Kaling, who portrays Ben Affleck, enacting a staged punch, accidentally connected with Withers, who plays Matt Damon. Following a brief intermission, the actress mustered through the remainder of the show before being taken to the emergency room. The Saturday matinee performance was canceled but the duo were back on stage for the evening performance, according to a production spokesperson.

Matt & Ben — which has received favorable reviews since opening at P.S. 122, Aug. 7 — began July 28 for a run through Sept. 6.

Kaling and Withers' 2002 FringeNYC Award-winning play returns to New York after having played at this year's HBO-sponsored U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado.

Matt & Ben is a satire on the pre-paparazzi, pre-fame friendship between Oscar-winning screenwriters and actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. "When the screenplay for 'Good Will Hunting' drops mysteriously from the heavens, the boys realize they're being tested by a Higher Power," a release states.

The sold-out Fringe run got the nod for Best Overall Production at the 2002 New York International Fringe Festival. The show starred the two authors as the duo; Kaling plays Affleck because they "have the same color hair" and Withers portrays Damon as they "are both shy around new people" according to the show's website, www.mattandben.com.. David Warren (Barbra's Wedding, The Dazzle) directs the new run of Matt & Ben which is produced by Victoria Lang, Pier Paolo Piccoli, Stephen Pevner and Jason Hsaio. The design team includes James Youmans (sets), Jeff Crotier (lights) and Fitz Patton (sound).

For tickets to Matt & Ben at P.S. 122, 150 First Ave (at East Ninth Street), call (212) 477-5288.