Don't mess with vampires.

The Alley Theatre production of St. Nicholas, scheduled to begin previews Thursday night, has been delayed because its star, longtime Alley actor James Black, is "indisposed," according to a press release. Director of marketing and communications Rodi Franco would not elaborate.

Tony Award-winning Irish playwright Conor McPherson's tale of a theatre critic who falls in love with an actress and becomes a servant to vampires is a one-man show, so in this case, without Black, who is in his 22nd season with the Alley, the show can't go on.

Black will be back to perform in previews on July 23 and July 24 (matinee performance), with an official opening on July 24 (evening performance). The run will end as originally scheduled on Aug. 8.

Ticket holders for the six cancelled performances can call the box office at 713-220-5700 or email boxoffice@alleytheatre.org to exchange tickets for another performance.