The Bodyguard The Musical by Lawrence Kasdan, book by Alexander Dinelaris
Directed by Thea Sharrock
Produced by Michael Harrison & David Ian
At Curve til Saturday 22nd April 2023
“wall to wall Whitney Houston classic songs”
I am sure that most people already know the plot of the 1992 movie starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. Originally created as a vehicle for Steve McQueen and Diana Ross twenty years previously it ended up being a showcase for Houston’s amazing voice.
The stage musical finally got made in 2012 when producer David Ian bought the rights.
For those who have missed out on one of the most popular rom-thrillers in recent times the plot is fairly standard. Rachel Marron is a mega star singer and a bit of a diva. Her sister, Nikki, is the original ‘spare’ forever consigned to the background of her sister’s success. Frank Farmer, the Bodyguard of the title, is brought in to protect Rachel after she receives threats from a mysterious Stalker. The secondary drama of the story is that Rachel and Frank hate each other on sight but eventually fall in love.
If that were all there was to the show it would be pretty unexceptional. The clever bit, as with the film, was to use it as the story to a jukebox musical of Whitney Houston songs.
The role of Rachel Marron is split between two singer/actresses. Last night it was the turn of Samantha Mbolekwa, the owner of an extraordinary voice. The powerhouse vocals require amazing technique and it is no wonder that the role requires two singers. It would ruin the voice of anyone attempting it every night week in week out.
While she doesn’t have anywhere near as many numbers to sing Emily-Mae as Nikki Marron has just as good a voice.
As The Bodyguard, Ayden Callaghan, doesn’t have the power ballads that the girls do but he does a nice line in gruff, no-nonsense, in control macho-ness in a James Bond style.
And for sheer scene stealing look out for young Iesa Miller playing Fletcher, Rachel's son.
The stars are very ably supported by a talented ensemble choreographed by Karen Bruce. A clever set, designed by Tim Hatley, makes good use of Curve’s technological magic.
With wall to wall Whitney Houston classic songs this is a great night out. In view of recent problems in other venues the pre-show announcement warns people not to join in until the finale. To Leicester Curve’s audience’s credit they behaved impeccably, as I knew they would and waited til the closing number before getting to their feet and giving the cast a well deserved standing ovation with the sing-a-long to a medley.
There are still a few tickets left for the rest of the run but don’t leave it too long before you book
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