

They are not involved in the film because they believe her story should be told on a larger stage. Houston’s family owns the rights to her music and is reportedly unhappy with the project. For showtimes and ticket information, visit P.S.Last night Entertainment Tonight revealed behind the scenes footage of he film which will air next year.Īccording to the network, terms of music rights and clearances are still being negotiated, but R&B singer Deborah Cox will provide the vocals for Houston’s hit songs. “The Bodyguard” will be at The Academy of Music February 21st through February 26th. If you’re a stickler for storylines you may struggle from time to time with the changes, but you will still revel in the experience. If you are a fan of Whitney Houston and her body of music, you will love it. If you love Deborah Cox, you will enjoy “The Bodyguard”. Chants of ‘sing Deborah!’ echoed throughout the theater followed by a standing ovation after she sang the last notes. Cox excels specifically in second act’s studio rendition of ‘All The Man I Need’ and the finale of ‘I Will Always Love You’. Cox hits a lot of the right notes… so does Jasmin Richardson. There are tender moments, and there are sequences that will make you laugh of loud, particularly the karaoke rendition of ‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go’ by three members of the ensemble. Judson Mills added a humor to Frank Farmer that was charming and a welcome addition. The nuances Jasmin Richardson adds to Nicki’s character make you root for her to escape Rachel’s shadow… even though she is a semi-villain. At certain times you can hear reminisces of the timber of Whitney’s voice and phrasing, even in the way that she delivers her lines. Pacing aside, a few things are undeniable… this cast is very talented. The climax sequences at the award show could have been a touch longer, and the scenes where Rachel and Farmer are falling in love could have used a bit more tension to add to the pace. While the first act was solid, the second act felt a bit rushed. “The Bodyguard” musical does not serve as a mirror to the original plot and storyline, but it does pay homage to Whitney Houston in every way. Whitney’s discography also serves as the soundtrack for the romantic feelings and simultaneous jealousy brewing in the heart of Rachel’s sister Nikki. The songs serve as the base and explanation of the love story developing between Rachel and Farmer. Fans of Whitney will be happy to know that you will see most of Houston’s biggest hits performed throughout the show. The biggest difference being that the Broadway storyline transforms Rachel Marron’s body of work into Whitney Houston’s. If as an audience member of “The Bodyguard” musical, you hope to experience it in a way that is identical to the film, don’t….

Disdain transforms into romance while the thriller unfolds. Insert Frank Farmer, the stoic, no- nonsense bodyguard hired to protect her. Arrogant, defiant, and supremely talented Rachel Marron fears for her life when a fan’s adoration turns into infatuation. Not only did fans of Whitney love the music, but they loved the story. A certain someone who will remain nameless, played their “Bodyguard” cassette tape so often that is unwinded, and had to be replaced with its sturdier CD counterpart. “Queen of The Night, “I Have Nothing”, “Run To You”, and last but certainly not least Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”, gave fans a once in a lifetime experience. Cox and the cast which include Judson Mills as Frank Farmer, and Jasmin Richardson as Nicki Marron, bring the musical to life in Philadelphia at The Academy of Music.Īny true fan of Whitney Houston knows “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, was music utopia. Grammy nominated, multi-platinum singer Deborah Cox, now takes on the role of singing sensation Rachael Marron in the Broadway production. After her untimely death in 2012, her most notable film work ‘“The Bodyguard” was adapted for Broadway. She crossed demographics, broke barriers, and took over the Pop and R&B charts for the span of three decades. Her range, tone, other worldly vocal agility, clarity and stage presence made her the untouchable legend that she is. Those of you who grew up listening to R&B and Pop know that there was only one who earned the title “The Voice”… the incomparable Whitney Elizabeth Houston.
