David Chandler (A Question of Mercy) and Lorca Simons (Collected Stories) opened the world premiere of Allen Knee's dance-oriented love story Syncopation, Nov. 22 at Connecticut's Long Wharf Theatre. Performances began Nov. 16 for a run through Dec. 19 . Long Wharf's Greg Leaming directs the play which will travel to New Jersey's George Street Playhouse in January in exchange for the Playhouse's production of Anne Meara's Down the Garden Path.

A two-person romantic drama set in 1911 Manhattan, Syncopation is the story of Henry (Chandler) and Anna (Simons), unlikely lovers drawn to one another by dance. As they practice their skills together, the two fall in love. Knee is the author of The Man Who Was Peter Pan, Late Nite Comic, Second Avenue Rag and Shmulnik's Waltz.

Chandler, a veteran of Long Wharf's Mercy, which traveled to London, appeared on Broadway in Death of a Salesman. Simon played Lisa opposite Uta Hagan in Collected Stories and in the first national tour of Three Tall Women.

Jeffrey Lunden composed the score for the choreography by Willie Roserio. The design team includes Judy Gailen (sets), Jess Goldstein (costumes), Dan Kotlowitz (lighting) and Fabian Obispo (sound).

For tickets, call (203) 787-4282. -- By Christine Ehren