With Joseph Lieberman on the November ballot, what better time for Modern Orthodox, opening Oct. 18 at Connecticut’s Long Wharf Theatre? Adam Baum and the Jew Movie scribe Daniel Goldfarb's comic contemplation of what it means to be Jewish and religious in modern America began previews Oct. 11 for a run through Nov. 19.

In Modern Orthodox, a young, newly-engaged Jewish couple finds an unwelcome surprise on their doorstep -- an unconscious Orthodox Jew. They take him in, letting him sleep on their couch, and, as he demonstrates his faith, he also challenges the couple to contemplate their own neglected beliefs. Goldfarb won the 2000 Oppenheimer Award for Adam Baum (to be given Nov. 10), which made its New York premiere in fall, 1999. Other works include Dulce de Leche about a Jewish man and his Gentile bride who travel to Argentina for their honeymoon.

The four person cast features Michael Goldstrom (Hersh), Julie Lauren (Hannah), Matthew Rauch (Ben) and Rebecka Ray (Rachel).

Emmy Award nominee John Pasquin directs. For film and television, he has helmed episodes of "Home Improvement," "L.A. Law," "Growing Pains," "Roseanne" and "thirtysomething" and the movies "Jungle 2 Jungle" and "The Santa Clause." An Obie winner for Moonchildren, Pasquin directed Holiday, The Caretaker and Homesteaders at the Long Wharf.

Designing Modern Orthodox are Walt Spangler (sets), Linda Fisher (costumes), Peter Maradudin (lights) and Matthew Mezick (sound). Tickets are $45-$20. For reservations, call (203) 787-4282.The Long Wharf Theatre is on the web at http://www.longwharf.org.

-- By Christine Ehren