Heather Headley Offered Leading Role in The Bodyguard Stage Musical

By Adam Hetrick
10 Oct 2011

Heather Headley
Heather Headley
Photo by Joseph Marzullo/WENN

Tony Award-winning Aida and Lion King star Heather Headley has been offered the role of Rachel in the stage musical adaptation of the hit Whitney Houston film The Bodyguard, which is aiming to bow in London prior to a Broadway run.

In 2009 it was reported that producer David Ian was negotiating for the rights to adapt the 1992 film about an international pop singer in peril and her bodyguard as a new musical. Ian is developing the stage property along with producer Michael Harrison.

According to previous reports in the Daily Mail, Zanna Don't! librettist Alexander Dinelaris has authored the book for The Bodyguard, which will be directed by Thea Sharrock. The plot for the stage production will not be an exact replica of the film.

Headley announced on her Facebook page that the musical will include songs from Houston's pop catalogue. The goal is to debut in London in fall 2012 prior to a Broadway arrival. A New York reading, with Headley among the cast, was presented this summer. The creative team will regroup in London in early 2012 for another workshop.

Here's a look at Headley's post: "I've been offered the role of Rachel in the musical version The Bodyguard. Very Honored! The script has been rewritten a bit and it's very interesting. Needless to say, the music is great (they're using many of the songs of Whitney's catalogue) - - very challenging, but great. We'll start on the West End in London and then we'll move to Broadway (if all goes well - - I think it will)."

Lawrence Kasdan authored the original screenplay to the film that was produced by Kevin Costner (who also costarred in the title role). Songs from the film included "I Will Always Love You" and "Queen of the Night."

An official announcement about the musical's London debut has yet to be made.