a play by Steven Michelson

Copyright© 1999 by Steven Michelson. All rights reserved.

Fifteen years ago, RICHARD MILLER and AMY ROSS were high school sweethearts. After years of separation, their paths cross again when they get stranded at O’Hare International Airport, and their fondness for one another resurfaces. Is fate drawing them together after all these years, giving them a second chance at living happily ever after? Or have they taken such different paths in life that they can no longer see eye-to-eye? Through flashbacks to their teenage years, as well as on-stage conversations between the adults and their "younger selves," they explore their feelings for each other, and learn to cope with what life has dealt them. Richard struggles to come to terms with the tragic and premature loss of his wife, as Amy struggles to restore balance between her career and her desire for a relationship, while coming to terms with a childhood that wasn’t nearly as perfect as it seemed from the outside. Building Pyramids explores the choices people make, and the effects those choices have on their lives and their relationships.

AMY ROSS - A 33 year old woman. She is an executive at a small company, and has an obsessive but likeable personality. When she becomes interested in something, she goes all-out, sometimes losing site of the big picture. She is an intelligent, personable woman, who, on the surface exudes a great deal of confidence. In reality, she is somewhat of a lost soul, striving to find meaning in her life, clinging to whatever comes along.

RICHARD MILLER - A 33 year old man. He is a journalist, who is focussed on two things – caring for his three year old daughter and doing a good job, in that order. He suffered a great loss two years ago when his wife died at too young an age, and has not yet learned to cope with this loss.

PRE-TEEN AMY - Amy as a pre-teen (12-13 years old)

PRE-TEEN RICHARD - Richard as a pre-teen

TEENAGE AMY - Amy as a teenager (15-18 years old)

TEENAGE RICHARD - Richard as a teenager

The present. Act I takes place in the United Airlines wing of Chicago’s O’Hare International airport, the living room of Amy’s condominium, and the living/dining room of Richard’s house. Act II takes place in the living/dining room of Richard’s house.