John Savident

Hi,

I was reading somewhere that the original Monsieur Firman, John Savident was fired after 6 months in the role. Does anyone know why? I've read a few interviews/memoirs etc from various cast members who don't have a lot of good to say about him. Can anyone shed any light on this?

I knew Savident was in the role for a very short time but didn't realise he was fired. Haven't got a clue as to why, though. Keep us updated if you find out. Pity, as he remains one of my favourite Firmins based on what I do know of his performance.

From what I understand he annoyed Hal Prince by refusing to be in the background of any of the other scenes in the show. Particular the auction at the beginning. If you look at some of the early photos David Firth and Mary Millar are in the auction scene at the beginning and then quick change for the Hannibal rehearsal scenes. By all accounts Savident refused to do this for some reason.

I remember reading Rosemary Ashe saying "when John Savident was fired" when she was talking about having cocktails and cakes between shows with the other cast members sixth months in to the run.

I too look back at Savident's performance as Firman as one of my favourites but maybe that is because he appears on the London Cast Album.

bennyboy wrote:From what I understand he annoyed Hal Prince by refusing to be in the background of any of the other scenes in the show. Particular the auction at the beginning. If you look at some of the early photos David Firth and Mary Millar are in the auction scene at the beginning and then quick change for the Hannibal rehearsal scenes. By all accounts Savident refused to do this for some reason.

I remember reading Rosemary Ashe saying "when John Savident was fired" when she was talking about having cocktails and cakes between shows with the other cast members sixth months in to the run.

I too look back at Savident's performance as Firman as one of my favourites but maybe that is because he appears on the London Cast Album.

Interesting. That would definitely explain the firing.

Where did you read those reminiscences by Rosie Ashe?

It was in Marcus Tylor's book, "The First Year Backstage".

bennyboy wrote:I too look back at Savident's performance as Firman as one of my favourites but maybe that is because he appears on the London Cast Album.

I think that is my love for him too. I have no idea how he actually was on stage, but the original managers on the OLC definitely set a standard for how I rate later managers.

John was a part of a big time soap drama here in the UK called 'coronation Street' playing a butcher called Fred, he was in it for many years but didn't realise it was him until I read up on his credits.

I agree, I also judge managers closely to that of the original cast.

Wasn't there someone on the forum that posted something saying he was related to John?