James Barbour
On a three city tour, James Barbour performed his 4th Annual Holiday Concert at the famous Sardi’s reminding us why “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” As a Broadway actor, he has starred in and received multi-award nominations for A Tale of Two Cities; starred in Carousel, Jane Eyre, Beauty and The Beast, Urinetown and more.
Blessed with a God-given voice of soaring magnitude, his rich baritone is filled with colorations of rainbow proportions. The intimate setting of the room allowed for lots of fun-filled personalizing and getting to know you repartee, perfect for the holiday audience. With Jerry Sternbach on piano, they shared play time with The Jew and The Goy going on the road, and the possibilities the concept might hold.
There was an over abundance of references to Hugh Jackman (playing across the street) and definite highlights talking about his two young daughters (the youngest one just 7 weeks old), Barbour endearing with tales of fatherhood, like taking 3 year old Hudson to see Santa and when asked what she wanted for Christmas responding with ”fruit, a turkey burger and some Princesses.” Priceless! Of course, he did lots of singing too – - like the traditional “White Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” But there were soulful moments; a song written by Dennis DeYoung (from Hunchback), “Who Will Love This Child,” expressing a haunting poignancy and what he calls “Mom’s Song,” which he wrote after her death, that embodies his meaning – drop a body - the sadness, the love, the loss and moving forward.
Born in Cherry Hill, NJ, Barbour related many stories about high school days, of attending lots of Bar Mitzvahs (he’s a Methodist), showing off a very funny, loveable and charming wit.
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” became a group effort when 12 placards were given out, each with the answering words to what my true love gave to me . . . and lots of laughs ensued as the audience made it through to the end. Hurrah! The Streisand arrangement to “Jingle Bells” flew by in double time as the concert came to its end with “Silent Night” and “Oh, Holy Night.”
Barbour fans will be seeing lots more of this man with the soaring and thrilling voice, when he comes to Broadway in March with the musical adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca” in the role of Jack Favel, joined by Karen Mason and Howard McGillin.
By the time the Holiday show was over, I had the feeling I knew a lot about Barbour who is very forthcoming, personally and as a performer, and leaves you wanting more. His new CD “Bring Me Giants” is available on the Global Vision Records Label.
Posted by Sandi Durell
on December 11, 2011. Filed under Cabaret,Cabaret and Interviews - Sandi Durell,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT,Interviews with Magda,Videos.
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