As a strong-faithed Jewish man runs for the second highest office in the land, the Long Wharf Theatre contemplates what it means to be Jewish and religious in Modern Orthodox, the latest from Adam Baum and the Jew Movie scribe Daniel Goldfarb. The world premiere comedy takes its bows Oct. 11-Nov. 19 with an official opening Oct. 18.

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.

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