OPENING
Boston Theater Marathon
Today's 10-hour event, featuring 50 10-minute plays from local playwrights is at the Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, bostontheatrescene.com
"The Importance of Being Earnest"
In the Oscar Wilde romp, Bobbie Steinbach is Lady Bracknell and Lewis D. Wheeler is Algernon. Opens for review today at the Lyric and runs through June 7. 617-585-5678, lyricstage.com
NOW PLAYING
"The History Boys"
Scott Edmiston directs SpeakEasy Stage Company's smart rendition of Alan Bennett's 2006 Tony winner. Through June 16 at the BCA. 617-933-8600, bostontheatrescene.com - Louise Kennedy
"Dessa Rose"
A somber and fascinating, if occasionally overstuffed, musical. Through May 18 at Arsenal Center for the Arts. 617-923-8487, newrep.org - L.K.
