| Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | icecadet 02:48 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| The backlash has begun... | |
| Link | The controversy |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | young-walsingham 05:51 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - icecadet 02:48 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| A UK professional soccer player in the UK who was convicted of a sexual crime, completed his sentence and is now a free man has been prevented by on line campaigners from taking up offers of employment. Could be the same for this Phantom? | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | sf 06:30 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - young-walsingham 05:51 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| "A UK professional soccer player in the UK who was convicted of a sexual crime, completed his sentence and is now a free man has been prevented by on line campaigners from taking up offers of employment. Could be the same for this Phantom?" Not quite the same thing. James Barbour was convicted, has completed his sentence, and is now a free man. The footballer in question is out on licence - he's still bound by his sentence, and can be returned to prison if he violates the terms of his parole. (And this should not be taken as a statement either for or against Mr. Barbour joining the cast of 'Phantom'.) | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | Sam890 05:25 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - icecadet 02:48 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Isn't this just a really silly career choice for Barbour. As soon as I saw the announcement I felt sure, given the plot and content of Phantom, that the issue of his past convictions would be brought up. I'm not going to get into the rights and wrongs of his past actions and the impact they should have on his career (I'm undecided) - but I just think it was a silly move on his part to accept this job | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | broadwaybroad 07:20 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - Sam890 05:25 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| J. Barbour performs in California all the time without any controversy. He has a beautiful voice and I believe he belongs back on Broadway. He has served his time and I'm sure he isn't a threat to anyone. We need to learn to forgive! | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | sacpsych 11:08 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - broadwaybroad 07:20 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Exactly. We saw him at the Music Circus a few years ago in 1776 and his presence on stage was nothing short of stunning. I truly don't understand the uproar over this, and I hope that he is allowed to take over the role as planned. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | ARReith1982 12:03 am EST 01/20/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - sacpsych 11:08 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| I, for one, cannot wait to return to the Majestic. I was THRILLED to see his casting. I will be there as soon as I can get myself back to NYC. He did something terrible. He has confessed. Why must we continue to chastise him. Would you like it if a crime/deed you did was continually dangled over your head? I say let the man live his life. Let him use his talents in the best way possible. We need to forgive and not continually drag this up. Imagine how he feels. No doubt he's seen some of the press that this announcement has generated. I fully support his casting - and despite has past - I believe he will be a superb Phantom!! | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | Chromolume 10:05 am EST 01/20/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - ARReith1982 12:03 am EST 01/20/15 |
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| He did something terrible. He has confessed. Why must we continue to chastise him. Would you like it if a crime/deed you did was continually dangled over your head? Agreed. Sex crimes are obviously nothing to take lightly, but he has done his due process. Ironically, though he's been cast in Phantom, it feels like he's in the middle of some Valjean/Javert thing here. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | sf 12:03 pm EST 01/20/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - Chromolume 10:05 am EST 01/20/15 |
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| " Sex crimes are obviously nothing to take lightly, but he has done his due process. " He has - but given the crime he was convicted of, it would certainly be legitimate to object to his being cast in, for example, any production which had minors in the cast (which is not an issue in this particular case). There are certain criminal convictions that - justifiably - end careers. This one is right on the line. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | ARReith1982 10:14 am EST 01/21/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - sf 12:03 pm EST 01/20/15 |
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| There are no minors in Phantom. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | sf 10:36 am EST 01/21/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - ARReith1982 10:14 am EST 01/21/15 |
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| Indeed, which is why I pointed out that it wasn't an issue in this case. I assume you read that part, but it somehow slipped your mind. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | Chromolume 11:56 pm EST 01/20/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - sf 12:03 pm EST 01/20/15 |
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| He has - but given the crime he was convicted of, it would certainly be legitimate to object to his being cast in, for example, any production which had minors in the cast (which is not an issue in this particular case). So if it's not an issue in this particular case, why is his casting an issue in this particular case? (If it weren't an issue in this particular case, this thread wouldn't be here.) | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | sf 10:49 am EST 01/21/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - Chromolume 11:56 pm EST 01/20/15 |
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| "So if it's not an issue in this particular case, why is his casting an issue in this particular case?" I didn't say I had any issue with his casting in this particular case. There are, however, certainly professions where this particular conviction would bar you from future employment. The nature of his conviction means that for Mr. Barbour to work with minors in any capacity would be absolutely inappropriate, and it *does not matter* that he's done his time. Since that isn't an issue at "Phantom", I don't see any bar to him taking the job (in the US, anyway - I suspect post-Savile squeamishness about the sexual abuse of minors in and around the entertainment industry would make him impossible to hire in the UK) - but it's also hardly surprising if his tenure in the role attracts a certain amount of controversy, and I would certainly understand if some of his colleagues were less than enthusiastic at the prospect of working with him. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | AlanScott 05:55 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - Sam890 05:25 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| "Isn't this just a really silly career choice for Barbour." If the producers are willing to hire him for a role that they think he can do well, should he turn them down and be unemployed? Unless he wants to retire as an actor, what do you think he should do? Most actors who are not stars do not have the luxury of turning down roles, especially when the reason would be that some people might object to the casting. And what roles should he then accept? There are always (or at least for some time to come) going to be some who object to his being cast in any role anywhere. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | Ann 05:34 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - Sam890 05:25 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Could have been worse ... | |
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| He could have been cast in Gigi | |
| Posted by: | dramedy 05:45 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - Ann 05:34 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Nm | |
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| re: He could have been cast in Gigi | |
| Posted by: | AlanScott 06:05 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | He could have been cast in Gigi - dramedy 05:45 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| I was thinking the same thing. It would have been more in line, agewise, with the best known previous castings of the role. And he has a good look for the role. But, yeah, obviously warn't going to happen. | |
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| re: He could have been cast in Gigi | |
| Posted by: | BroadwayTonyJ 05:51 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | He could have been cast in Gigi - dramedy 05:45 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Or as Steve in a regional production of August: Osage County. | |
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| re: He could have been cast in Gigi | |
| Posted by: | MockingbirdGirl 05:53 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: He could have been cast in Gigi - BroadwayTonyJ 05:51 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Or as Daddy Warbucks. | |
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| re: He could have been cast in Gigi | |
| Posted by: | whereismikeyfl 05:59 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: He could have been cast in Gigi - MockingbirdGirl 05:53 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Or in Once. | |
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| Best post in the thread. n/m | |
| Posted by: | reed23 06:19 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: He could have been cast in Gigi - whereismikeyfl 05:59 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| re: He could have been cast in Gigi | |
| Posted by: | BroadwayTonyJ 06:05 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: He could have been cast in Gigi - whereismikeyfl 05:59 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| I was going to suggest as a bartender-on-the make at the Farhampton Inn for Barney and Robin's wedding. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | LegitOnce 03:00 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - icecadet 02:48 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Major cognitive dissonance going on here, complaining that a performer who admitted to criminal sexual acts is now going to appear in the extended rape fantasy that is Phantom of the Opera. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | Singapore/Fling 09:44 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - LegitOnce 03:00 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| In not quite such strong language, I had the same thought. I believe that Barbour is allowed to be forgiven, and I think he's a wonderful actor. But for people who love "Phantom" to complain about a charismatic but dark performer who took advantage of a young woman who wanted to be a performer... It's the same story! | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | peter3053 03:27 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - LegitOnce 03:00 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| I may have missed something about our society, but my understanding has been that we are to forgive and forget past wrongs once the person is repentant. Otherwise, are we to condemn people their whole lives? Are not past wrongdoers allowed to have an income from their profession? Phantom of the Opera is ultimately about love, acceptance and forgiveness. We should learn the lessons of our beloved art form. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | AC126748 06:41 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - peter3053 03:27 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| I may have missed something about our society, but my understanding has been that we are to forgive and forget past wrongs once the person is repentant. No, that's just the lip-service we pay. Across the board, people who've served jail time (pretty much regardless of charge) have a much harder time securing employment, securing housing, and securing stability, even after they've paid their debts. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | MockingbirdGirl 03:48 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - peter3053 03:27 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| I may have missed something about our society, but my understanding has been that we are to forgive and forget past wrongs once the person is repentant. We rather explicitly don't do that for sex offenders, who are required to publicize their whereabouts and remain social pariahs long after they have served their custodial sentences. | |
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| He's not a registered sex offender | |
| Posted by: | Glitter 05:33 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - MockingbirdGirl 03:48 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| .....so why is this an issue? | |
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| re: He's not a registered sex offender | |
| Posted by: | Delvino 05:53 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | He's not a registered sex offender - Glitter 05:33 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Thank you. Sticking to the facts is always rather useful. Yet he's being painted with such a broad brush, you'd think he was a geriatric sitcom star with thirty accusers. This is rather witch-hunty to me, the degree to which this man's transgression is being used to make some kind of point. I am not his defender, but believe the issue is a consumer one: if you don't want to see him in PHANTOM, don't buy a ticket. If you don't like him, picket. Scream outside the Majestic. Take out ads. But he has every right to be employed. That's the bottom line. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | peter3053 04:17 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - MockingbirdGirl 03:48 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Well, I guess his whereabouts will be 44th Street at a rather public theatre house, appearing in front of about 1000 people nightly ... shouldn't be too difficult to track him down... Yes, you're right, and some sex offenders may have psychiatric difficulties which they can't overcome; fortunately we live in a day and age when we can usually distinguish the poor unfortunate ones trapped inside distorted brains and who can't help themselves and the ones who can change their behaviour. Poor souls, I think. The Phantom himself is a sad case of someone who has been unable to direct his sexuality aright because of his physical appearance and society's (natural) horror. The beautiful ending is of course brought about by his letting go of his obsession, in the face of Christine's merciful love. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | superior_exterior 04:16 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - MockingbirdGirl 03:48 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| I was under the impression that Barbour plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a minor. He's not a registered sex offender. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | MockingbirdGirl 04:24 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - superior_exterior 04:16 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| No, he was not required to register as a sex offender... but he was required to attend a sex offender treatment program as a condition of his plea. | |
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| re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy | |
| Posted by: | superior_exterior 05:11 pm EST 01/19/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Phantom Casting Causes Controversy - MockingbirdGirl 04:24 pm EST 01/19/15 |
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| Right, no, there were certainly terms attached to the plea. I was only refering to the specific comment about how we "rather explicitly don't do that for sex offenders, who are required to publicize their whereabouts and remain social pariahs long after they have served their custodial sentences." Just to point out that this is not the case with Barbour. He was only required to disclose the conditions of his plea for the three years of his probation, which has ended. | |
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