In 2004, Shelly called an old friend - her "Annie" director Martin Charnin - and together they embarked on her re-emergence into the world of theatre and cabaret.
(L to R) Shelly's Back - Crepe De Paris, Shadowlands, Shelly Burch as Joanne in Company
Martin created 3 cabaret acts for her which played in Orlando and Washington D.C. She subsequently moved to the Pacific Northwest, where she triumphed in "There's Always One More Song to Sing" at the Crepe De Paris in Seattle. She also performed in Issaquah at Village Theatre in the new musical "Robin Hood," and in "Shadowlands," the story of the love affair between C.S. Lewis and Joy Gresham, and again received accolades ranging from "radiant" to "stunningly attractive". She played the role of Joanne in "Company" (originated on Broadway by Elaine Stritch) at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Where critics again acclaimed her portrayal as "searing and heartbreaking." Shelly also created one the leading roles in Village Theatre's production of "Love is Love," which moved to The Moore Theatre in Seattle, and went on to be produced in Florida in October 2009, at The Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Jupiter Florida, and received glowing notices.
