Jeremy Piven's Play Replacement Using Prompter, Ex-Castmate Still Critical

Monday's New York Times has a story about the whirlwind replacement of Norbert Leo Butz for a mercury-poisoned Jeremy Piven in Broadway's "Speed the Plow." Butz is filling the role dialogue-heavy role until mid-January, when William H. Macy comes in.

Butz had only one week of rehearsal before starting onstage last week, and it's been a tricky road of memorization. He even listens to his lines on iPod when getting massages.

At the Wednesday evening performance (which was preceded by a short speech from a stage manager who elliptically spoke of the "extraordinary circumstances" that brought Mr. Butz to the show), he was not yet off book; a prompter had to remind him of his lines on a couple of occasions, and he read from a script during the play's second and third scenes.

Meanwhile, Monday's article gave a chance for another dig at Piven from "Speed the Plow" costar Raul Espazra, wtih whom Butz shares a manager.

Mr. Esparza explained that Mr. Butz had already brought to the show "a real sense of trio."

"Jeremy didn't need to do anything, and the audience would automatically be on his side because he is so well known," Mr. Esparza said. What Mr. Butz contributes is "a theater actor's ability to tell a story well, to play in the ensemble," he added. "He's good at being part of the three of us."

The weekend after Piven dropped out Esparza and third costar Elizabeth Moss mocked Piven, with Moss fake crying and Esparza saying in part, "Today was the first time I really enjoyed playing this show."

Ticket sales meanwhile, have dropped significantly since Piven's departure.

Comments

[JhNyc]

I'm not sure why this didn't occur to me earlier, especially since similar tactics have been used on shows I've been involved with in the past. I am sure there is no love lost between Mr. Esparza and Mr. Piven, but it is just possible that this feud of sorts is being dragged on for the simple purpose of getting references to the show into newspapers. Publicity isn't easy to come by after a while. It isn't impossible that Mr. Esparza was given a nudge to continue, especially when one of the producers of the show is also a prominent Broadway press agent. Just a thought.

That being said, I will be very surprised if the production runs beyond this weekend.

[richchaplin]

My Grandfather was a drama teacher who worked at the Pasadena Playhouse with the likes of Robert Preston. It seemed he could appreciate film actors and even TV actors. Film actors (and writers and directors and producers) have often looked down their noses at TV -- and then came the renaissance of TV drama with The Sopranos and The Shield and The Closer, etc. Now "big name" film stars just see TV as another vehicle for their art, judging TV projects with the same criteria they would use for film.

But the arrogant distain of stage actors for their film and TV brethren shown by this post -- and many of the comments -- makes that film-vs.-TV discrimination seem like the simple ball-busting between buddies at the ball game (or between Ari and E on Entourage) by comparison. From everything I've heard, Piven's a tool....but he's a tool that can act.

[HWNA]

Well, he plays a tool in most of his roles (most notably in Entourage), so if indeed he is a tool then to say he can act is incorrect.

[SvenBoogie]

"Butz is filling the role dialogue-heavy role " as usual, excellent proof reading.

[SeanONe]

Looks like the leftovers don't ever want to work again, it's a pity when they go so young,

[mlaskin]

I have not seen this production, but I do have 30 years of experience as an actor in theatre, tv, and film. The dirty little secret is that theatre actors are often very snobbish about their tv and film counterparts - born out of insecurity, jealousy, and simply not understanding the very different creative process. Some tv and film actors cannot transfer their magic to the stage. Some theatre actors do not translate their talents to film. Many in the theatre seem to feel that theatre is the "gold standard" and that if one is creatively great in that medium, he or she will be equally great on screen. No. No. No. Theatre has an accepted level of artifice that is agreed upon by audience and actor. Eight shows a week only serves to elevate the artificial nature of the stage - even in "realisitic" vehicles. Occasionally you get the Nathan Lane's of the world whose artificial theatricality is so well done and clever that he transcends mediums - however even the talented Nathan Lane has had limited success on film. I think the comments of Mr. Piven's co-workers are completely out of line, no matter what. As I stated, I have not seen the show, but there is a very tight "in" club in the New York theatre, and their backbiting ways have rarely been on more depressing display. Get a life, and stop glorifying yourselves. Get well Jeremy, and come back to LA

[JhNyc]

I've spent the same 30 years working exclusively in New York theatre, and Raul Esparza does not speak for the community. He has diminished himself with these recent comments. If we are honest, though, there are a lot of "backbiting ways" on both coasts. It is likely just more noticable here because we are a much smaller pond. (Oh, and even Nathan Lane had a less than spectacular outing in David Mamet's recent play, November, which preceded Speed The Plow at the Barrymore Theatre). Peace from NYC...

[mlaskin]

All points well taken - thanks for your response. I am originally from Minneapolis, and thus, have no real deep loyalty to either coast. I've lived in LA for many years, but have also worked in NYC, the regions, the UK, and Canada. It has been my observation that about 10% of entertainment (theatre, film, tv) coming out of either NYC or LA (or Minneapolis or Chicago) is great, and the other 90% is average to awful. No place has the corner in artistic integrity. I am stunned by Raul Esparza's comments, if they are true. I've worked with many people, as have you I am sure, that were not exactly walks in the park. But to repeatedly disparage a co-worker in public, no matter what you think, is inexcusable. It reveals arrogance, insecurity, jealousness, and above all narcissism. I also have to laugh at the fact that Piven's replacement, a wonderful actor, has had to go on with book in hand and not be 100% sure of his lines. No matter what the preparation time, that sounds like something only a TV star could get away with - not a man of the theatre. Call me crazy.....

[Mutande]

For those of you who are complaining of "stunt casting" in the lead with Jeremy Piven, let me remind you that in the original Broadway production -- which had the approval of everybody including Mr. Mamet, was Madonna -- hardly known for her stage acting chops. In this revival, Jeremy Piven was likewise approved by all the powers that be and, in fact, got quite good reviews.

It's clear that Piven's leaving the show has significantly hurt the box office and no doubt all concerned, financially and otherwise, are not pleased. But that shouldn't detract from his already proven excellent performance. His background comes from significant theater in Chicago -- his parents both being actors and teachers. So, this "TV actor" stuff is a non-starter.

[JhNyc]

I couldn't agree more. If we are being honest here, the only reason this revival happened was because of Jeremy Piven's celebrity. The producers would never have raised the money for this production without that hook, and it is extremely likely that this play was chosen specifically as a vehicle for Piven. It was always meant to be a limited run.

It is true that those of us who work on Broadway often have to think in terms of star power to raise money and sell tickets. The commercial theatre is a business, just like movies and TV. It has always been that way. We just like to kid ourselves from time to time that theatre is all about the art. You'll have to look to regional theatres which are funded in full or part by grants. On Broadway we have to pay as we go.

[killmenow]

I saw Madonna in the original production and I thought she was absolutely terrible. It was like watching your daughter in a junior high school play.

[Tenley]

You know, Esparaza, Moss, and the director/producer/whatever guy who made the flip comment the other day are just begging to be skewered in an Entourage arc. This is getting really ridiculous.

[HWNA]

Elizabeth Moss runs circles around Piven, on television and apparently on the stage as well.

[KathyinCT]

This is what happens when Broadway producers try to lure non-drama lovers by casting "big TEEVEE and MOOVEEE stars" in plays. You get Julia Roberts being lacklustre, Helen Hunt ruining Shakespeare nd Piven bailing out, among others. Butz is a superb actor who should have been cast in the first place.

Live theatre is not at all like filming one or two sentences and then taking a break -- you actually have to be able to ACT.

[kdavis02]

Actually, if you know anything about Jeremy Piven and his background, you'd know that he is a well-trained theatrical actor, not just a "teevee and moovee star." His parents founded the Piven Theatre Workshop in Evanston, Illinois. I interviewed his dad years ago for a story on celebrity summer camps (obviously, the theater workshop didn't count so his contribution never saw the light of day). I don't know Jeremy Piven and have never seen an episode of "Entourage," but to limit his work to TV and movies is just shortsighted. Perhaps, just perhaps, he did have mercury poisoning?? Just saying.

[jojojo]

You're correct. Still, the notion that producers often cast poorly from the ranks of TV and film actors is also correct, as in the other examples above, or certainly that they cast based on broad popularity rather than casting the best actor for a part. Another egregious example was a few years back, when Hal Linden ( Barney Miller, as well as many theater credits) was cast on Broadway in The Gathering. It closed in 5 weeks, after having had a long, acclaimed off-Broadway run with the wonderful Theodore Bikel, who was ideally cast but, alas, not as well-known as Linden.

[JhNyc]

I normally wouldn't comment on a story like this, even though I'm probably as qualified as any here who have, as I have produced and managed on and off Broadway for over thirty years. Your implication is that Jeremy Piven is a lesser talent than his two costars, and has no business being in a play because he makes his living on television. The truth is, he is a very competent actor, and was quite well reviewed. Do you feel the same about Mary Louise Parker, returning to the stage in Hedda Gabler after starring in Weeds on Showtime? Elizabeth Moss is employed in TV's Mad Men, and I doubt very much if Raul Esparza would turn down a very highly paid TV job either.

I do not know Jeremy Piven, and I would not be shocked if he proved to be a selfish egotistical jerk. I have dealt with quite a few of those (and not all are from movies and TV. We grow them just fine in the theatre as well). It is also possible that Jeremy Piven is actually ill. Theatre actors become ill sometimes too and have to drop out of a run. It happens.

[luckyoldson]

"This is what happens when Broadway producers try to lure non-drama lovers..."

Right.

Piven knows absolutely nothing about "drama"...especially considering the Piven Theatre Workshop was founded by his parents Byrne and Joyce Piven, both of whom were actors and drama teachers.

[Takae]

So, by your reasoning, TEEVEE and MOOVEEE producers shouldn't cast stage actors in TEEVEE and MOOVEES, then? :P

I personally can't stand Piven, but ouch for you to include Piven. If you expanded your horizon a bit, you'll discover that he grew up in a small but established theatrical family. Not only that, almost from the start of his career, he's frequently appeared in stage plays between TV and movie productions.

Oh, and chasing girls while keeping his toupee straight, of course.

[cynicalidealist]

My only comment: Esparza would have made a great lead here. Based on his work in The Homecoming he could have easily handled the role...

[ObamaEdwards]

Another example of the crisis in reading comprehension in America. Nothing the actors actually said was critical. They were just trying to make the best of a bad situation by praising the poor guy who had to read his lines from the script.

The only thing that implies criticism is the way the quotes are framed and titled by the article.

Read better, America! Read for meaning. You can do it!

[AnneHope]

Good for them for speaking out. Too many film actors think they can pull their weight on the stage.... and then not only turn out dull, unexciting performances, but can't handle the grueling performance schedule. Some are great (usually actors who started on stage and understand the art form.) As theater actors, they were probably frustrated from day one with yet another "star" coming in (Mr. Piven is known for being a diva to begin with) and he couldn"t deliver the best performance for the show and ensemble. I am sorry if Mr. Piven is sick¦ but I agree that his departure was unprofessional. (You can still work with Mercury poisoning. I"ve seen people work with the flu because they knew people paid good money to see them!) I think he left because he couldn"t handle the Broadway stage.

I think there are people posting that are blowing the couple of comments out of proportion. His comments were very professional & truthful regarding the situation. Stop making a mountain out of a mole hill. Not to mention, Paul Esparza is one of the greatest stage actors of our generation. Don"t immediately be on Mr. Piven"s side just because he is more famous. Fame doesn"t equal talent and professionalism.

[pow904]

I'm reading these comments because Piven is reported to be suffering from mercury toxicity. It is nothing like the flu, would you please become familiar? I've never watched Piven perform, however, this misunderstood condition inhibits previous abilities. If you think he could not perform to begin with, so be it, but to also judge him based on his departure due to illness is not necessary. Would you expect a runner with a broken leg to continue to train?

[Takae]

Putting Piven and the whole drama aside - actually, no, you can't quite continue working if you have mercury poisoning. It depends on how much you have it, of course.

My great-uncle had it one time. His sight and speech (both were slurred), had some kind of tinnitus; his physical co-ordination were affected (he was disoriented sometimes), his movements were restricted, as if his muscles seized up, and he was chronically tired. I think his gums bled a bit. It was like a cross between being drunk and having a very bad cold.

[SabrinaFair]

I saw the show last week with Norbert Leo Butz, who was terrific. I'll be going back again to catch William H. Macy.

Incidentally, on the day we were to see the show while Jeremy Piven was still in, he was out sick, so we refunded and bought new tickets. We're glad we did.

[Centient]

Throwing this out as one of the lamest stories of the year. Weeks removed from the departure, and it seems people, or at least reporters, cannot get enough of this story.

Lessons we've learned. Mercury poisoning is a bad, but misunderstood condition. Especially among stage actors. Mr. Esparza apparently carries some fundamental dislike of Mr. Piven. Nobody pays to see the understudy/standby.

[astral66]

Gee whiz, actors saying nasty things about other actors? I'm shocked!

[cloudmaker]

Is Esparza trying to win the Tony for "most unprofessional actor of the year"? Piven
has gone. Get off his case. Yes, he will be a bigger star than you. That's life.
Accept it. Instead of bitching, help your new co-star with his lines.

[killmenow]

I absolutely give Mr. Esparza that award. I know how acclaimed he is and how successful he's been on stage in New York, but it's unfortunate that his comments are not more widely recognized as entirely unprofessional and inappropriate. Maybe much later, in his memoirs, but to immediately comment on the situation in such a nasty and disparaging manner is entirely inappropriate.