The Goat, or, Who Is Sylvia?, Edward Albee's latest play and his first new work on Broadway since 1981's The Man Who Had Three Arms, begins previews Feb. 16 at the Golden Theatre. Opening March 10, the world premiere stars Bill Pullman and Mercedes Ruehl with David Esbjornson, who had success with Albee's The Play About the Baby, directing this drama about a man whose life takes a unexpected turn when he admits to an affair on a TV chat show.
Ruehl won a Tony Award for Lost in Yonkers and an Academy Award for "The Fisher King." Last season, she starred as Martha in Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf/. Other theatre credits include The Rose Tattoo and Other People's Money.
Known for roles in "While You Were Sleeping," "Lost Highway" and "Independence Day," Pullman played Off-Broadway in Curse of the Starving Class and Life and Limb. Los Angeles theatre credits include All My Sons.
Ruehl plays Pullman's wife Stevie, described in a casting announcement as "a woman of intellect and passion...capable of wit, rage, compassion and great power." Pullman plays Martin, an architect, who may be sleeping with someone or something not human. Jeffrey Carlson (Romeo in the McCarter Theatre's Romeo and Juliet) is their son Billy. Martin's best friend, the host of a Charlie Rose-type interview program, will be played by Stephen Rowe (Some Americans Abroad, Second Stage's Tiny Alice).
Elizabeth Ireland McCann, Daryl Roth, Terry Allen Kramer, Scott Rudin, Fred Zollo, Carole Shorenstein Hays, Scott Rudin and Fred Zollo produce The Goat, which will likely be in the $1.2-$1.6 million range. Designers include John Arnone (Tiny Alice) with the set, Kenneth Posner (Swing!, Side Man) with lighting, Elizabeth Hope Clancy with costumes and Mark Bennett with sound. The playwright, best known for his landmark Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, recently enjoyed a well-received revival of his Tiny Alice at OB's Second Stage. The remounting of the drama — which was reviled in its 1963 premiere — was embraced by many critics and, as a result, extended its run.
Albee's other past plays include the Pulitzer Prize-winning A Delicate Balance, Seascape and Three Tall Women, as well as the short works The Zoo Story and The American Dream.
Tickets are $65-$75. For reservations, call (212) 239-6200.
