Despite mixed-to-positive notices, the madcap world of bedpans and IVs didn't quite catch on with New York theatregoers, and Kevin Heelan's hospital comedy, On House, will close at Off-Broadway's WPA Theatre April 20, after 15 previews and 19 regular performances. Heelan's play, about an honest but incompetent hospital service worker unable, opened at the theatre April 2, after beginning previews March 18. Featured in the show, directed by Constance Grappo (Hair at Connecticut Rep) are Ron Domingo, Christopher Duva, Ken Garito, Lewis Merkin, Trish McCall, Lance Reddick and Tristine Skyler. Duva is best known as one of the performers in the American Off-Broadway mounting of The Compleat Wks Of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged).

Author Heelan's Distant Fires was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award. Other works include Right Behind The Flag and Heartland. Designing On House are Anne C. Patterson (set), Jack Mehler (lighting), Angelina Avallone (costumes), and Robert Cottnoir (sound).

--By David Lefkowitz