Casey Bowser of Center Township is directing the unusual play “Tonight at 8:30,” which is actually three plays in one.

“Still Life,” “Family Album” and “Hands Across the Sea” are part of this compilation play by Noel Coward.

Show dates are April 2 to 11 at The Art Center.

This is Bowser’s second directorial effort. He directed “Dinner with Friends” for Butler Little Theatre in 2010.

After seeing “Tonight at 8:30,” he knew he wanted the opportunity to direct it. He approached Hobnob. which welcomed the idea.

“We are working with great material. These stories are good fun and make you think. Also, every actor plays more than one character over the course of the evening,” said Bowser.

The director’s wife, Heidi Nicholls Bowser, plays a married woman, a spinster and a distracted socialite in the production.

Though for some it might be a challenge directing their spouse, Bowser said he finds it easy and enjoyable.

“Directing my wife is easy. She’s attacks everything she does with a passion. She has a drive to do well at whatever she takes on and she’s doing a great job,” the director said.

Offstage she is a personal trainer and mother of three.

“This three-play format gives me the unique opportunity to showcase some of my versatility as an actress,” she said.

The actress has done comedies and dramas but finds this format compelling. “I enjoy both and have always been drawn to material that transcends the definition of comedy or drama. Coward has the unique ability to tackle comedy, satire and social commentary all at once and I love that,” she said.

Tom Smithyman of Franklin Park portrays Bowser’s love interest in one of the plays.

“Heidi and I have played husband and wife twice before this show, so our chemistry, in my opinion, is fantastic. I like to joke that this is the third time we’ve played husband and wife, but the first time we’ve played lovers,” said Smithyman, who will play a doctor, a butler and a Navy officer.

The intimacy of the plays and the venue are at the forefront of his mind as he approaches this production. “These are very intimate shows. There is humor to be certain, but it’s not usually bawdy, farcical humor with lots of doors slamming and people making quick entrances and exits. It’s about the characters and their foibles. There’s not a lot of movement either. So we all have to focus on the small things like facial reactions and our posture,” he said.

Kevin Lukacs, also of Center Township, is taking to the stage with Stanley as his main character.

“He’s a young guy, flirtatious, charming, and rarely serious, which is why I love playing him. He’s so different from the young gentleman I normally play,” said Lukacs, a Slippery Rock University senior.

For some, the intimate theater setting could be daunting, but for Lukacs who’s already performed there, it’s no problem.

“The Art Center is so intimate. After having done ‘Woman of No Importance’ last year, it’s a joy to come back,” he said.

The roles of Myrtle, Emily and Clare are played by Elizabeth Anne Smith of Donegal Township. Her characters are a socialite, a hard woman and a naïve baby of the family.

For Smith, the cast is making the challenge of doing three roles rewarding.

“All of us are playing more than one character in the course of the evening. It’s a challenge to prepare for all three characters, but one that is made easier when working with other actors who know what they’re doing,” she said.

Smith came to this show with no former knowledge of it but is delighted to work with the director.

“I was excited to see a newer classic playwright being brought to life by Casey,” she said.

The audience should expect to laugh, Bowser said.

He describes the event like this: “It’s fun and it’s short. I joke that with three short plays it’s like short attention span theater. If you’re not in love with one play, wait; there’s a new one coming in 20 minutes.”