center
Neil Diamond
The music icon celebrates his career with the “50 Year Anniversary World Tour.”
When: April 26
Where: The BB&T Center
Pompano Beach Seafood Festival
The 33rd annual festival includes live entertainment, arts and craft vendors and a kids zone. The event supports several area charities. Tickets and information: pompanoseafoodfest.squarespace.com.
When: April 28-30
Where: On the beach, north of Atlantic Boulevard
