By Dawn Pauli, contributing writer

OU senior Ashley Bogert is making her directing debut in “Private Lives,” a play by acclaimed British playwright Noel Coward.

A production of OU’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance (MTD), the play runs April 15-18 in Varner Lab Theatre and features a cast of OU students. 

Students can propose to direct a play after taking Directing I and II (THA 405 and THA 406). The director is selected based on student availability, titles proposed, feasibility and compliment to the rest of the season. Once a student is selected, they may get credit for the project through THA 407 (Advanced Directing Project).

“This is an opportunity for Ashley to direct a full evening of theatre,” said Karen Sheridan, associate professor of theatre. “All the students in Directing II have already directed a one-act play. It also gives additional opportunities to our student actors. ‘Private Lives’ is a brilliant comedy – a very funny play.”

“Private Lives” traces the romance of Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel. The play features OU students Meghan Trudell, Matt Forbes, Liz Michalek, Stefan Mantyk and Ben Lynch.

Show times are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for general admission and can be purchased at the door.

For more information on MTD performances, visit the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance Web site.