Sean Avery's Theater Debut Derailed By Pizza-Related Rehearsal Meltdown

That's a good headline. Really tells a story. Are you sure you even want the details, or should we just leave it at that?

OK, let's do it. Former hockey guy Sean Avery has dabbled in fashion journalism and real estate and most recently acting, and was all set to make his debut with a significant role in the play "Negative Is Positive," which was to debut off-Broadway tomorrow. That is until Avery had himself a little meltdown during yesterday's rehearsal. Page Six has the report:

On Monday, Avery left rehearsals early after growing agitated. On Tuesday, Avery's behavior grew worse. According to [author Christy] Smith-Sloman, when a young assistant stage manager named Natalie asked the athlete-turned-actor if he wanted a slice of pizza, he said no, but somehow thought the assistant had called him an [bleep]hole."

"He said I was 'talking [bleep]' and said I was 'so full of [bleep],'" Natalie, who was left in tears, told us. "That's when I realized that I was dealing with a madman."

Next, director Andreas Robertz said Avery told him, "Don't you know who I am?!" and stormed out.

The play's author says she doesn't want Avery back, so if you had tickets for opening night, know that the role of George will instead be played by David M. Farrington. (Take that, Playbill.)

[ Page Six]