Long Wharf Theatre Presents the World Premiere of THE CONSULTANT, Now thru 2/9

Long Wharf Theatre presents the world premiere of The Consultant by Heidi Schreck, directed by Kip Fagan, from tonight, January 8 through February 9, 2014 on Stage II.

Tickets are $40-$70. The press opening is Wednesday, January 15, 2014.

The cast is comprised of Clare Barron (Amelia), Cassie Beck (Tania), Darren Goldstein (Mark) and Nelson Lee (Jun Suk), and Lynne McCoullough (Barbara.) The creative team is Drew Boyce (sets), Jessica Pabst (costumes), Matt Frey (lighting), Daniel Kluger (sound) and Sunny Stapleton (stage manager.)

After a series of brutal layoffs at Sutton, Feingold and McGrath, a precocious young consultant is brought in to save a middle-aged adman's job, and maybe his life. This hilarious and keenly observed world premiere takes an intimate look at how money and work shape the human heart - and what we owe to others when everything around us is falling apart. "The Consultant is a fresh new comedy-drama about the contemporary corporate culture of consultants, middle management and office paranoia. Schreck's play is irreverent, a little kooky and very humane," said Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.

Playwright and actress Heidi Schreck recently appeared in Long Wharf Theatre's production of The Old Masters, starring Sam Waterston. Schreck has won two Obie Awards and a Drama Desk Award for her on stage work. Her plays There Are No More Secrets (Rattlestick) and Creature (New Georges and Page 73) enjoyed critical acclaim. "(Schreck's) dialogue vibrates with the kind of allegorical language seldom heard from contemporary American Playwrights, making her voice more akin to a novelist or beat poet," said NYTheatre.com.

The Consultant came out of Schreck's real experience working in a pharmaceutical marketing company. Like the title character of the play, Schreck was hired to help an executive with his presentation skills. "The main problem is that he was depressed. He ended up getting fired and I felt responsible. I felt like I was there to help him but I didn't know how to help him. He had a deep problem that was addressed in a superficial way," she said.

Recalling this life experience, coupled with the precariousness of living in New York City at the height of the economic downturn, prompted Schreck to examine the world of work and what it does to people. In an environment where the norms, such as they are, are breaking down, Schreck is interested in learning about what obligations people have to each other. "There is absurdity in the piece because there is absurdity in the corporate world," Schreck said. "I do think these environments are steeped in love in a way that we don't realize. People care for each other in ways that aren't expected."

For more information about Long Wharf Theatre or to purchase tickets, go to www.longwharf.org or call 203-787-4282.