TWS Presents ‘An Evening with theatre legend Bill Pullinsi'

Submitted by the Theatre of Western Springs.

Western Springs, IL - As part of its Cattell Series of free lectures, the Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) presents “An Evening with Bill Pullinsi” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2016, at TWS, 4384 Hampton Ave. 

The public is invited to the free event which will take place in TWS’ Cattell Theatre.

This is a one-night-only evening of conversation with the founder and artistic director of Candlelight Playhouse, American's first dinner theatre in Summit.

“Chicago theatre would not exist as we know it today if it weren’t for Bill Pullinsi," said Greg Kolack, TWS artist-in-residence who will be moderating the evening. "He brought theatrical innovations into existence and raised the quality to a level that many theatres still use as a measuring stick today. He first introduced Chicago to many shows that are now regarded as classics and gave many well-known performers, designers, and others their start, including myself.”

Pullinsi is recognized as a master director amongst theater professionals internationally and nationally for staging the American musical.

Pullinsi is no stranger to the Theatre of Western Springs. In January, 2004, he was the guest director of "Noises Off" at TWS.

He has directed and/or produced more than 400 shows in his career receiving 18 Jeff Awards. He produced numerous shows that became part of Chicago's rich theatrical history due to their record breaking multiyear-runs including "Fiddler on the Roof," "Man of La Mancha" and "Little Shop of Horrors."

Not one to rest on commercial hits alone, Pullinsi opened the Forum Theatre in 1970 to present more thought provoking theater including "The National Health," "Robert and Elizabeth" and the world premiere of "Boss."

Additionally, at Candlelight, he took chances on musicals that weren’t received well in their initial productions, which he made major successes in the Chicagoland area including "Follies," "Song & Dance" and "Rags."

Pullinsi received his B.F.A. from Boston Conservatory, did graduate work at the Goodman School and received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities from Lewis University. He was named a Distinguished Artist in the Theatre by the Chicago Academy of Arts and also by the Chicago Drama League.

In 1989, Pullinsi became the first American director to stage a musical in Russia with a Soviet cast and crew. He directed "Man of La Mancha" during a five week visit to the Drama Theatre of Turgenev in Orel (south of Moscow).

Pullinsi is a lifelong member of Actors Equity Association and a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

In 2005, he joined Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana, as Artistic Director until 2015, when he began his new role as Artistic Director Emeritus. He recently received a Lifetime Achievement award from the League of Chicago Theatres, and also received a special Jeff Award for his 50 years in Chicago Theatre.

The TWS event is free, but reservations are requested. Call 708-246-3380 or go to: theatreofwesternsprings.com.