BLOOD ON THE SNOW Some topnotch actors — Dale Place, Ken Baltin, Daniel Berger-Jones, Lewis Wheeler, Bill Mootos — star in a new drama by local playwright Patrick Gabridge about the difficult choice faced by Acting Governor Thomas Hutchinson in the aftermath of the Boston Massacre. May 12-June 5. The Bostonian Society in partnership with National Park Service. Old State House, Boston. 617-720-1713 ext. 29, www.bostonmassacre play.com

LAURA A detective, portrayed by Alexander Cook, is assigned to investigate the murder of Laura Hunt, a glamorous advertising executive played by Jasmine Rush, and becomes obsessed with her. This stage adaptation of the 1944 film noir is directed by Sarah Gazdowicz. May 5-22. Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham. 781-279-2200, www.stonehamtheatre.org

DOGFIGHT Three Marines about to be deployed to Vietnam enter into a cruel contest: Who can bring the ugliest date to a party? But one of them learns an eye-opening lesson in this musical, which features a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Peter Duchan. Directed by Paul Daigneault. May 7-June 4. SpeakEasy Stage Company. Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, www.speakeasy stage.com DON AUCOIN

Don Aucoin can be reached at aucoin@globe.com.