THE COLUMNIST
Manhattan Theatre Club stages David Auburn’s play about the mid-century political writer Joseph Alsop, starring John Lithgow, Margaret Colin, Boyd Gaines, Stephen Kunken, Brian J. Smith, and Grace Gummer. Daniel Sullivan directs. Opens April 25. (Samuel J. Friedman, 261 W. 47th St. 212-239-6200.)
DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER
The Roundabout presents a new comedy by Marc Camoletti (“Boeing-Boeing”), about a web of infidelity among a husband, his wife, his mistress, and his visiting friend. Starring Ben Daniels, Patricia Kalember, Adam James, and Jennifer Tilly; John Tillinger directs. In previews. Opens April 26. (American Airlines Theatre, 227 W. 42nd St. 212-719-1300.)
AN EARLY HISTORY OF FIRE
The New Group presents a drama by David Rabe, set in the early nineteen-sixties, about a young Midwestern man who must choose between small-town life and a college girl’s wider world. Jo Bonney directs. In previews. Opens April 30. (Acorn, 410 W. 42nd St. 212-239-6200.)
LEAP OF FAITH
Raúl Esparza stars in a new musical, based on the 1992 film, in which a con artist impersonating a minister swindles the people of a small Kansas town. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Janus Cercone and Warren Leight; Christopher Ashley directs. In previews. Opens April 26. (St. James, 246 W. 44th St. 212-239-6200.)
LONELY, I’M NOT
Second Stage presents this comedy by Paul Weitz, in which a divorced millionaire (Topher Grace), recovering from a nervous breakdown, meets a young businesswoman (Olivia Thirlby). Trip Cullman directs. In previews. (305 W. 43rd St. 212-246-4422.)
MAN AND SUPERMAN
David Staller directs George Bernard Shaw’s classic comedy, about a man attempting to escape the grasp of a woman determined to marry him. Previews begin April 26. (Irish Repertory, 132 W. 22nd St. 212-727-2737.)
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Bebe Neuwirth, Christina Ricci, David Greenspan, Anthony Heald, and Taylor Mac star in the Shakespeare comedy, at Classic Stage Company. Tony Speciale directs. In previews. Opens April 29. (136 E. 13th St. 866-811-4111.)
MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA!