Even if you’re having trouble buying Jeremy Piven‘s fishy excuse, there’s no denying the actor’s appeal.

Last week, the Entourage star abruptly pulled out of his Broadway engagement due to a reportedly high level of mercury. The producers of Speed-the-Plow were then forced to find last-minute find replacements for Piven’s role as Bobby Gould. (Norbert Butz began his stint on Tuesday; William H. Macy finishes the run starting January 11.)

Unfortunately, Jeremy’s absence has already had a huge effect on the production’s box office numbers. In the few days while Jordan Lage was substituting, ticket sales for the week fell nearly $160,000 to $326,559. The actors also performed to houses that were only half full. But Piven was, surprisingly, not missed. At least not by former co-star Raul Esparza.

According to source for FOX News, Raul didn’t have a problem addressing the elephant in the room after Sunday’s matinee. “’He said, ‘I’m sure you’ve read the headlines about the silliness in our show.’ Then he said, ‘Today was the first time I really enjoyed playing this show.’ I hope you weren’t expecting a big TV star.’ It was pretty emotional,” said the show’s attendee. Mad Men‘s Elisabeth Moss - another Plow performer - reportedly sobbed during Esparaza’s remarks.

So will Butz and Macy draw Broadway lovers back to Plow again? Possibly. But could anyone ever really replace Ari Gold?