Rob Richardson | A Tale of Two Cities

The Al Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway

James Barbour is sensational! Tony Walton's skeletal setting and impressionistic backcloths are ingenious. David Zinn's costumes are stylish and Richard Pilbrow's lighting is imaginative! But the show belongs to Barbour's sonorous-voiced Carton, one of literature's first anti-heroes. He sings and acts wonderfully, with a kind of hangdog panache that is both ironic and very moving.		The second coming of Les Mis! James Barbour has the best voice on Broadway. He gets a standing ovation and deservedly so!
Clive Barnes, NY Post		David Richardson, WOR Radio

Rousing and engaging! The show's best asset is James Barbour, a charismatic actor with a booming baritone that rocks the rafters. He's matched in voice by lovely newcomer Brandi Burkhardt as Lucie Manette, Gregg Edelman stands out as the goodly Dr. Manette. Designed to be a crowd pleaser, there is no denying A Tale of Two Cities succeeds.		It was the best of times at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. A tremendous, magnificent grand new musical. A lush production. A Tale of Two Cities has earned a special place in the history of the theatre. The music is excellent. Directed and choreographer with brio and warmth by Warren Carlyle. The cast of 40 is one of the best ensembles I've seen on stage. James Barbour is truly spectacular. He gives one of the most nuanced portrayals as Sydney Carton, a most dissolute, recalcitrant, and sexy lawyer ever to grace a stage. He has made a deep and lasting impression. The beautiful Brandi Burkhardt is shimmering in voice and looks. Natalie Toro is riveting.
Roma Torre, NY!		Rosalind Friedman, WMNR-FM

Asolo Repertory Theatre

“A Tale of Two Cities has taken its first step toward Broadway. You can catch this epic musical drama at the Asolo Theatre if you’re willing to beg, steal and borrow. The smash hit is already completely sold out. I’d never read the novel but found myself wrapped up in the redemptive story of Sydney Carton and the heartbreaking love triangle between Carton, Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay. This Broadway-bound musical is on the right path, thanks especially to a handful of stirring Jill Santoriello songs, Michael Donald Edward’s brisk staging, Tony Walton’s ingenious scenic design and a strong company led by James Barbour, pouring his soul into a towering performance as Carton. He could get himself a Tony Award if he plays his cards right.”

-Paul Wontorek, Broadway.com

“A Tale of Two Cities has much to recommend it. Brisk direction. Fluid musical staging. Impressive design. Elegant costumes. Revealing lyrics. A vibrant and rousing first-act finale. Natalie Toro’s powerhouse performance. Nick Wyman is comically dastardly as ‘Basard.’ Katherine McGrath oozes humanity and sarcasm as the wry nanny, ‘Miss Pross.’ Alex Santoriello is lovingly compassionate as the long-imprisoned, Dr. Alexandre Manette.’ The stage is beautiful as it transforms with graceful elegance from bloody Paris streets to London courtrooms and palaces. There is a story here that certainly can touch audiences.”

-Jay Handelman, Variety