The 2002 Tony Award-winning Best Play, The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? loses its original stars, Tony nominee Mercedes Ruehl and Bill Pullman, Sept. 1, but the show will go on at the Golden Theatre. Two-time Oscar winner Sally Field ("Places in the Heart," "Norma Rae") and Tony winner Bill Irwin (Fool Moon) take over in their roles Sept. 13.
The Goat will go on hiatus between Sept. 2-12. Field and Irwin will get their own opening night in late September.
Ruehl was nominated for a Tony Award for the headstrong, passionate wife of Pullman, an architect who reveals that he's having an affair — with a goat named Sylvia. Many in the theatre community felt Pullman, who received critical kudos alongside his co-star, was slighted by the Tony Awards when he did not receive a nomination.
Ruehl won her first Tony Award for Lost in Yonkers and an Academy Award for "The Fisher King." Last season, she starred as Martha opposite Patrick Stewart in Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Guthrie Theatre. 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. He appeared in Los Angeles in All My Sons. Supporting players Stephen Rowe and Jeffrey Carlson will continue in their roles.
Best known for his landmark Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Albee recently enjoyed a well-received revival of his Tiny Alice at Off-Broadway'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. His Occupant and All Over, the latter at the Roundabout's Gramercy Theatre, have also been revived in the 2001-02 season.
Elizabeth Ireland McCann, Daryl Roth, Terry Allen Kramer, Scott Rudin, Fred Zollo, Carole Shorenstein Hays, Scott Rudin and Fred Zollo produce The Goat. David Esbjornson (The Play About the Baby, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) is the director. Designers are John Arnone (set), Kenneth Posner (lighting), Elizabeth Hope Clancy (costumes) and Mark Bennett (sound). Previews began Feb. 16.
Tickets are $65-$75. For reservations, call (212) 239-6200. The Goat plays at the Golden Theatre, where it opened March 10.
