Topher Grace Goes Off-Broadway with ‘Lonely, I’m Not’

Topher Grace, best known for his work in the Fox television series “That ‘70s Show,” will make his professional stage debut this spring in the comedy “Lonely, I’m Not,” which will be performed at the Second Stage Theater.

The Off Broadway company announced that Grace will play Porter, a former very successful worker in corporate America who is trying to rebuild his life after a divorce and a nervous breakdown.

Second Stage bills play like this:

At an age when most people are discovering what they want to do with their lives, Porter has been married and divorced, earned seven figures as a corporate ‘ninja,’ and had a nervous breakdown. It’s been for years since he’s had a job or a date, and he’s decided to give life another shot. “Lonely, I’m Not” is a comic journey that follows Porter as he meets an ambitious young businesswoman who is overcoming her own obstacles to emotional success.

“Lonely, I’m Not” is set to be directed by Trip Cullman, and is scheduled to open May 7. Preview performances will begin on April 10.

Starring with Grace will be Olivia Thirlby, known for her supporting work in the film “Juno” and for her role in the Off Broadway production of “Farragut North” in 2008.

The play is written by Paul Weitz, an Academy Award nominated writer and director who worked with Grace previously in the 2004 film “In Good Company.” Weitz also has cast Thirlby in his upcoming film “Being Flynn.” Weitz was nominated for the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for the 2002 film “About a Boy,” which starred Hugh Grant. Weitz also is known as the director of the movies “American Pie” and “Little Fockers.”

Previously, Second Stage has produced three plays by Weitz: “Privilege,” “Show People” and “Trust.” The latter production featured “Scrubs” and “Garden State” star Zach Braff.