Wow, James Barbour is back in a big way.
A few days ago, it was announced that Barbour was taking on the title role in Broadway’s longest-running production, Phantom of the Opera. And then, last night, the producers of the show felt compelled to answer an overwhelming Internet response to the news that Barbour was joining the cast.
Here’s what the show released…
http://tonyortega.org/2015/01/15/pha...er/#more-19358
Petitioning Cameron Mackintosh and 2 others
The Broadway Production of Phantom of the Opera
Do not hire a pedophile to star in the Broadway production of the Phantom of the Opera
Katie Douglas
Glasgow, United Kingdom
It was announced today that James Barbour would be taking over the title role in Phantom of the Opera. Barbour has served a jail term after admitting that in 2001 he seduced a 15 year old girl who visited him backstage at the Broadway musical, Jane Eyre. Under a negotiated plea bargain he served 60 days in jail and three years probation, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Hiring a pedophile is an especially unnerving move considering the fact that a large majority of the Phantom of the Opera's fan base is made up of teenage girls.
We are horrified by this casting announcement and feel disappointed and let down by those in charge, who should really know better.
https://www.change.org/p/cameron-mac...m-of-the-opera