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Book by George Furth
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Directed by Gregory Pulver & Anderson Carr
Choreography by Gregory Pulver
Costume Design by Gregory Pulver
On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor, Robert, contemplates his unmarried state. Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks and even a wedding, his friends – "those good and crazy people [his] married friends" – explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse. The habitually single Robert is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions.
University of Portland
Spring | 2018
By Molière
Directed by Gregory Pulver
In Tartuffe, a comedy in five acts, Molièrerelates the story of an attempt, by an irreclaimable hypocrite, to destroy the domestic happiness of a citizen who, charmed by his seeming piety, has received him as a prominent guest. In painting such a portrait, this lively assailant of Parisian foibles was in a new element, though one that proved to him perfectly congenial. His genius had a serious side, and on that side he was unquestionably at his best, the character of Tartuffe being drawn with a strength and precision which few dramatists have equalled.
My goals for this production were: fast paced, comedia style acting and broad movement, updated for a “modern” audience. With those 3 guidelines in mind I set this production as a 1950’s TV sitcom complete with studio cameras, “APPLAUSE” sign and pre-show shenanigans. Each character was modeled after famous comedians of the time: Dorine was Lucile Ball, Orgon was Jackie Gleason, Elmire was Lauren Bacall, etc. The style of these early TV comedies fit very well with the broad physical comedy of French Manners plays.
University of Portland
Spring | 2017
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Gregory Pulver
Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.
Directing this musical at a private Catholic College was a treat and a challenge. My main approach was how does fame alter a personality, but if His words are true and full of love…they will last for lifetimes. I created a world that was contemporary and energetic with a cast of 63 and an orchestra or 27. As the play progressed the so did the fame of Christ and the numbers of his followers. 4 large screen TV’s support the story with slides from historical religious art to current media photos such as refugee incarcerations, crime and poor.
University of Portland
Fall | 2014
By Walton Jones
Directed by Gregory Pulver
A different time is evoked in this marvelously theatrical and winning show, a live broadcast of a The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade from the Hotel Astor's Algonquin Room on December 21, 1942. The spirit of that bygone era when the world was at war and pop music meant "Strike Up the Band" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" is accurately captured as the harassed producer copes with a drunk lead singer, the delivery boy who wants a chance in front of the mic, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad, and the trumpet playing sound effects man who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller.
As director and costume designer I wanted to honor a time gone by, the innocence of love and music, and to honor our men and women who gave their lives and careers to keep America safe.
Western Washington University
Spring | 2011
Based on the books by Rudyard Kipling
Directed and Choreographed by Gregory Pulver
This play begins in a real world of of past India and magically unfolds into the fantasy world of Jungle Book. I created a world that was both magical and imaginative as I transformed actors bodies into animal shapes and designed puppets as appendages. Complete with a 14 foot elephant god puppet and an evil rolling Queen Cobra based on a Kathakali Dancer, this production was a visual feast for the whole family.
Western Washington University
Summer | 2008
Based on the comic strip “PEANUTS” by Charles M. Schulz
Book by Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates,
Warren Lockhart, Arthur Whitelaw and Michael L. Grace
Music by Larry Grossman
Lyrics by Hal Hackady
Directed by Gregory Pulver
SNOOPY!!! – the musical sequel to YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN – deserves each of its three exclamation points. Based on the beloved Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, the show sparkles with wit and warmth as it depicts life as seen through the eyes of Schulz’s unforgettable characters.
My third shot at this delightful musical I wanted to design a set and direct this show to paid homage to Charles Schultz and his wonderful illustrations so I made the set look like a pop-up book from the Peanuts series. The character were dressed as contemporary versions of the classical characters.
Western Washington University
Fall | 2006
By Edward Albee
Directed by Gregory Pulver
George, a professor at a small college, and his wife, Martha, have just returned home, drunk from a Saturday night party. Martha announces, amidst general profanity, that she has invited a young couple—an opportunistic new professor at the college and his shatteringly naïve new bride—to stop by for a nightcap. When they arrive the charade begins. The drinks flow and suddenly inhibitions melt. It becomes clear that Martha is determined to seduce the young professor, and George couldn't care less. But underneath the edgy banter, which is crossfired between both couples, lurks an undercurrent of tragedy and despair.
As the director and set designer of this production I wanted to focus on this tragic story and the events in their lives happening over and over again. The set was designed as an alley configuration so that the action and banter bounced back and forth like a tennis match. The walls of the house had been “shouted away” and all that remained were the broken and floating picture rail and a few windows. The windows were hung in strategic places so that where ever the audience looked, or looked away, the action of the play was reflected in the windows…there was no escaping this tragedy.
Western Washington University
Summer | 2007
Music byRichard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Directed by Gregory Pulver
East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination.
I was awarded a grant to study at a performing arts center in Bangkok for 2 weeks in preparation to direct this musical. My goal was to understand the Thai people at their core and religion, learn their music form, cultural dance. and explore the city of Bangkok in order to represent the characters in this musical best.
With a cast of 57, I helped tell the story of the deep devotion the Thai have for their King. I took many pictures of the air quality, the architecture of the city and the beautiful palace for my scenic and lighting designers so they too would have primary research. My goal for the lighting was to show the “thickness” and moisture in the Bangkok air. The scenery, although painted flat, was rich in detail and decoration. My goal was to tell a story of love that did not offend the Thai nor emasculate their King.