For 10-year-old Voorhees resident and Signal Hill Elementary School student Giuliana Bruzzese, acting simply runs in the family.
Giuliana’s older sister Gianna was the speaking voice of Tasha in television network Nick Jr.’s show “The Backyardigans,” has appeared in multiple commercials and played the role of Little Cosette in the Walnut Street Theatre production of “Les Miserables.”
Giuliana’s older brother Dante found similar success in short films, including “The Getaway,” directed by Juilliard School teacher Ellen Novack, in addition to sharing the stage with his sister Giuliana during the Walnut Street Theatre’s 2012 production of “The Music Man.”
Now for Giuliana, her fortune finds her in the children’s ensemble of the Walnut Street Theatre’s ongoing production of the musical “Mary Poppins,” which she’s been performing in since November.
According to Giuliana, her journey into acting started at just 3 years old when she auditioned for a commercial because she saw her older brother and sister as actors and thought she might like it.
That thought became a reality when Giuliana got her first role in a commercial for Six Flags Great Adventure, and she has continued acting in the years since.
For Giuliana, she said performing all comes down to enjoying the feeling of an audience reacting to her.
“I like the feeling of getting to be seen by other people, and I like how sometimes the audience reacts to how I’m acting,” Giuliana said.
Because of that, Giuliana said she prefers stage performances, the Walnut Street Theatre in particular.
“I just love it there so much,” Giuliana said. “I like the people there. They’re really nice. I like how they have all these events I get to go to, and be in the Thanksgiving event and get to do the tree lighting.”
Giuliana’s mother, Georgeanne, said she thinks Giuliana’s love of performing in an ongoing show, especially at the Walnut Street Theatre, stems from being able to make a connection to other kids her age.
“Whenever she’s done a TV show or commercial, there aren’t as many kids and it is short lived, but where as in a show, it’s such comradery,” Bruzzese said. “Between the scenes they’re all playing…the kids just really bond.”
Bruzzese said it also helps that she has her older brother and sister who are proud of her and support her efforts, which only adds to how happy she is after every performance.
“Giuliana always comes out glowing,” Bruzzese said. “If she came out and she wasn’t happy, we wouldn’t want her in there, but she always comes and is glowing and exhilarated.”
Long-term, Giuliana said she wants to take her hobby of acting and turn it into her career, with a short-term goal of landing a lead role.
“I really like how being a lead you get to be on stage a lot and get lines and you get to sing and dance and talk and have more responsibility,” Giuliana said.
However, for now, Giuliana simply credits her manager, Cathy Parker, and her parents for letting her do what she loves.
“My manager, she’s really nice and she’s like a grandmother to me and she’s very supportive, and I love my mom and dad for letting me do acting,” Giuliana said.
Those wishing to see Giuliana on stage have until Jan. 4, with performances on Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., on Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., on Dec. 30 at 2 p.m., on Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Jan. 4 at 2 p.m.
For ticket information, call (215) 574–3550 or visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org.
IF YOU GO:
What: Walnut Street Theatre Production of “Mary Poppins”
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia
When: Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., on Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., on Dec. 30 at 2 p.m., on Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Jan. 4, 2 p.m.
Cost: Tickets: $20 — $95
How: For ticket information those interested can call (215) 574–3550 or visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org.
