The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?—the Tony-winning Edward Albee play which surprised the theatre community by surviving the departure of its original stars, Mercedes Ruehl and Bill Pullman, and winning its best audiences to date with replacement cast members Sally Field and Bill Irwin—will close on Dec. 15.

It will have played 309 performances and 23 previews.

"For a variety of personal and professional reasons involving the cast, it was not possible to extend beyond the 15th," Sam Rudy, a spokesman for the show told AP.

Field and Irwin had signed to appear through Dec. 8 only, but extended one week. They began their run on Sept. 13 after a two-week break in the play's run at the Golden Theatre.

Jeffrey Carlson, who plays the couple’s son, and Stephen Rowe, who plays the couple’s best friend, remain from the original line-up. Field is the star of such films as "Smokey and the Bandit," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Places in the Heart" and "Norma Rae." She won Oscars for the latter two. Irwin is the New Vaudeville clown who has starred in self-styled vehicles such as Largely New York and Fool Moon.

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 presented 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 $25-$65-$75. For reservations, call (212) 239-6200. The Goat plays at the Golden Theatre, where it opened March 10.