Speed-the-Plow Producers File Grievance Over Piven's Abrupt Exit

By Andrew Gans
16 Jan 2009

Jeremy Piven in Speed-the-Plow.
Jeremy Piven in Speed-the-Plow.
Photo by Brigitte Lacombe

The producers of the revival of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow have filed a grievance with Actors' Equity Association regarding Jeremy Piven's abrupt departure from the production, according to a Jan. 16 statement released by the producers.

A date for the proceedings has yet to be determined.

Piven left the show, which continues to play the Barrymore Theatre, citing high levels of mercury. A spokeswoman for Piven previously told Variety that although the actor wanted to continue in the production, his doctors advised him against doing so.

Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz succeeded Piven and played the part of Bobby Gould through Jan. 11. Academy Award nominee William H. Macy is now playing the role. Raul Esparza and Elisabeth Moss co-star.
Producers of Speed-the-Plow are Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Steve Traxler, JK Productions, Ronald Frankel, Ostar Productions, Peggy Hill, Bat-Barry Productions, Ken Davenport, Scott Delman, Ergo Entertainment, Dede Harris, Alan D. Marks, Patty Ann McKinnon, Nicholas Quinn Rosenkranz, Adam Sansiveri, Jamie deRoy and Carl Moellenberg.