¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs compose and direct an original production that celebrates the university’s furry friends and the journey to find 'something greater'
¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs compose and direct an original production that celebrates the university’s furry friends and the journey to find 'something greater'
“Verlin Pulley: The Remaking of a Man” is an original ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ work by junior Theatre and Creative Writing double major Max Kaufman and directed by junior Psychology major Bradley Beck. Performances are Oct. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. in Studio 88 of ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ’s Center for Performing Arts building. With a lightheartedness and playful spirit, “Verlin Pulley: The Remaking of a Man” is the adventure you never knew you needed; whether you're a puppy or a person, this play reflects the journey of finding your purpose.
The play highlights the lives of ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ President Gregory Crawford and University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford’s pups Newton and Ivy. “When Bradley asked me to write something for him to direct, I knew I wanted to take advantage of the iconography of the university,” playwright and producer Kaufman said. “Nothing is more iconic than Newton and Ivy Crawford.”
“Verlin Pulley: The Remaking of a Man” explores ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ landmarks and legends through the eyes of Newton and Ivy, who are searching for their “something greater” in life. It’s reminiscent of the many ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs who are finding their way in life at the university, making it a great show for ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs, alumni, and families alike.
"I've enjoyed discovering how even a story about two dogs at ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ can be so universal and moving,” Beck said. "Directing a show about Miami has brought me closer to the unique tradition of this university.”
“By bringing these icons into conversation, I gave myself the opportunity to make meaning and find depth in things I didn’t understand — which is sort of what theatre is perfect for.” Kaufman said. After finishing the script, Kaufman’s work won The Edward J. Montaine Award in English from the ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ Department of English.
“Verlin Pulley: The Remaking of a Man” shows Oct. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. in Studio 88. Admission is free, with the request that attendees RSVP.
About the Show
Before Ivy, a golden retriever, comes to live with the Crawfords, she can already hear them: the bells! But what could they mean? Could it be that someone is trapped inside of Pulley Tower, calling for rescue through high frequency sound-signals? Ivy says yes. Rescuing that trapped person, however, is going to be a challenge. Newton might mess up all her plans, too. (He’s also a golden retriever.) For Ivy to do something greater, she’s going to have to make a change. And honestly, she can’t even roll over. Things may get ruff!
