I GOT THE STUFF THAT YOU WANT! THE BODYGUARD MUSICAL CONFIRMED AT THE ADELPHI
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London Theatre Direct
The long anticipated stage version of the hit Whitney Houston/Kevin Costner 1992 movie THE BODYGUARD has finally been confirmed as opening at the Adelphi Theatre this autumn.
Previews of THE BODYGUARD will begin on the 6th November with an early December press night. Anticipation levels are likely to be high considering the recent untimely death of the rnb superstar. The show could mistakenly be seen as having been rushed through to cash in on the tragedy however producer Michael Harrison confirms the production has actually been in the planning stages for the last six years. The production will be directed by Thea Sharrock and Houston's role of Rachel Marron will be portrayed by esteemed Broadway performer Heather Headley, a lifelong fan of the legendary diva.
Harrison commented "We were all incredibly shocked by her death, especially after all the time we've been working on this, listening to the songs and hearing that voice. Heather is a massive Whitney fan, too. It’s been very strange and very sad." The story tells of tough-talking singing sensation Rachel Marron who after receiving threats on her life by a deranged stalker is convinced to accept the protective services of ex-secret service agent Frank Farmer. The film, Houston's acting debut, was a worldwide box office hit and the soundtrack album spawned five megasmashes including the feisty Queen Of The Night, a cover of Chaka Khan's I'm Every Woman, as well as the Oscar-nominated songs I Have Nothing and Run To You. It also features Houston's signature song, her timeless cover of Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You which spent 10 weeks at number one in the UK and 14 in the States. The album is the biggest-selling soundtrack album of all time and has sold over 44 million copies worldwide.
The stage show will feature all these hits plus more of Houston's catalogue including I Wanna Dance With Somebody, So Emotional, Saving All My Love For You, One Moment In Time and How Will I Know. The show is designed by Tim Hatley with the book by Alex Dinelaris. Producer Michael Harrison's well-received stage version of Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle life, I Dreamed A Dream, has just opened in Newcastle prior to a national tour and likely West End run. Heather Headley won a Tony Award for the titular role in Aida on Broadway in 2000 and she also originated the role of Nala in The Lion King.