Theater Legend Bill Pullinsi Is Fondly Remembered

By Cate Rees-Hessel

Chicago theater innovator Bill Pullinsi was beautifully memorialized at the Broadway Playhouse on June 29th. The event was hosted by his son Jaime, and featured numerous speakers delivering tributes, including David Perkovich, Chuck Cilona, David Pomatto, Dennis Conway, Diane Stillwell, Ernie Lane, Greg Kolack, Iris Lieberman, Julie Jackson, Larry Adams, Larry Wyatt, Martine-Kei Green Rogers, Michael Weber, Paula Scrofano Reeger, and Dale Benson. The stage was set in homage to Mr. Pullinsi, including his favorite caps. Musical numbers such as “Impossible Dream” from Bill’s favorite musical “Man of La Mancha” and “The Sound of Music” were lovely and gorgeously sung. Mr. P was remembered as caring and professional, a man of faith in God and vision; his genius will long be remembered.

The “father of dinner theater” began his theatrical career with basement and church puppet shows. Eventually, with brother in arms Tony D’Angelo, his vision came to fruition as the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Summit, which was enjoyed by so many, including the Wednesday matinee ladies. He went on to helm The Forum Theatres, and then Theatre at the Center. Bill treated all his theater and restaurant employees like family, launching many acting, directing, and other careers. Memories of his blocking scenes on a table at home using M&M candies or aspirins as stand-ins for actors brought smiles to the attendees.

Mr. P was also a baseball fan, husband, and father. Images were projected in the lobby of the family man, enjoying Christmas, vacations, and graduations. 8 by 10 photos lined the baseboards of the lobby depicting the wonderful productions his iconic theaters produced for many years. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and the audiences he entertained. Rest in eternal peace to a theater great and all around good guy, Bill Pullinsi, for as the song says, he strove, “to reach the unreachable star”…

Category: Uncategorized