Stiller Putting the Family First

Ben Stiller has given us an exclusive quote that I pass on to all those who had been looking forward to his co-starring with Danny DeVito in David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Glengarry Glen Ross,” on Broadway in January.

“I’ve made the difficult decision to withdraw from ‘Glengarry Glen Ross.’ My priorities changed after the birth of my daughter, and the reality of being separated from my family for the better part of eight months caused me to rethink my commitment. We decided this would be the best thing for us.”

He expressed regret at not being able to work with Mamet, DeVito and the rest of the creative team and added, “I want to publicly apologize to everyone involved for not being able to be a part of what I know will be an incredible production.”

Producer Robert Cole says, “I am now exactly where I was in April prior to Ben Stiller’s involvement--I’m sitting on top of the world with Danny DeVito.” No word yet on who might replace Stiller....

Singer Josh Groban, 21, is having his tonsils removed. Don’t panic--his golden notes won’t be harmed. He’ll rest his voice for much of the next month, but is expected to recover in time to appear on the Tom Brokaw-hosted “Concert for America” at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Sept. 9.