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Jeremy Piven Celebrates Victory Over Evil Broadway Producers

The arbitrator in the case of sushi-loving Jeremy Piven versus the Broadway producers of Speed-the-Plow ruled today that the producers could not prove their breach of contract suit against the star. But they still think they were right.

Piven pulled out of the production back in December, saying that 20 years of eating fish twice a day had elevated the level of mercury so high in his body that he couldn’t function. His departure sent ticket sales into a spiral, even after he was replaced by William H. Macy. The show closed in February, but still made back its investment. Now the producers of the show have no legal or financial recourse against Piven and are still pissed. Their statement says.

While we respect the decision, we strongly disagree with it.  We remain eternally grateful to everyone who helped make the wonderful production of Speed- The-Plow possible, especially the artists who created it, and the many who had to deal with very difficult and trying circumstances.

With his mercury in retrograde, Piven is thrilled.

I’m just a theatre actor who got sick, and was physically incapable of finishing my run. And now I can put this behind me and move on. And I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. I had a real health scare, and now I can climb back on the stage and know that I’m strong and able to complete the mission. It’s a great day.

Yes, he said “climb back on the stage” not “climb on some stripper named Destiny,” which is probably what he meant. And he has a better chance with Destiny than he ever does coming back to Broadway. Hope that, movie thing works out.

Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)

  • pureblarney

    @contains_hot_liquid: So would say the stripper, too.

  • Barbaric Yawp

    @She Laughs: Arthur Kade is a national treasure! You take it back! Taaake iit.

  • unclevanya

    Let's see how many other doors he can slam shut just before his hit show decides to fold for good...which should be anytime now.

  • J DTZR

    Seriously, what's the deal with Piven and the fucking vests? Did Kohl's have ten-for-one sale?

  • midtown43

    "I can climb back on the stage."
    Yeah, that's gonna happen -- and Sarah Palin will grow a brain any day now.

    midtown43

  • Tiger Lourdes: Zombie Hunter

    @homoviper: He's actually quite talented, douche or not.

  • City_Dater

    I wonder if the AEA arbitrator enjoyed the night on the town with the cast of Entourage since I can't imagine a sane, un-bribed, individual could have reached such a conclusion.

    City_Dater

  • Tremonius

    @homoviper: Quitting is the new perseverence, remember. This is the post-Palin era, after all.

  • Tremonius

    This is why I ain't no Broadway producer. I have never in my life respected a decision with which I disagreed, starting with that foul document, my divorce decree.

  • AndPreciousLittleofThat

    Wow, there's not a single woman in that picture. Ain't symbolism grand?

    AndPreciousLittleofThat

  • MrInBetween

    "And I'm stronger than I've ever been.... I'm strong and able to complete the mission."
    Bro, really? Take a peek at the recent photograph of you cycling in Malibu.

  • She Laughs

    Coming soon to a community theatre near you....Jeremy Piven & Arthur Kade in 'True West'.

  • contains_hot_liquid

    Yes, he said "climb back on the stage" not "climb on some stripper named Destiny"

    In either case, it involves a repetitive and increasingly tiresome act.

  • homoviper

    "And he has a better chance with Destiny than he ever does coming back to Broadway"

    Exactly. That's probably the only good thing to come out of this. Here's hoping he never gets the chance to "act" on stage again.

    homoviper

  • resipsaloquacious

    Who would have thought that I. Newton and J. Piven have so much in common.

  • kathotdog

    That photo is taken from early shoots in 'Magnolia' before Piven contracted 'andromeda strain' and was replaced by Tom Cruise.

  • misslinda

    Well it looks like Piven has been giving Mischa Barton PR advice--wisdom tooth extraction??? That's now officially the SECOND worst excuse I ever heard!

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