Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
 

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 ... (read complete bio)

Stage Credits

  [Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1977
Molly (Alternate) [Replacement]
Annie [Replacement]
Kate
Annie (Understudy) [Replacement]
Molly (Understudy)
  [Broadway]
1976
Flora (Understudy)

Shelley Bruce Biography

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 News

Long Beach Will Host the Third of 10 Community Festivals in Honor of the Getty's 25 Photo Long Beach Will Host the Third of 10 Community Festivals in Honor of the Getty's 25th-Anniversary Celebration
by A.A. Cristi - May 18, 2022

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 Cel Photo BWW Review: ANDREA MCARDLE & FRIENDS CELEBRATE THE 45TH ANNIEVERSARY Is Cause For Celebration At Feinstein's/54 Below
by Stephen Mosher - May 6, 2022

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 Be Photo A 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & More to Take Place This Week at Feinstein's/54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2022

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.

Broadway Streaming Guide: May 2022 - Where to Watch GIRLS5EVA & More New Releases! Photo Broadway Streaming Guide: May 2022 - Where to Watch GIRLS5EVA & More New Releases!
by Michael Major - May 2, 2022

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!

Andrea McArdle & Friends Come Together for the 45th ANNIEversary Photo Andrea McArdle & Friends Come Together for the 45th ANNIEversary
by - May 2, 2022

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

BWW Exclusive: A History of ANNIE on Broadway and Beyond Photo BWW Exclusive: A History of ANNIE on Broadway and Beyond
by Jeffrey Kare - Dec 2, 2021

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 Photo Compound Opens To Public Tomorrow
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 14, 2021

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 Photo Sarah Jessica Parker to Join ANNIE Reunion on STARS IN THE HOUSE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 21, 2021

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 M Photo Virtual Theatre Today: Friday, May 21- Andrea McArdle, Frank 'Fraver' Verlizzo, and More!
by Nicole Rosky - May 21, 2021

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! Photo VIDEO: Watch an ANNIE Reunion on Stars in the House- Live at 8pm!
by Nicole Rosky - May 21, 2021

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.

Shelley Bruce Videos

VIDEO: Former Annies Reunite for 40th Anniversary
by Julie Musbach - Jun 11, 2017

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
by Stage Tube - Jul 30, 2016

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'.


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


Twitter Watch

@Shelley_Bruce08 - 6/23/22 12:36pm I just earned the 'Beer of the World (Level 2)' badge on @untappd! https://t.co/oz9JWYM0v7


@Shelley_Bruce08 - 6/23/22 12:36pm I just earned the 'Brewery Pioneer (Level 7)' badge on @untappd! https://t.co/eJt4xBKflk


@Shelley_Bruce08 - 6/23/22 12:36pm I just earned the 'Cheers To You! (Level 7)' badge on @untappd! https://t.co/RiOEqqjrt1


@Shelley_Bruce08 - 3/17/22 09:02pm #goodnighthackettstown https://t.co/uRIoWXGjuK


@Shelley_Bruce08 - 3/17/22 08:53pm Happy St Patrick's Day from @czigmeister @ Czig Meister Brewing Company https://t.co/XnYHsKoUyw


@Shelley_Bruce08 - 3/17/22 08:51pm Amazing crepes???? @crepes_shop_hackettstown #Peanutbutterchocolatedrizzle #applecinnamoncarameldrizzle https://t.co/MtRSiSjfki


@Shelley_Bruce08 - 3/17/22 08:44pm Amazing crepes???? @crepes_shop_hackettstown #Peanutbutterchocolatedrizzle #applecinnamoncarameldrizzle @ Enjoy Cr… https://t.co/FktJxdFnjr


@Shelley_Bruce08 - 3/14/22 07:12pm #wintersunsets https://t.co/7uqDieZ0mr


@Shelley_Bruce08 - 3/14/22 07:12pm #wintersunsets https://t.co/7uqDieZ0mr


@Shelley_Bruce08 - 3/13/22 03:37pm Sunday afternoon latté with a friend ? #worldofriley https://t.co/WHaq5vOdNN


MORE TWEETS