Michelle Bruckner is returning to Boothbay Harbor this summer in a performance at the Opera House and as director of the Carousel Music Theater's first show of the season.

"Lipstick and Gamblers" opens Thursday evening and is a comic re-do of the Hatfields and McCoys feud set to the music of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

Bruckner is a talented and versatile singer, actress and dancer whose career has taken her to Broadway and literally around the world. She 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 such theatres as TUTS, North Shore Music Theatre, and her beloved Maine State Music Theatre where she choreographed South Pacific under the direction of Charles Abbott.

Bruckner's first professional job was in Boothbay Harbor at the Carousel Music Theater under the direction of Dominic Garvey. He exposed her to many eras of music and inspired her to create the two recordings she has available.

In addition to teaching at New York University and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Bruckner performs her one-woman shows throughout the Northeast. These four separate shows encompass music from Broadway, the Roaring 20's, World War II era, and standards from the Rosemary Clooney songbook. Response to these shows has been enthusiastic, so it was only natural that Bruckner produced her first two CDs from this material, and is busy working on a Christmas album which will contain several self-composed new songs.

Always pushing herself to grow as an artist, Bruckner has also developed and performs a live show with her music director, Kelsey Halbert.

Tickets for the Carousel's production may be reserved at 633-5297. Michelle is at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor Wednesday, Aug. 8, and tickets may be purchased for her show at 633-6855.