I doubt Schreiber would take a replacement gig like this. He's too at the top of his game for that.
Oh, of course. He's "sick," therefore he must be faking! He's sick of it all! HE'S A POSEUR!
What are we, five? People do get sick. Ask Donna Murphy.
And shut up, David Mamet.
Yes, people get sick, but...mercury poisoning?? Google it and read up on it. It's a pretty wild, far-fetched diagnosis. That tends to raise suspicions.
....since it's so wild and far fetched, why would they lie about it, doctor?
It is very serious. I remember when Daphne Zuniga got very ill from mercury from fish she ate. Just because it is rare, does not mean it is not happening. Who knows maybe Raul was slipping the Piv mercury. We all know how Raul likes to be the center of attention.
Verrrrry curious to see who's going to step in.
Did an LOLcat write this headline?
https://www.broadwayworld.com/l.cfm?id=230591
Piven is a professional. He's obviously not faking.
Entourage is set to begin filming in a few weeks. If for some reason he wanted to bow out of STP early he would have chosen something that was short-term so he could begin with the show when filming began.
Because it makes for great copy. And it's a classic magicians trick. Create a diversion - everyone is so caught up in googling "mercury poisoning" and so on that they are sidetracked from the possibility that it's just a cover, a scam.
Just so we're clear, I don't have any proof one way or another, but I've been living and working in and around Hollywood for 40+ years and this whole thing just screams to me of a cover-up. I can guess what for, but in deference to the more delicate sensibilities here, I won't speculate.
I don't know if he's truly ill or not: if he is, I hope he recovers. If not, karma is a b*t*h!
For those sorry to NOT have caught Piven....I didn't think he was incredible. Good, yes. GREAT, not really. You leave the theater thinking about Raul...well, I did...he truly blew me away.
I'd be curious to hear who will be coming in!
Best wishes to the rest of the cast that they can continue with the run!
Stand-by Joined: 3/3/06
Kiss the TONY goodbye Mr. Piven. They will NEVER vote for you now.
Like he was realistically going to win anyway. I enjoyed his performance a lot, but Tony-worthy? No way. And honestly, very replaceable.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/30/08
I'll be interested to see if his mercury issue clears up in time for ENTOURAGE filming. If he has to be treated for it, it involves a significant hospital stay and an unfortunately painful treatment. If he rests up and is back to normal in a couple of weeks, it ain't the mercury.
And I concur with dramamama - Piven may have been the 'name' in this production, but he wasn't spell-binding in the part. SO go see STP anyway - nothing like a major crisis to make the play even more exciting. I am confident that Esparza and Moss can handle it, especially if they have some fine replacements in as Bobby.
"I talked to Jeremy on the phone and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury," the prolific playwright told Daily Variety. "So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer."
Love that line.
He looked awfully chipper a few days ago when the Globe nominations were announced....
If he's ill, hope he recovers quickly.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
I'd like to see what Alec Baldwin would do with the role.
Oooh that would be intense.
By the way, does anyone know if the show has been taped for Lincoln Center yet?
Broadway Star Joined: 8/15/06
Humbugfoto (or anyone), please don't let our delicate sensibilities dissuade you from speculating! Does the word "rehab" come to mind?
PIVEN is great in the role. Hope he gets better soon.
PS HE IS REALLY HOT. YUM. Guess no more sushi for him.
Updated On: 12/17/08 at 08:23 PM
Yankeefan, as awesome as it would be too see Baldwin in that role, I think he would have been even better in the Barrymore's previous tenant, November.
The phrasing of Mamet's quote makes me think that the role of Bobby might become a revolving door for the next two months plus.
EDIT- Does anyone know if Jordan Lage is still the only understudy for Bobby and Charlie? I only have my playbill from October to go by.
Updated On: 12/17/08 at 08:26 PM
Tom Cruise for Bobby Gould...
Make it happen.
What a shame. Again, I think he is the hottest man on the stage except of course for Cheyenne but he is gay.
I believe Piven is straight. Sigh, the man is really handsome and mannish.
It's so hard to find a manly man on Broadway these days.
We do have a few:
Hugh Jackman- MARRIED.
Piven- MARRIED.
Craig Bierko- SIGH.
Updated On: 12/17/08 at 08:47 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
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