Jane Eyre is a musical drama with music and lyrics by composer-lyricist Paul Gordon and a book by John Caird, based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë. The musical debuted on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on November 9, 2000, with an official opening on December 10, 2000 and closed on June 10, 2001 after 36 previews and 209 performances.James Barbour played Edward Fairfax Rochester and The Gypsy – Marje Bubrosa (an anagram of James Barbour). Wikipedia Review: James Barbour's Rochester makes one realize how long it's been since we've seen an emotionally complex, masculine and virile character successfully portrayed on the Broadway musical stage. Barbour's handsome and rugged good looks fairly define the term "matinee idol" and his deep singing voice seems perfectly matched to the romantic lyrics of his songs, so it came as no surprise to witness several hundred women in the audience at the preview I attended actually swooning and moaning in pleasure at his performance. Talkin'Broadway Review: Topping the show's considerable assets are the two leads. Marla Schaffel is a splendid, still-waters-run-deep Jane who has the voice of a true Broadway musical star. James Barbour is a handsome, Byronic Edward Rochester who more than matches Schaffel's acting and singing skills. In fact, as good as Ms. Schaffel is, the narrative doesn't really catch fire until she meets her destiny at Rochester's estate, Thornfield Hall, and Barbour explodes onto the stage. Curtain Up
