The production is directed by Thea Sharrock, and also features Lloyd Owen in the role of Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard (Kevin Costner in the film), who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron (Headley) from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don't expect is to fall in love.
Click here to read an interview with Heather Headley.
The Bodyguard features a multitude of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including "Queen of the Night," "So Emotional," "One Moment in Time," "Saving All My Love," "I'm Your Baby Tonight," "Run to You," "I Have Nothing," "How Will I Know," "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and "I Will Always Love You."
The musical also features a book by Alex Dinelaris, with designs by Tim Hatley, lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Richard Brooker. Choreography is by Arthur Pita with orchestrations by Chris Egan and musical supervision by Mike Dixon. The Bodyguard is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian.
Also in the cast are Debbie Kurup, Mark Letheren, Ray Shell, Nicolas Colicos, Mark McKerracher, Sean Chapman, David Page and Oliver Le Sueur. They are joined by Luis Buddy, Caius Duncombe, Jaydon Fowora Knight, Kwame Kandekore, Taylor Lockhart and Malakai Paul who will share the role of Fletcher, Rachel Marron’s young son. Ensemble members are Nigel Barber, Jordan Darrell, Yasmin Harrison, Shanay Holmes, Holly James, Robert Jezek, Melissa Keyes, Gil Kolirin, Janet Kumah, Nick Maude, Richard Murphy, Gloria Onitiri, Ashley J Packer, Dharmesh Patel, Lucinda Shaw, Paul Smethurst, Charlotte Watts and James Wooldridge. Headley, a Tony and Grammy Award winner, originated the role of Nala in The Lion King on Broadway, then starred in the title role of Disney's Aida, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her debut solo album, "This is Who I Am," was nominated for two Grammy Awards. Her third studio album, "Audience of One," won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album. In recent years she has worked extensively with Andrea Bocelli on his American and international tours and sung at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
 |
 |
|
| Headley and Owen in rehearsal | ||
| photo by Paul Coltas |
Sharrock was recently represented in the West End by Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys at the Savoy. At the National, she directed 13 last year and After the Dance (which won the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Revival). Other theatre credits include Cause Célèbre for the Old Vic and The Misanthrope at the Comedy Theatre. She was previously artistic director at the Southwark Playhouse (2001-2003) and the Gate Theatre (2004-2006).
As well as "The Bodyguard," Oscar-nominated, Golden Bear and New York Film Critics award winner Kasdan has written or co-written the films "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." He has directed eleven films including "Body Heat," "The Big Chill," "The Accidental Tourist," "Grand Canyon" and "Dreamcatcher." His new film, "Darling Companion," based on a script by Meg Kasdan and Lawrence Kasdan, has recently been released by Sony Pictures Classics.
Dinelaris’ plays include Still Life, produced by Manhattan Class Company, and Red Dog Howls with the New York Theatre Workshop. He was nominated for two Drama Desk awards for his additional work on the book and lyrics for the musical Zanna Don’t.
To book tickets contact the box office on 0844 579 0094, or visit www.thebodyguardmusical.com.
