Holly Hunter Drops Out of Off Broadway's 'The Vandal'

NEW YORK -- Holly Hunter will no longer star in the world premiere of Hamish Linklater's play The Vandal, as previously announced. The Oscar-winning actress was forced to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts; no further details were released.

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Stepping into Hunter's role is New York stage veteran Deirdre O'Connell, who joins Zach Grenier (The Good Wife) and Noah Robbins in the dark comedy set in Kingston, NY, about a woman and a boy who swap stories at a bus stop on a cold night. Jim Simpson directs.

Given that rehearsals had not yet begun, the production will maintain its scheduled timetable. Previews will start Jan. 18 at the Flea Theater in TriBeCa, with opening night set for Jan. 31.

The Vandal marks Linklater's New York debut as a playwright. He has worked as an actor across film, theater and television, including a long stint on the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine, and a Broadway role last season in Theresa Rebeck's Seminar.