It’s Deborah Cox’s world and we are just living in it! I wasn’t sure what to expect from the first U.S. National tour of The Bodyguard at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. I expected a few iconic Whitney Houston and a reenactment of the 1992 Oscar nominated film by Lawrence Kasdan but this is a London West End musical show and WHAT a show!
I got more than I expected from the shocking opening moment that got my heart pounding with gunfire and a video montage of the work famous Rachel Marron played by Grammy® Award-nominated and multi-platinum R&B/pop recording artist and film/TV actress Deborah Cox and Judson Mill as Frank Farmer the bodyguard who steals her heart.
This is a departure from the film that sprinkles movie magic but weaves Deborah’s voice throughout. She’s not playing Whitney Houston but instead makes the role her own. I don’t want to give anything away but the show has a great fast pace with a supporting cast that surrounds Deborah as they twinkle on the stage.
Don’t worry the classic scene where Frank sweeps Rachel into his arms was played out with talented background dancers that gave a frantic feel necessary to make the scene chaotic and exciting. The strobing lights, the music, the movement and feints had me wondering how it would look and I for one <gasped> it was DAMNED sexy and really looked good on the stage.
I really enjoyed having my musical with a little suspense and lots of great singing by Jasmin Richardson (Nicki Marron) and Kevelin B. Jones III (Fletcher) as well as the supporting cast. I really enjoyed the change in the sister relathinshiop between Rachel & Nicki with deep abiding love at war with jealous rivalry. The father son vibe between Frank and Fletcher was sweet and would appeal to anyone who wants a family of their own.
If you’re a huge fan of the film and think this hits all the same dots be ready for a surprise because they changed some major plot points to keep the pace of the show fast as well as create emotional connection with the audience. I’d like to say that I’m a Rachel but am more like a Nicki!
I’m very excited to have seen the show and really recommend it to fans of musicals, Deborah Cox and (of course) Whitney Houston! Watching the Bodyguard was like watching a an album with the music keeping the story on pace and the voices of the cast soaring to the heavens with music that had me tapping my feet all night long. Make sure you stay till the lights come on because the cast has a special treat that will have everyone dancing out onto the street!
Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a host of irresistible classics including So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest selling songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION: Tickets are available at www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-982-2787, as well as at theHollywood Pantages Box Office (6233 Hollywood Blvd) and all Ticketmaster Outlets. The
performance schedule for THE BODYGUARD is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm. Opening Night is Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 8pm. Deborah Cox is not scheduled to perform at the matinee performances. recommended for ages 13 and up. (Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre. All patrons must have a ticket, regardless of age.) Running Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes including intermission. Tickets start at $35.
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