Carrie Coon stars in the thought-provoking play “Bug” on Broadway, portraying Agnes, a small-town waitress enmeshed in a world rife with paranoid delusions and conspiracy theories. Her character encounters these troubling ideas through Peter, a Gulf War veteran who becomes obsessed with a bug infestation in her hotel room as part of a broader theory about surveillance. Coon, who strongly believes that the edgy nature of the play is crucial in today’s political climate, emphasizes its necessity: “It feels subversive to be an artist right now, because there’s a real war on the arts in this country.”
“Bug,” penned by Tracy Letts—who is also Coon’s husband—makes its Broadway debut at the Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, following its London premiere in 1996 and several previous productions, including a film adaptation. Directed by David Cromer and featuring Namir Smallwood, the play is set to open on January 8 for a limited run until February 8. Coon describes this project as the “hardest play” she has tackled due to the intense emotional demands it places on her performance.
In her discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Coon reflected on how audience perceptions have shifted since the play’s previous runs. She noted that as society grapples with diverse issues—from the pandemic to rising conspiracy theories like QAnon—the language of the play takes on new meanings that resonate deeply with current audiences.
Delving into her character development, Coon shared her personal connection to Agnes. Hailing from a working-class background, she relates strongly to themes of addiction and loneliness that permeate the play’s narrative, making the character feel more authentic to her own experiences than other roles she has portrayed.
Coon expressed her admiration for the Manhattan Theatre Club’s decision to bring such an audacious play to the holiday theater season, recognizing the challenges associated with producing edgier content in a climate where safer choices often dominate due to economic pressures.
Reflecting on her artistic journey, Coon highlighted the contrast between her experiences in theater versus television and film. The theater affords her a wider range of expression and an opportunity to explore complexity in characters, while Hollywood often seeks to typecast her in similar roles after noteworthy performances.
Returning to Broadway, Coon feels an unexpected sense of veteran status, despite her limited prior experience on the infamous stage. She cherishes her current artistic freedom and the collaborative efforts with Letts, appreciating how their relationship enhances her performance.
Amidst discussing her personal life, Coon humorously shared insights into Letts’ obsession with collecting DVDs, emphasizing the couple’s grounded and ordinary lifestyle amidst the buzz of fame. She notes the value of their extensive DVD collection in an age where access to various films is constantly shifting due to corporate acquisitions.
Coon also addressed the timeless resonance of “Bug,” particularly its exploration of loneliness and the human quest for meaning in an increasingly secular world. She posited that as society grapples with rampant issues such as violence and existential despair, the play’s themes become more relevant, prompting audiences to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
Despite her active schedule in television and film, Coon remains committed to the theater, recognizing it as her artistic home, where her creative imagination can flourish. She anticipates that her relationship with the stage will continue to be a significant part of her lifelong career.
Coon’s portrayal in “Bug” offers an exciting glimpse into a darkly humorous world where audience introspection is paramount, ensuring that this play stands out in the current Broadway season. With its potent mixture of entertainment and a mirror to society’s struggles, “Bug” promises to engage and challenge its viewers profoundly.