Inside Iowa State

November 4, 2005

Missed opportunities

by Dave Gieseke, LAS public relations

Karla Kash says she likes to do theater that makes people think. The Pavilion, a play about missed opportunities and possible second chances, is such a production.

"This is a play about time," said Kash, theater faculty member and the play's director. "Time is something I think we all fight with. There's not enough time to do this or that. Not enough time to do the things you want to do. Nor enough time to say what you want to. Before you know it, time has run out."

The play (performed this month by ISU Theatre) was written by Craig Wright, who recently turned his attention to writing scripts for the television shows Six Feet Under and Lost.

The Pavilion is the story of a 20-year high school reunion and the return of a former student (Peter), who hopes to win back the girl (Kari) he left behind. As the reunion progresses, both Peter and Kari face the consequences of choices made long ago and learn if they have the strength to go on.

"Here are a pair of high school sweethearts who haven't seen each other in 20 years and, although they have gone their separate ways, he realizes he is still in love with her," Kash said.

"He sees the high school reunion as a chance to make amends and see if they can again form some sort of relationship."

Kash added, "I hope that after watching The Pavilion, people will make a phone call or go see someone and try to make amends."

Peter is played by Scott Siepker and Amanda Mullen is Kari. Jennifer Phillips, as the narrator, steps into 12 different roles (both male and female) as former classmates of the two.

The play will be presented at Fisher Theater Nov. 4-5 and 11-12 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. Tickets are $13 and available at TicketMaster locations and the Iowa State Center box office.

Amanda Mullen and Scott Siepker star in The Pavilion, performed by ISU Theatre this month. Photo by Pat Gouran.