It's a circus outside.

So, today I feel like i'm at a red-carpet event. No, i'm not really at one, but there is so many photographers outside my work today. The reason being is that the one and only Piv is in my building today. That's right folks...Jeremy Piven. Unfortunately he's not at my office, then i could hiss at him. (I just don't like him, he seems awfully arrogant all the time. Probably why he is so good in entourage. Kudos to their casting directors!) No, he's at Actors' Equity today pleaing his case to the grievance committe for his antics on Speed-The-Plow. If you need background on the story, basically Piven left the show abruptly due to mercury posioning from all the sushi he was eating. If you want more insight read Michael Riedel's article in the NY Post here: http://www.nypost.com/seven/02252009/news/regionalnews/pivens_poisonal_plea_156806.htm

Anyways, i find Piven's actions to be very distateful. Who just walks up and leaves a show and then has their publicist...yes...not their agent, or themselves...their publicist call in and say they are not going to ever return. It is highly unprofessional as an actor to do. Riedel does touch on how to handle the seriously ill issue in his article. Plus, Piven took a job on Broadway that many actors would die for, and would be capable of playing, and then poopoo'ed on it.
I feel a little bit for Piven because supposedly mercury poisoning is terrible. It makes you feel terrible and would probably take you out of a show for a while. But days after leaving the show he appeared at one of the award shows. How sick could he really be?

I also find it ridiculous that he is even having to appear before equity. What are they, the producers of Speed the Plow, trying to do? The show has already recouped their investment. So even with Piven leaving the show, they still made a profit. Their is no way to tell how much extra money they would have made with Piven in the show, so what are they trying to get out of him. Plus, they got William H. Macy to replace him. He's a better, more respected actor, that is still famous enough to bring in an audience...so what are they complaining about? And their is talk that Piven could get banned from Actors' Equity (the theatrical actors' union) for the stunt he pulled. I find this absurd. Just let him live. The chances a big time producer will cast him again are very slim for years. This does not warrant a ban from the union. If you want to see what warrants a ban, type in Randy Quaid Actors Equity into google. Piven should not be banned.

Anyways, we will find out soon how it all plays out and maybe I'll end up in one of the pictures from the photogs outside!!!