Piven Quits Broadway Play Due to High Mercury Count

[Guest guest]

eremy Piven has abruptly ended his run in Broadway's Speed-the-Plow

after skipping Tuesday evening's performance and a Wednesday matinee,

Variety reports.

Piven, 43, has told producers that he hasn't been feeling well due to

a " high mercury count. "

But playwright Mamet is skeptical.

" I talked to on the phone, and he told me that he discovered

that he had a very high level of mercury, " Mamet said. " So my

understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career

as a thermometer. "

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The show will still go on through February, Mamet said. Replacing

Piven are Norbert Leo Butz, who begins Dec. 23, and H. Macy,

who joins the cast Jan. 13.

" The good news is that some really great actors will be helping out

and stepping in, which to me is a sign of great heroism and

friendship, " he said.

The New York Post reports that at Wednesday's matinee, about 300

theater patrons requested refunds after it was announced that Piven

was MIA.

Piven's rep said the actor wished to continue the show, which opened

Oct. 23, but that doctors advised him to leave immediately.

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