Barbour, Lazar, Edelmann to star in TALE OF TWO CITIES- Page 5

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 6:05pm

on Friends, there is an episode where Joey auditions for "A Tale of Two Cities: The Musical." Thought it was funny that they used it as a joke, but in actuality, there is a musical.

[theaternut]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 6:21pm

What is interesting to me is that in most any other job.. if you have this kind of criminal record.. chances of you getting employed are very small. And what is most irritating is the fact that he is just ok in the show. It is a role that tons of other actors can do. Perhaps even better. The blasse attitude most of you have about him being cast in the show is shameful.
Updated On: 7/1/08 at 06:21 PM

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 7:50pm

theaternut...from what I have heard, he is more than "just OK' in this show. He owns Sidney. Have you seen the show...?

And, why are you labeling us as "blasse" about his casting...?
As mentioned in other threads (which I hope you will take the time to read), this case had many issues which were not discussed by a "one sided" sensationalistic press. They actually came out with an article about it, even BEFORE Barbour went to court for the first time. How's that for a fair public opinion influencing press for you...
Wow, I never thought I would be quoting winston89 (sorry winston, but you know why I say this, just what Wanna Be a Foster said...? =I . This particular quote is actually legible and to the point :)

"in any event didn't Barbour have to clear any jobs he got with his parole officer before he could sign the contract? If that is the case the I am sure his parole officer didn't see him as a threat in doing this show on Broadway. So, I don't know if people should get totally up in arms."

There are "authorities involved here, you know, who know more about this case than any of us (I did say they they were authorities, right?) So, are you saying that speculating why this actor should not be cast is ABOVE the opinion of those more qualified...?
And, let's NOT forget that there are other actors, producers, and friends of his who know him better than that, and are sticking by him, thus, the reason he is still cast as Sydney.
I pity those who don't have friends and colleagues strong enough to stand by them when controversy arises in their lives.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 8:23pm

KQuill: I'm not saying that she is an "innocent princess." I am saying that we do not know. The facts that people usually cite to indicate that the girl was obviously an ambitious tramp who just wanted Barbour's money are typical of many sexual abuse cases (in which the person was actually a victim). That is what I like to point out when discussing this incident.

Barbour isn't a sexual predator; it doesn't mean what people think it does. And he isn't one.

It doesn't matter what Barbour thinks of the law. If he's against it, there are more productive ways to fight it than having sex with a minor. In the eyes of the law, a teenager cannot make the decision to have sex. Even if teenagers do know what they are doing, it is very easy for them to be coerced by an older individual. I am not saying that happened. But the law says that a teenager cannot consent, and that is what matters. Like another poster said, if she did come onto him, he should have the presence of mind to get out that situation.

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 8:35pm

Let's not continue on this...Barbour ALREADY admitted from before the case went to court, that he had been unethical, so what is there more to say against his judgement?

And, teenagers that seek and engage in sexual situations (and at 15 you do know better), know what they are doing. Someone who is really naive about sex, would never go that far. Trust me, I've been there. For all we know, Barbour might end up being the victim here, if criminal intent against him is found. Again, let's leave this up to those more qualified and savvy about this case.

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 8:38pm

Does it really matter if the girl wanted it and pursued it? It was STILL wrong and illegal on his part.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 8:42pm

bwaybabe2: We don't know that she sought it. That is what I am saying. And Barbour can't be the victim here; he knew it was illegal but he did it anyway. He was the adult, not her.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 8:44pm

For all we know, Barbour might end up being the victim here, if criminal intent against him is found. Again, let's leave this up to those more qualified and savvy about this case.

You are right, HE IS THE VICTIM!!!

You know, Bwaybabe2, it WAS left up to those more qualified and savvy about the case. That is why he spent time in jail and will be on parole for years.

[Shawk]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 8:47pm

I was gonna say, didn't he plead out?

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 9:00pm

No, Sueleen, he ended up there and the situation he is in, because he took a plea bargain. Because of the 15 number, this was a frame up situation legally (which not necessarily translates to a fair outcome in real life) so his legal advice probably decided this was best.
Funny how you agree with me about what I said about leaving it to the more qualified to judge, when it opens for you to make a downgrading remark, but fail to agree that he has been cleared to do this show by them, as well...?
And it is only 3 years probation, as part of the plea.
And he should be in this show.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 9:06pm

Well, you must be a lawyer, since you seem to know all about it. So I will take your word that this was a "frame up" and he only plead GUILTY based on your advice.
I am sorry. And "ONLY 3 years" probation will fly by like THAT!

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 9:23pm

...no I am not a lawyer, although in this age and time it pays to think like one.
Honestly, the plea would NOT have been what I would have advised, but that is in the past, now. And if "you" were the subject here, I am sure that 3 years would hang around your neck like a ton of bricks. Thankfully, he seems to have enough people who genuinely care about him (ummm...must be a reason, uh?), so that he will come out of this OK.
One thing that strikes me about your posts (which seem very "angry"): Is it the "minor" thing that bothers you, is it me, or do you just not care for Barbour, really?


Updated On: 7/1/08 at 09:23 PM

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 9:29pm

I don't mean this to sound flip, but how old are you? Are you a teenager?

[theaternut]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 9:37pm

bwaybabe2,
First of all.. I did see the show and I did see the shows potential. And Barbour was just ok in it.

"As mentioned in other threads (which I hope you will take the time to read), this case had many issues which were not discussed by a "one sided" sensationalistic press. They actually came out with an article about it, even BEFORE Barbour went to court for the first time. How's that for a fair public opinion influencing press for you... "

There was barely any press. Maybe locally ..some in NY and LA. But not really.


And let me reiterate.. HE WAS CONVICTED. HE ADMITTED TO GUILT HIMSELF.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 9:44pm

Just one itsy, bitsy comment. I haven't SEEN Tale yet. It may be the greatest musical ever written (doubtful), may be a pallid spinoff of Les Miz (more likely), may just be a nothing kind of show (highly likely, but then I can't speak with any authority), or it may just be a mediocre space-filler until a blockbuster comes along. But I'll lay you dollars to doughnuts that this time next year it will be forgotten. As will the furore about James Barbour, who, at best, is a routine talent. Not the worst, but certainly not the best.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 9:56pm

Barbour should be on the registry, IMO. That's the part of his sentence (or lack thereof) that I dislike.

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 10:05pm

theaternut...I appreciate your comment. I was about to link all the NY Post, Daily News, etc... articles for you to see what I mean, but, honestly, I loathe sensationalistic press, and would rather NOT give them more "play time". Just check them out yourself.
This thread is about casting for a show, so I just don't want to continue about something that has been pulverized to the point of nonexistence.

Ed...Tale will appeal to those who like Dickens, like epics, like good theater, and enjoy the performances of those cast--and I daresay it is a great cast--Barbour's singing has never been 'mediocre'. His acting you say? Perhaps you have caught some of his "off" performances...? Most who have seen him in any show, attest to his great talent. perhaps he is not the best of all, but he does enjoy the distinction of being up there with them.
I hope you are wrong about your "prediction", because I have great admiration for Ms. Santoriello and this show, and only wish the best for them...

[scaryclowns223]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 10:08pm

You know, its up to the employer as to whether or not he will be hired.

They decided to hire him.

That's it.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 10:17pm

Scaryclown.. true. But I can decide not to support the show. Or go to the show and yell CHILD MOLESTOR every time he appears. Just to be a pure bitch about it. Out of all the actors out there.. why pick him? He is not that great in the show. I detest that you are all minimizing what this man was found guilty off by letting the awe of a broadway performer blind you.

"Tale will appeal to those who like Dickens, like epics, like good theater, and enjoy the performances of those cast--and I daresay it is a great cast--Barbour's singing has never been 'mediocre'. His acting you say? Perhaps you have caught some of his "off" performances...? Most who have seen him in any show, attest to his great talent. perhaps he is not the best of all, but he does enjoy the distinction of being up there with them.
I hope you are wrong about your "prediction", because I have great admiration for Ms. Santoriello and this show, and only wish the best for them..."

I like Dickens and I like good epics. I found the show to be labored and unoriginal. And Barbour was as dull as he has always been.

Updated On: 7/1/08 at 10:17 PM

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 10:20pm

Darn, that was good, scaryclowns223...nice and simple point.
Thanks :)

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 10:34pm

Dame, why would you go see a show where you don't like the lead?
Also, I surely hope the masses in Sarasota do not get near you, because you are surely insulting their intelligence, or at best, their theater savvy (from what I hear, most of them have seen plenty of Broadway performances, and are regular theater goers).
=I
Are you from Florida, or did you actually travel there to see this show? Just curious.
Updated On: 7/1/08 at 10:34 PM

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 11:02pm

Too bad the Barbour case will always color this show.
Even if one person in the audience knows he is a criminal it will affect this show.
The producers are taking a risky choice.
Why would you hire an actor whose past will get more publicity than your work?
If this was an edgy adult show, go for it.
But this is a show that will want a family, literature, Les Miz High school, read the book, audience.
And a criminal with a past and perhaps future of bad conduct might not fly.
Remember there was another girl who also had accusations against this man.
A leopard has trouble changing his spots.
Updated On: 7/2/08 at 11:02 PM

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/1/08 at 11:10pm

"Remember there was another girl who also had accusations against this man."

Weren't there also tales of people overhearing him at the stage door saying stuff like "Women my age just don't get me?" I was under the impression that some in the theatre community knew that this was more than just a isolated incident.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/2/08 at 11:06am

"Dame, why would you go see a show where you don't like the lead?
Also, I surely hope the masses in Sarasota do not get near you, because you are surely insulting their intelligence, or at best, their theater savvy (from what I hear, most of them have seen plenty of Broadway performances, and are regular theater goers).
Are you from Florida, or did you actually travel there to see this show? Just curious."

bwaybabe2 ; There are many reasons to see a show. Believe me.. in this one Barbour was not the draw. At the time I happened to have a client in the show. And no I am not from Florida and "the masses" in Sarasota are NOT going to the theater..but the retirement homes are.

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 7/3/08 at 12:28am

Well, Sueleen...thank you for calling me a teenager
Honestly, I believe you are the one who is sounding more like a teen, though, look at your tone.

Eris0303...the comments you are referring to (about what "someone" heard at the stage door) came from a poster who, thankfully, either has been banned from this board, or is just not posting here anyomore (reason I say that is because he was rude and gross in his comments, on a regular basis, and never contributed anything really positive to this board). As far as I can infer from what he attested to, I have no doubt he made the whole thing up just to keep the thread going, by bashing Barbour (he actually admitted to not even knowing about the actor before this, so, yeah, he was an authority on the subject).
I also have no doubt that those "some in the theater community" were also acquantainces of the girl, or nemesis of Barbour, IF it was true that they said this about him.

CPD...Barbour's sentence was a "misdeaminor", not a felony, so he is not considered a criminal, from what I understand. And, in all fairness, Barbour has quite a very solid past, as a performer, and in his relations. The fact that he has had to go through this, should not have to affect this show, OR take center stage. Why? Because people who know better, remain trying to make it an issue? I have stated before that this guy is just doing a job, that is very rightfully his. He is not trying to convince you or anyone to come see him, if they not desire it.
You know, so many people went about this board making unfounded comments about the casting, saying things like, Natalie had not been cast (Eris?), and the cast was TOTALLY replaced. Well, when all was said and done, nothing was true, just speculations and baseless assumptions. Only the parts that needed replacement were cast different (in some cases it looks because the actors had other commitments)...the rest seems to be Sarasota all over. As I see it, that is the same thing happenning here with Barbour. The more this goes around, the bigger they try to make it, and the more off base comments that are made.
BTW CPD, check out the Daily News article where a reporter who attended proceedings, talked about how this case was one sided from the beginning. I also remember reading from a couple of sources that the "other" girl was nothing more than a third malicious party trying to colaborate with the accuser. The "other" girl in mention (and her Mom, even) was willing to go testify in James' favor.
Gee, I guess I'm not that bad at reasearching, after all