The Off-Off-Broadway troupe Expanded Arts' opening production of Medea was cancelled recently when the star of the gender-bending interpretation was called away due to a family emergency, said press rep Karen Greco (of the Tony Origlio office).

In director Jennifer Spahr's new spin on Euripides' classic tragedy -- which was to have played Sept. 9-26 - a man was cast in the title role of a child-slaying mother. Ironically, the name of the actor could not be discovered at press time.

Spokesperson Greco said there were no immediate plans to reschedule the production.

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For those who still long for more Chekhov after the past two Anton saturated New York seasons, the remainder of the fall line-up at Expanded Arts is just what the Doctor ordered. The theatre will take a look at four of Chekhov's five major plays in a festival running Oct. 10-Nov. 7. Bart Lovins will adapt and direct Uncle Vanya, while Jerry McAllister takes on the same duties for The Cherry Orchard. Taking his cue from Richard Schechner's Three Sisters, McAllister's Orchard will begin at the turn of the 20th century and end in the present.

Jennifer Spahr will adapt and direct The Seagull, setting the play in modern day New York City. Finally, Frank Pisco adapts and directs an interracial Three Sisters, featuring one sibling each of African, Asian and Caucasian descent.

For information, call (212) 253-1813.