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Shelley Bruce

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Shelley Bruce BIO

Best known for "Annie" on Broadway, Shelley started her career at 7 years old in commercials. At 8, she was blessed to be directed by Sal Mineo in "The Children's Mass" along side Gary Sandy. In 1977 at the age of 12, she originated the role of Kate in "Annie" before taking over the title role in 1978 when Andrea McArdle left to open the show in London. Ms. Bruce has over 50 commercials to her credit, as well as, regional and off-Broadway credits. In 1981, she was diagnosed with Leukemia but even that did not keep her away. Within a year, audiences got to see her alongside Walter Willison in "Broadway Scandals of 1928" as Sandy McGuire, a character loosely based on real life Screen Legend Ruby Keeler

At the same time, Shelley penned her autobiography "Tomorrow is Today" which chronicles her life from the early days of commercials through her battle with Leukemia. After raising her 2 children, Ms. Bruce now makes various public appearances, coaches young talent interested in pursuing their acting/singing careers and also spends her time running her handmade crochet items business Amethyst Soteria which donates a portion of the proceeds to Pediatric Cancer Research. On July 27, 2016, a little piece of history was made when Shelley joined long time friend, Andrea McArdle on stage at The Winery at St. George for a rare duet of the opening number from "Annie", "Maybe"

Shelley Bruce STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1977
Molly (Alternate) [Replacement]

Annie [Replacement]

Kate

Annie (Understudy) [Replacement]

Molly (Understudy)

[Broadway]
1976
Flora (Understudy)


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Photos: The Gasp Collection


After four years at Broadway World Cabaret, quite a collection of photos has been amassed. These are the gasp-worthy pics.

Which Shows Had the Biggest Overhaul From Out-of-Town Tryout to Broadway Opening?


This time, the reader question was: which Broadway shows had the biggest overhaul from their out-of-town tryout to their Broadway opening?

Long Beach Will Host the Third of 10 Community Festivals in Honor of the Getty's 25th-Anniversary Celebration


The Long Beach Creative Coalition is thrilled to announce the Getty 25 Celebrates Long Beach on Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5, at Houghton Park from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Organized in partnership with The J. Paul Getty Trust, Community Arts Resources (CARS), and the Long Beach Creative Coalition, the festival will feature diverse artists from throughout the city, shining a light on local talent with an emphasis on North Long Beach, where the festival will take place.

BWW Review: ANDREA MCARDLE & FRIENDS CELEBRATE THE 45TH ANNIEVERSARY Is Cause For Celebration At Feinstein's/54 Below


With a special group of galpals for life, Andrea McArdle is at 54 Below celebrating a time, just a few years back, when she and her girls were having the time of their lives.

A 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & More to Take Place This Week at Feinstein's/54 Below


This week, FEINSTEIN’S/54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Andrea McArdle & Friends Come Together for the 45th ANNIEversary


Special Offer - NEXT WEEK! Andrea McArdle & friends come together for the 45th ANNIEversary

Broadway Streaming Guide: May 2022 - Where to Watch GIRLS5EVA & More New Releases!


This May, Broadway fans will be treated to an exciting lineup of new albums, concerts, television shows, and movies to binge. From the new Spring Awakening: Those You've Known documentary on HBO to new additions to Feinstein's/54 Below's concert livestream slate, check out what's coming to streaming services this month!

BWW Exclusive: A History of ANNIE on Broadway and Beyond


Tonight, NBC will air its sixth live musical production. Following in the footsteps of The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, The Wiz, Hairspray, and Jesus Christ Superstar, the peacock network will be presenting Annie. Based on Harold Gray's comic strip titled Little Orphan Annie, this musical tells the story of a little orphan with equal measures of pluck and positivity who charms everyone's hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in New York City in the year 1933.

Compound Opens To Public Tomorrow


Compound, an expansive new cultural complex exploring the intersection of contemporary art, wellness, and community, will be open to the public from Thursday to Sunday from 12:00PM to 7:00PM beginning this Thursday, July 15, 2021. 

Sarah Jessica Parker to Join ANNIE Reunion on STARS IN THE HOUSE


Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley recently announced Stars in the House reunions of the casts of “Godspell,” “Annie,” and “Pageant'. It was today revealed that Sarah Jessica Parker will be joining the original orphans and Andrea McArdle on tonight's 'Annie' reunion episode of 'Stars In The House!'  

Virtual Theatre Today: Friday, May 21- Andrea McArdle, Frank 'Fraver' Verlizzo, and More!


Today (May 21) in live streaming: Frank 'Fraver' Verlizzo visits Backstage Live, the Next on Stage Top 10, an Annie reunion on Stars in the House, and more!

VIDEO: Watch an ANNIE Reunion on Stars in the House- Live at 8pm!


Stars in the House continues tonight (8pm ET) with an ANNIE Reunion with Andrea McArdle, Danielle Brisbois, Shelley Bruce, Diana Barrows, Robyn Finn, Donna Graham, Janine Ruane and Kristen Vigard.

STARS IN THE HOUSE Announces WICKED Game Night, ANNIE and GODSPELL Reunions & More!


 Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley announced today a theater-lovers dream week of shows, as they will reunite the casts of “Godspell,” “Annie,” and “Pageant,” and host a very special Elphabas vs. Glindas “Wicked” game night!  All will benefit the Actors Fund, and several nights will include matching donations from generous supporters of the arts. 

Richard Skipper and Brian Michael Hoffman Celebrate Bill and Dorothy Berloni Featuring Orfeh and Andy Karl, Laura Bell Bundy, Debra Monk, and More!


Friday Night, May 29th at 8PM ET, Richard Skipper and Brian Michael Hoffman will be celebrating Bill and Dorothy Berloni for the Theatrical Animals Fund! 

Casts of MRS. DOUBTFIRE, SIX. ANNIE Anniversary, LES MIS Reunion and More This Week on STARS IN THE HOUSE


a?oeStars in the Housea??, a daily online show to benefit The Actors Fund, the national human services organization for everyone in performing arts and entertainment, announced next week's lineup of guests:

VIDEO: Former Annies Reunite for 40th Anniversary


She's the little redhead everyone knows, and she has launched the career of more than a few actresses. CBS Sunday Morning got an inside look at the reunion planned by former Annies on the 40th anniversary of the orphan's debut. Check out the video featuring Kristen Vigard, Andrea McArdle, Shelley Bruce, Sarah Jessica Parker, Allison Smith and Alyson Kirk.

STAGE TUBE: Andrea McArdle Sings 'Maybe' with ANNIE Successor, Shelley Bruce


During her show this week at The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake, NY, Andrea McArdle welcomed former ANNIE cast mate and original replacement for the titular role, Shelley Bruce, onstage for a duet of the first act ballad, 'Maybe'.

DREAMGIRLS, GREY GARDENS, Lena Horne, and More Featured in New Book


New Book from Theatre/Film/Art Publicist Now Available: THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER NEWKIRK by Walter Newkirk. Backstage stories about Lena Horne/LENA HORNE: The Lady & Her Music, Sheryl Lee Ralph/ DREAMGIRLS, Grey Gardens The Musical and The Broadway Annies including Sarah Jessica Parker, Andrea McArdle, Shelley Bruce, Alyson Kirk and Alyson Smith are featured in the new book The Secret LIfe of Walter Newkirk.

New Book About Backstage Theatre/Film Stories THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER NEWKIRK


In his forthcoming memoir, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER NEWKIRK, a veteran publicist confronts all aspects of his life including bouts with depression from 1978-2013, 4 hospitalizations between 2004-2012, the paralyzing and overwhelming fear of becoming homeless in 2011, his gay relationships from 1978-present day, in addition to his PR career in the fine and performing arts with backstage stories.

Photo Flashback: Scenes from the Original Production of ANNIE - Andrea McArdle, Dorothy Loudon, Sarah Jessica Parker and More!


ANNIE, the new production of the Tony Award®-winning musical, opens November 8, 2012 at the Palace Theatre (Broadway at 47th Street). Looking to expand your knowledge on the history of ANNIE before the revival's big opening night? Check out some vintage photos of the original Broadway production and more below!

Shelley Bruce FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Shelley Bruce been in?

Shelley Bruce has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Shelley Bruce been in?

Shelley Bruce has not appeared in the West End.

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