However on Wednesday Piven 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 David Mamet is skeptical. "I talked to Jeremy 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." (Associated Press)
JP must really like his fish. Effects from a high mercurcy count can include itching/burning, skin discoloration, edema (swelling), profuse sweating, and desquamation (dead skin peels off in layers).
The production is set to continue but I wonder if it will still receive a "Must see!" from the New York Post. I really hope no one bid on eBay item 200286213190.