Talented and versatile singer, actress, and dancer Michelle Bruckner, whose career has taken her to Broadway and literally around the world will perform an evening of Broadway classics and music from the American songbook on Wednesday, August 8 at the Opera House in Boothbay Harbor.  She will be backed up on the piano by Kelsey Halbert.

Michelle played the role of Kitty in the Broadway production of “Chicago” and performed on national tours of “Chicago,” as Sheila in “A Chorus Line,” “Damn Yankees,” “La Cage aux Folles,” and “Grease.” She has starred in many regional productions for theatres including North Shore Music Theatre and for many seasons with the Maine State Music Theatre. Her first professional job was in Boothbay Harbor at the Carousel Music Theatre under the direction of Dominic Garvey more than 20 years ago.

Michelle Bruckner and her piano accompanist Kelsey Halbert have performed together for two decades and have produced three recordings together. When Kelsey began playing piano at age 5, he had no idea that his talents would eventually take him around the world. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London England, and at the University of Colorado at Boulder, then sailed with Holland America Line Cruises as a solo pianist and music director.

Kelsey made his Broadway debut playing keyboards for the revival of “Grease!” and was associate conductor for the Broadway production “Taboo” written by and starring Boy George. Kelsey was music director for national tours of “Annie Get Your Gun” starring Marilu Henner and Tom Wopat, “Saturday Night Fever,” “Crazy For You,” “West Side Story” and “The Wizard Of Oz,” and was associate conductor for the national company of “Chicago.”

He is a frequent conductor at the Muny in St. Louis, winning a Kevin Kline Award for Outstanding Music Direction, and was a guest conductor for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. Kelsey has performed for two Presidents and two Vice Presidents, and has played and conducted for Rosemary Clooney, Rich Little, Donald O’Connor and Charo.

Tickets for this evening of Broadway music and more are specially priced at $12 if purchased in advance. Tickets purchased on the day of the show are $15.  Tickets and information are available through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Avenue or by calling 633-5159.  Tickets are also available online at boothbayoperahouse.com.

The performance on August 8 begins at 7:30 p.m., doors for seating open at 7.