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"James Barbour is giving a terrific performance in the title role that capitalizes on his rich baritone voice and muscular presence."
By Matt Windman August 25, 2016  NewYork Theater Critic
"But I was especially taken with the brooding, sonorous sobriety of James Barbour as Leon Czolgosz, the Polish factory worker who shot William McKinley" 
By Ben Brantley April 23, 2004 - Theater Review
"Great, but not surprising, James Barbour is absolutely made for this role and may well turn out to be the most acclaimed phantom ever."
a Fan
"But, honestly, what really makes this an excellent, stand-out production can mostly be attributed to its exceptional cast, fronted by its riveting, soul-baring lead, Broadway vet James Barbour, who convincingly plays the pained, on-the-lam reformed ex-con Jean Valjean. The superb actor holds everyone captive with his distinctive portrait of a man haunted by societal demons and an instinct for self-preservation. And blessed with a powerful, commanding presence and, wow, a singing voice that's also piercingly vulnerable (his take on "Bring Him Home" will likely elicit tears as it did for me), Barbour is definitely this production's MVP---its emotional center and guiding light."
by Michael L. Quintos Jun. 10, 2014 Broadwayworld Los Angeles
"James Barbour, who plays Sydney. His rich baritone infuses every bit of whimsy, despair, hope and desire in the bitter “Reflection” and the tender “I Can’t Recall.” He captures your heart with his voice and his acting skills."
By Jay Handelman Oct 28, 2007 Herald Tribune

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"James Barbour (the 15th Phantom on Broadway) is menacing and vulnerable, and his passion takes up the entire stage whenever he is on it."
by Tulis McCall 16 September 2015 New York Theater Guide
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame’
James Barbour is a powerful Father Frollo, lending humanity to a character that, as written, is too nasty too early.
by Lisa A. DuBois September 15, 1997  Variety
"James Barbour breathes incredible life into a powerful Les Misérables. Searing high notes full of concentrated emotion soar over the orchestra, and if his floating pianissimo falsetto at the end of “Bring Him Home” doesn’t make you want to jump out of your seat and explode into instantaneous applause, I’ll be very surprised. Opening night’s audience could barely contain itself."
by Musicals in LA  June 4, 2014
"James Barbour brings to Jean Valjean just the right measure of fear, anger and deeply loving regret. His voice handles the extreme range of music with a naturalness which belies its difficulty."
by Frances Baum Nicholson on June 6, 2014 The Stage Struck Review
"Enter Darryl Van Horne (a sinfully slithering James Barbour), "as handsome as the devil yet perfectly divine."
by Jan Nargi Sep. 10, 2014  Broadwayworld
Interview by Suzanna Bowling September, 2015 - Times Square Chronicles
Interview by Jennifer Clyde May 14, 2013
Heart to Heart - ARIRANG CULTURE - Korea
Interview by Joel Robertson Mar 12, 2016 Secrets of Broadway
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