The Next Stage Program, launched to aid theatrical professionals in honing their craft, will present Phenomenon of Decline April 25-27 under the direction of Tyler Greene.

The Long Wharf cast will feature Shannon Bolcer, Peter Chenot, Darragh Garvey, Sarah Kronenberg and Jenny Schuck.

Phenomenon of Decline, according to press notes, is described as such: "Fifteen years ago, Randolph Wonder's twin brother went into a bog to retrieve a fly ball and never returned. Now Randolph lives in the bog in a vigil of grief and guilt, in a ramshackle cabin he built by hand. But as the cabin starts sinking into the earth, and his three sisters arrive with three different agendas, Randolph must choose between seeking the dead and returning to life."

Phenomenon director Tyler Greene commented, "As a company of talented and eager artists, Phenomenon is appealing to us because it provides the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the development of a new work for the theatre. At a time when fresh voices for our generation are of supreme importance, we plan to use this as a chance to directly familiarize ourselves with the mechanisms involved in producing a new play, at the same time acquainting our collective with a promising writer emerging from our generation."

The creative team includes Next Stage participants Jeannie-Marie Burdette (set design), Brian Hoehne (lighting design), Kristin Rizzo (sound design), Katya Vetrov (costume design), Katie McGerr (dramaturg), Jeannie-Marie Burdette (properties), Mary Louise Deloy (technical director) and Jacob Stoebel (movement). Victoria Jones is the production stage manager. Donations are encouraged at performances of Phenomenon of Decline. For more information visit longwharf.org.

The Long Wharf Theatre is located at 222 Sargent Drive in New Haven, CT.