March is truly coming in like a lion this year, as eleven new Off-Broadway productions prepare to roar upon the New York theatre scene. There's something for everyone here: innovative productions of beloved classic dramas, an boundary-pushing world premiere from a couple masters of the musical theatre, some exciting new shows from the most exciting writers working today, and an under-the-sea musical adventure for the youngest theatre-lovers in your life.

	THE BOOK OF GRACE Treasured for her groundbreaking poetic and inventive language, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog) has drawn a family portrait shattered by issues of rage, revenge, power and betrayal. When a young man returns home to South Texas to confront his father, everyday life erupts into a battle for personal survival. At once fiercely intimate and explosive, The Book of Grace weaves the story of three people bound together by love and longing, passion and ambition. The Public Theatre. Previews begin March 2, opens March 17, closes April 4.
	CANDIDA George Bernard Shaw’s classic play tells the story of Candida, a beautiful vivacious woman forced to make a choice between the two men in her life. Candida is comfortably married to the popular charismatic pastor, the Reverend James Morell, when Marchbanks, a young poet enters their home and a passionate romantic triangle unfolds. In this exuberant romantic comedy, (Shaw’s own favorite) questions of love, loyalty, and what constitutes a conventional marriage are explored in a brilliant fusion of words, laughter, and tears. Irish Repertory Theatre. Now in previews, opens March 7, closes April 18.
	A COOL DIP IN THE BARREN SAHARAN CRICK An African preacher-in-training arrives in drought-stricken rural America intending to further his studies in religion and water conservation. Hosted by a family that is haunted by tragedy, he takes an interest in a young orphan starved for guidance—all the while maintaining an infectious optimism in the face of his obstacles. Undaunted, the preacher determines to battle—by any means necessary—the personal and political forces that threaten the ecology of his new home. Playwrights Horizons, co-produced with The Play Company. Previews begin March 4, opens March 28, closes April 11.
	DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN A hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate. This prehistoric look at the battle of the sexes is full of wonderful scenarios that celebrate the differences between men and women, making it perfect for couples or a ‘girls' night out.' The show has also been recommended by thousands of marriage and family therapists and counselors for its humorous look at the inherent differences between the sexes. Downstairs Theatre at Sofia's. Now in previews, opens March 7, closes April 18.
	EQUIVOCATION Bill Cain's new play set in 1605 England begins when King James’ right hand man commissions William Shakespeare to write a new play about the Gunpowder Plot, a recent failed attempt to blow up Parliament and the Monarchy. Equivocation is a bold new look at the greatest playwright ever in a drama whose contemporary parallels are unmistakable and whose laughter is abundant – a work of startling revelations and vibrant theatricality. Tony Award winning director Garry Hynes returns to MTC following her acclaimed production of Translations.  Now in previews, opens March 2, closes March 28.
	THE GLASS MENAGERIE Tennessee Williams' gripping portrait of an American family struggling to maintain the fragile balance between a difficult past and an uncertain future. This powerful new version blurs the delicate line between playwright and narrator, infusing Tom Wingfield's (Patch Darragh) flashbacks with fresh meaning and bringing visceral truth to his tangled relationships with Laura (Keira Keeley), Amanda and Jim (Michael Mosley). Roundabout Theatre Company at The Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre/Laura Pels Theatre. Previews begin March 5, opens March 24, closes May 30.
	IMAGINOCEAN A magical, musical undersea adventure for kids of all ages. Tank, Bubbles, and Dorsel are three best friends who just happen to be fish, and they’re about to set out on a remarkable journey of discovery. And it all starts with a treasure map. As they swim off in search of clues, they’ll sing, they’ll dance, and they’ll discover the greatest treasure of all—friendship. Jam-packed with original music, John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean is a blast—from the first big splash to the last wave goodbye. New World Stages. Previews begin March 17, opens March 31.
	THE IRISH CURSE What “The Irish Curse” is – and how it manifests itself – is the raw centerpiece of this wicked, rollicking and very funny new play. From its blistering language to its brutally honest look at sex and body image, The Irish Curse is a revealing portrait of how men, and society, define masculinity. In doing so, it dares to pose the fundamental question that has been on the minds of men since the beginning of time: “Do I measure up to the next guy?” Soho Playhouse. Previews begin March 17, opens March 28.
	THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS From the legendary songwriting team of Kander & Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of the Spiderwoman), The Scottsboro Boys is a stirring new musical that explores the infamous 1930’s ‘Scottsboro Case’, in which a group of innocent African-American teenagers are falsely accused of a terrible crime — ultimately provoking a national outrage that sparked the American Civil Rights movement.  With a book by David Thompson, Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman directs and choreographs a stellar cast led by Tony-winner John Cullum, Brandon Victor Dixon and Colman Domingo. The Vineyard Theatre. Now in previews, opens March 10, closes March 21.
	TOP SECRET: THE SEARCH FOR THE PENTAGON PAPERS It’s 1971 and the nation is at war. The intractable conflict escalates in Vietnam while here at home the battle for public opinion rages. A federal court blocks The New York Times from publishing the top-secret history of US involvement in Vietnam. Washington Post publisher Katherine Graham has a single day to decide whether to print these Pentagon Papers. When the Nixon administration closes in and charges treason, the fight for a free press explodes. a triumphant reminder of the importance of the continuing battle fought in the name of the First Amendment. New York Theatre Workshop. Now in previews, opens March 9, closes March 28.
	WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING It's raining. Gabriel York is awaiting the arrival of his grown son whom he hasn't seen since he was seven. "I know what he wants. He wants what all young men want from their fathers. He wants to know who he is. Where he comes from. Where he belongs. And for the life of me I don't know what to tell him." A compelling family saga that takes us back and forth in time from one generation to another, from 1959 to 2039, from London to Australia. With four generations of fathers and sons, their mothers, lovers and wives, the play is epic in its scope, yet at the same time extraordinarily intimate. Lincoln Center Theatre/Mitzi Newhouse Theatre. Now in previews, opens March 8, closes April 18.