“In my long association with David Mamet — six films and ten years of productions on my two one-man shows, both of which were directed by David — I've never missed a single performance," said Jay in a statement. "I'm truly chagrined at disappointing my splendid fellow actors in this production, as well as fans and friends in the Bay Area. I offer my sincere apologies."

A sudden scheduling of hernia surgery is also charged with Jay's departure. The sleight-of-hand artist will continue to consult on the production's magic.

The new take on the classic story is set to start at the San Francisco venue Feb. 24 under the direction of the playwright. The production was originally slated to end March 21 but has extended through April 4

David Rasche as the title character Faustus will lead the cast that includes Broadway and West End veteran Colin Stinton and newcomer Sandra Lindquist also join the cast.

Hoffman, who recently completed an episode of "The Shield" directed by Mamet, won two Ovation Awards for his one-man show, Uncle Jacques’ Symphony, The actor assumes the role of magician Magus in the new work. The Faust legend — made famous in separate plays by Christopher Marlowe and Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe — is given a new spin by the playwright. Mamet's Dr. Faustus looks at how a rivalry between a philosopher and a magician causes the title character to neglect his own family, even as his wife prepares for their sickly son’s birthday.

The design team for Dr. Faustus includes Peter Larkin (set), Russell H. Champa (light), Fumiko Bielefedt (costume) and Sarah Ellen Joynt (properties).

Tickets to Dr. Faustus at the Magic Theatre, Fort Mason Center (Building D) in San Francisco, CA are available by calling (415) 441-8822. For more information, visit the Magic Theatre website at www.magictheatre.org.