'Tis the season for hilarious comedies, thought-provoking dramas, heartwarming stories and more opening on Off-Broadway stages.

ERNEST IN LOVE
Lady Bracknell and the creme de la creme of London society sing and dance to Oscar Wilde’s brilliant dialogue in this rarely seen musical adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest in which wit and grace rule the world absolutely and the right address and proper behavior is paramount except when it comes time to pay your creditors! Irish Repertory Theatre. Previews begin December 12, opens December 20, closes January 31.

FLANAGAN’S WAKE
Join the villagers of Grapplin, Ireland as they mourn and grieve the passing of one of their own as only the Irish can. Help celebrate Flanagan’s life and mourn his death with a few pints and plenty of tears - of laughter! An interactive comedy the Chicago Tribune calls “a great party!” Now playing at the Theatre at Sweet Caroline’s.

GROOVALOO
“Life isn’t always choreographed; sometimes you have to freestyle.” Driven by jaw-dropping displays of physical ability, a vibrant musical score and powerful spoken word poetry, the show's intertwined stories chronicle the struggles, hopes and triumphs of the 14-member cast as they discover the true meaning of family and share what it's like to be “in the circle.” Union Square Theatre. Previews begin December 1, opens December 8, closes January 3.

THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER
Carson McCullers’ classic novel comes to the stage in a new production by Rebecca Gilman (Spinning into Butter), directed by Doug Hughes (Doubt). A deaf man moves to a small Southern town where the locals flock to him as a newfound confidant, seeking compassion and understanding from the one person who needs it the most. New York Theatre Workshop in a co-production with The Acting Company. Now in previews, opens December 3, closes December 20.

THE LAST CARGO CULT
Monologist Mike Daisey (If You See Something Say Something) tells the story of his journey to a remote South Pacific island whose people worship America and its cargo as the international financial crisis that gripped the globe. Part adventure story and part memoir, he explores each culture to unearth a human truth between the seemingly primitive and achingly modern. The Public Theatre, opens December 3, closes December 13.

MISALLIANCE
Bernard Shaw’s giddy comedy of the dangerous joys of sex, love, marriage, and children quips and quibbles its way through what was supposed to be a lazy Saturday afternoon in the country. Love (or something) is in the air and wordplay is the weapon of choice in this peculiar and predatory game of courtship. Pearl Theatre Company at New York City Center Stage II. Previews begin December 4, opens December 13, closes January 24.

NEWSICAL THE MUSICAL
Originally seen Off-Broadway in 2004, the Drama Desk-nominated “ever-evolving mockery of all the news that is fit to spoof" returns to the New York stage with all new sketches and songs, starring Forbidden Broadway’s Christine Pedi. 47th Street Theater. Now in previews, opens December 9.

THE ORPHANS' HOME CYCLE – PART II (“The Story of a Marriage”)
Horton Foote’s nine-play saga about Horace Robedaux of Harrison, Texas continues with Part Two of The Orphans’ Home Cycle, featuring the interrelated one-act plays The Widow Claire, Courtship, and Valentine's Day. Signature Theatre at The Peter Norton Space. Previews begin December 3, opens December 17 and runs in repertory with parts One and Three of the cycle through March 28, 2010.

ORPHEUS X
A modern-day retelling of the ancient myth with original music and text by Rinde Eckert (2007 Pulitzer Finalist), video by Denise Marika, and directed by Robert Woodruff. A rock star named Orpheus is obsessed with Eurydice's memory and is unable to comprehend or cope, he shuts himself off from a life that once gave him glory, riches and a semblance of meaning. Theatre for a New Audience at the Duke on 42nd Street. Previews begin December 2, opens December 3, closes December 20.

SO HELP ME, GOD!
An uproarious backstage farce by Maurine Dallas Watkins, the author of Chicago — the play on which the musical is based. A fabulous dramatic diva (Kristen Johnston) who decides she wants to do serious drama—just so long as it’s fabulous! Also starring Anna Chlumsky. Mint Theatre Company at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Now in previews, opens December 7, closes December 20.

THIS
Jane is not okay. She’s a promising poet without a muse, a single mother without lessons to pass along. Her dating life’s a shambles, and her helpful friends are only helping make things more complicated. This bright, witty, un-romantic comedy captures the uncertain steps of a circle of friends backing their way into middle age. Playwrights Horizons, Mainstage Theater. Now in previews, opens December 2, closes December 13.