Last Chance to catch the season opener at Long Wharf's Stage II: The Shoulder, a three-actor musical composed by Dan Moses Schreier and written & directed by Dan Hurlin. The piece, ending Nov. 21, officially opened at the New Haven, CT venue Oct. 20 after starting previews Oct. 13.

Inspired by a true story, The Shoulder tells of an Iowa with failing eyesight whose brother is dying. Since he can no longer drive, the farmer rides a tractor five miles per hour down the highway to make the trip.

Composer Schreier's music has been heard in the celebrated New York Shakespeare Festival mounting of The Tempest and Lincoln Center Theatre's recent Far East. He's also served as sound designer on such recent Broadway outings as The Golden Child and The Diary of Anne Frank.

Author-director-designer Hurlin is best known in the downtown dance and performance world, and he won a "Bessie" award for the visual design of Quintland - The Musical (which featured music by Schreier). He also appears in the piece, alongside Allan Kellar and Doug Marcks.

Designing The Shoulder, which officially opens Oct. 20, are Hurlin (set), Anna Thomford (costumes), Tyler Micoleau (lighting) and Jeffrey S. Carlson (sound). Pianist Alan Johnson serves as musical director, with Bruce Coughlin providing the orchestrations. For tickets and information on the Long Wharf Theater call (203) 787- 4282.

-- By David Lefkowitz