Vineyard Theatre Delays First Performances of BUGHOUSE Due to Illness in Company

The opening night for the world premiere production remains set for March 11, 2026.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Vineyard Theatre has announced that due to an illness in the company, the technical rehearsals for their upcoming production of Bughouse have been delayed by one week. As a result, the first performances of the show will now begin on February 24, 2026, with the official opening night remaining scheduled for March 11, 2026.

Why it matters

The Vineyard Theatre is a highly respected Off-Broadway institution, and the world premiere of Bughouse, a new play adapted from the writings of outsider artist Henry Darger, was anticipated as a major theatrical event. The delay in previews due to illness in the company is an unfortunate setback, but the theatre is working to reschedule tickets and minimize disruption for ticket holders.

The details

Bughouse is conceived and directed by Martha Clarke, a Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Obie Award winner and MacArthur 'Genius' fellow. The script is adapted by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Beth Henley from the writings of Henry Darger, and the production will star Obie Award-winning performance artist John Kelly as Darger. The creative team includes several acclaimed designers across various disciplines.

  • The previously scheduled performances on February 18-22, 2026 are cancelled.
  • Performances will now begin on February 24, 2026.
  • The official opening night for Bughouse remains set for March 11, 2026.

The players

Vineyard Theatre

A highly respected Off-Broadway institution presenting the world premiere production of Bughouse.

Martha Clarke

The visionary director of Bughouse, a Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Obie Award winner and MacArthur 'Genius' fellow.

Beth Henley

The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who adapted the script of Bughouse from the writings of Henry Darger.

John Kelly

The Obie Award-winning performance artist starring as Henry Darger in Bughouse.

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What’s next

Tickets for the previously scheduled performances on February 18-22, 2026 will be rescheduled as quickly as possible, and refunds are available until February 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The delay in previews for Bughouse is an unfortunate setback, but the Vineyard Theatre is working to minimize disruption for ticket holders and ensure the world premiere production opens as planned on March 11, 2026. This highly anticipated show, featuring a talented creative team and cast, remains an exciting theatrical event for Off-Broadway audiences.