A filling main course of "Dinner with Friends" will open March 12 at Butler Little Theatre, One Howard St.

Casey Bowser, well known for his acting, hits the boards for the first time in the role of director in this production.

"'Dinner with Friends' deals with reality. All characters are layered and relatable. It's a show that generates conversation. What you take away from this show is going to be different than that of the person beside you," Bowser said.

The show revolves around the marriage relationships and friendships of two couples and how those relationships are impacted by divorce and infidelity.

Bowser said he is delighted by the professionalism of the cast and the legs of the play.

"'Dinner with Friends' won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 so we know the material is great; we have a good cast so all the parts are in place to do something really special," Bowser said.

Still, the behind-the-scenes pressure is a bit different for Bowser than being center stage.

"The actors work hard and showcase their talents for me for four weeks. If I lead them in the wrong way, that's on me. It's not their fault. And I feel a real pressure to make sure I point them in the right directions," he said.

Bowser has won the esteem of the cast and they are thrilled with his progress thus far.

Tom Smithyman of Franklin Park has worked with Bowser in the past.

"I've worked with Casey before as an actor, but this is the first time he's directed and he's doing a magnificent job," Smithyman said. "He's done his homework and knows exactly what he is looking for in each character and scene.

"His dedication is really remarkable," he added.

Smithyman plays the role of Gabe, who is forced to re-evaluate his own marriage when his best friend announces his intentions of divorcing his wife and pursing a woman with whom he is having an affair.

"Gabe passionately loves his wife, but life from raising the kids to paying the mortgage to meeting the deadline has transformed their marriage into something different than when they were first wed," Smithyman said.

"At middle age, Gabe is learning how to deal with those changes while still trying to hold together his marriage, his family and his life," he added.

His wife Karen is portrayed by Heidi Nicholls-Bowser.

"Karen is a somewhat judgmental food editor who seems to suffer from perfectionism and control issues," said Nicholls-Bowser. "She likes to advise everyone around her about what they should do, and then struggles with intimacy issues in her own relationships.

"My husband Casey Bowser is directing for the first time and directing his wife right out of the gate! He is really bringing his own vision, insight and energy to this play, which I know all of the actors have responded to," she said.

The woman scorned in this show is being played by Stephanie Kobil, who has played much more comedic roles in the past with Sing Hosanna! and the BLT.

"Most of the shows that I have done have been musicals or comedies. They have been much lighter. I wanted to try to do something that was more challenging for me as an actor," Kobil said.

"I play the character of Beth. She is a 40-something-year-old wife of a man who is leaving her. She is an artist and a free spirit, of sorts," Kobil said. "Throughout the show, Beth is forced to evaluate what she has done with her life. Although the changes may positively impact Beth's life, her friend, Karen, does not necessarily see it the same way."

Her husband is portrayed by Stefan Lingenfelter.

Patrons should note this show contains mature themes and adult language; parental discretion is advised.

"People should see this show because it will make you think," Bowser said. "'Dinner with Friends' deals more in reality than reality television deals in 'reality.'"

Tickets go on sale today to the general public.

<B>WHO: </B>Butler Little Theatre<B>WHAT: </B>"Dinner with Friends" by Donald Margulies<B>WHEN: </B>March 12 to 20. Curtain is at 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.<B>WHERE: </B>One Howard St.<B>TICKETS: </B>$10; call 287-6781 between 7 and 9 p.m.<B>INFORMATION: </B>www.bltgroup.org.