Carrie Coon Extends Broadway Run in ‘Bug’ Amid Critical Acclaim
New York, January 11, 2026 – Actress Carrie Coon, known for her Emmy-nominated roles in HBO series like “The Gilded Age” and “The White Lotus,” has seen her Broadway production of “Bug” extended by two weeks. The psychological thriller, written by her husband Tracy Letts and directed by David Cromer, will now run through February 22 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, following positive reviews and robust ticket sales.
The Play’s Reception and Extension
“Bug,” a revival of Letts’ 1996 play, explores themes of paranoia, addiction, and conspiracy in a seedy Oklahoma motel room. Coon stars as Agnes White, a troubled waitress who becomes entangled with a mysterious drifter played by Namir Smallwood. The production, which premiered at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in 2021, has been praised for its intense performances and timely relevance. Critics have called it a “nerve-rattling shocker” and “sensationally unnerving,” highlighting the cast’s raw chemistry and the play’s exploration of delusion in modern America. The extension comes after the show opened on January 8, 2026, and reflects strong word-of-mouth momentum amid Broadway’s season of revivals.
Carrie Coon’s Career Highlights
Coon, a three-time Emmy nominee, has built a reputation for versatile roles in television and film. Her breakout came in “Gone Girl” (2014), directed by David Fincher, where she played a memorable supporting role. On stage, she made her Broadway debut in the 2012 revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and has since starred in “The Leftovers” and “Fargo.” In 2020, she discussed Fincher’s perfectionism, noting how it honed her craft through multiple takes. Coon’s recent work includes “The White Lotus” Season 3 and “The Gilded Age,” where she portrays the ambitious Bertha Russell.
Key Facts: Carrie Coon’s Notable Roles and Awards
| Role/Project | Year/Awards |
|---|---|
| Agnes White in “Bug” (Broadway) | 2026 (Extended run through February 22) |
| Bertha Russell in “The Gilded Age” | 2022-present (Emmy-nominated) |
| Laurie in “The White Lotus” Season 3 | 2022 (Emmy-nominated) |
| Gloria Burgle in “Fargo” Season 3 | 2017 (Emmy-nominated) |
| Margo Dunne in “Gone Girl” | 2014 (Film debut) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Bug” about?
“Bug” is a psychological thriller by Tracy Letts that follows a lonely waitress who develops a paranoid relationship with a drifter, leading to delusions of government conspiracies and infestation. It premiered in 1996 and has been revived multiple times, resonating with contemporary themes of mistrust.
Why was the run extended?
The Manhattan Theatre Club announced the extension due to strong box office performance and overwhelmingly positive reviews, including from The New York Times and The Washington Post. The play’s intimate, unsettling nature has drawn audiences seeking thought-provoking theater.
What are Carrie Coon’s upcoming projects?
Beyond “Bug,” Coon is involved in “The White Lotus” Season 4, set to film in France, and has film roles in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” She remains active in both stage and screen, with a focus on complex, character-driven stories.