This week

• With barely time to pause between shows, Portland Stage Company opens its newest play, “Halpern & Johnson,” this week. The drama explores the nuances of marriage and friendship and secrets and lies. It alternates between funny and sad as it tells the story of two men who share an unusual bond: A half-century of love for the same woman.

Previews begin Tuesday, and the show formally opens on Friday night.

“Halpern and Johnson” stars two veteran actors: Jonathan McMurtry, who portrayed Judge Biddle in “Trying” and Jack Jameson in “Third” at Portland Stage, and Robert Grossman, who is making his Portland Stage debut. Grossman has a 35-year career across America.

Lionel Goldstein wrote the play, and David Ellenstein directs.

Previews are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Opening night is 7:30 p.m. Friday, and regular showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets range from $14 to $37. Call 774-0465 or visit www.portlandstage.org.

Coming up

• The Portland Museum of Art will feature 47 artists in the 2011 biennial. It opens April 7 and will remain on view through June 5.

• Old-time fiddler Bruce Molsky performs at 8 p.m. April 15 at the Opera House in Boothbay Harbor. Tickets cost $15 in advance and are available through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor. Call 633-5159 or go online at boothbayoperahouse.com.

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