It was announced today that James Barbour would be taking over the title role in Phantom of the Opera. Barbour has served a jail term after admitting that in 2001 he seduced a 15 year old girl who visited him backstage at the Broadway musical, Jane Eyre. Under a negotiated plea bargain he served 60 days in jail and three years probation, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Hiring a pedophile is an especially unnerving move considering the fact that a large majority of the Phantom of the Opera's fan base is made up of teenage girls. 

 We are horrified by this casting announcement and feel disappointed and let down by those in charge, who should really know better.