Piven 'SPEED' Departure Equity Grievance Hearing Set for 2/26

The New York Times is reporting that Actors' Equity will hold a hearing on February 26th regarding the grievance filed against the actor Jeremy Piven by the producers of the Broadway play "Speed-the-Plow".

Jeremy Piven had claimed he was too sick with "mercury poisoning" to show up for his Broadway show and abruptly left the production under a cloud of questions and mystery.

In a Dec. 18 statement the play's producers gave a statement regarding the Piven exit, "We have been advised by Jeremy Piven's medical representatives that he is seriously ill and is unable to fulfill his contractual obligation to Speed-the-Plow. Consequently, he has left the production ten weeks early."

Piven was scheduled to perform throughout the show's run, which is scheduled to end this Sunday, Feb. 22nd.

Both sides are expected to present their cases at the hearing, which is closed to the public. It is not clear if Mr. Piven will attend; his representatives did not responded to phone or e-mail messages seeking comment reports the Times. A Piven spokeswoman has previously called the grievance "absurd and outrageous."

A spokeswoman for Actors' Equity told the New York Times that its grievance committee could resolve the complaint that day or hold more meetings. The two sides could also pursue arbitration reveals the Times. To read the New York Times report click here.

The show is playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (located at 243 West 47th St.). Tickets are sold through Telecharge.com or 212-239-6200.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski