Mulchay, who also performs as a solo artist (and is former lead of the indie-rock band Miracle Legion), will make his Off-Broadway debut when he fills in for actor Stephen Lee Anderson. Anderson is slated to return to the role of George Klatter Feb. 26, "following his absence due to a family emergency," as a press release states. The Vineyard Theatre presents Slug Bearers, which began previews Jan. 25 and opened Feb. 12 at the downtown venue. The production recently extends two weeks to March 16.

Bob McGrath directs and John Carrafa choreographs. Mulcahy penned the music while Ben Katchor provides a libretto and drawings.

"Set in and around Manhattan and on a tropical factory-island of exploited workers," as press notes reveal, The Slug Bearers... was "inspired by the tradition of the "picture reciter, a form of live entertainment from 17th-century India." Katchor's drawings form the animated background for the unique new musical with Mulcahy's indie-rock score. The work was first presented in New York City at The Kitchen in March 2004.

Tony Award-nominated actor Peter Friedman (Ragtime, Twelve Angry Men, "The Savages") stars as Dr. Rushower in an ensemble that also features Bobby Steggert (110 in the Shade), Stephen Lee Anderson (Floyd Collins) and Tom Riis Farrell (Coram Boy). Jody Flader and Will Swensen round out the cast.

For tickets to The Slug Bearers... at the Vineyard Theatre, 108 East 15th Street, call (212) 353-0303 or visit vineyardtheatre.org.