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This musical adaptation of The Bodyguard takes inspiration from the beloved 1992 movie, which starred and featured music by the legendary Whitney Houston. Like many jukebox musicals, it’s difficult to weave a narrative across the songs, however this manufacturing actually makes a valiant effort to take action. The musical doesn’t stray too distant from the movie’s plot: a former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer (Ayden Callaghan), is employed to guard a well-known singer named Rachel Marron (Melody Thornton) from an unknown stalker. Initially, the 2 conflict as a result of their conflicting personalities. However, as they spend extra time collectively,…
Rating
Good
Audiences are handled to beautiful performances of Whitney Houston’s iconic hits, with an exciting plot that takes a dramatic flip in direction of its electrifying conclusion.
This musical adaptation of The Bodyguard takes inspiration from the beloved 1992 movie, which starred and featured music by the legendary Whitney Houston. Like many jukebox musicals, it’s difficult to weave a narrative across the songs, however this manufacturing actually makes a valiant effort to take action.
The musical doesn’t stray too distant from the movie’s plot: a former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer (Ayden Callaghan), is employed to guard a well-known singer named Rachel Marron (Melody Thornton) from an unknown stalker. Initially, the 2 conflict as a result of their conflicting personalities. However, as they spend extra time collectively, they develop romantic emotions for one another, resulting in a relationship which compromises Frank’s job of protecting Rachel secure. Callaghan and Thornton have simple chemistry and the viewers took nice delight, wooing and cheering, after they lastly received collectively.
The present begins with a bang, fairly actually; a booming gunshot making the viewers leap out of their seats. Whilst everybody catches their breath again, Thornton launches into ‘The Queen of the Night’, aided by enthusiastic dancers and flame projectors. The choreography is impressively executed, with full of life and fascinating routines that improve the efficiency and maintain the viewers entertained all through.
Despite a barely shaky begin that will have been as a result of nerves, Thornton’s immense expertise shines by means of in her highly effective singing. However, her lack of enunciation might pose a problem for these unfamiliar with Houston’s music because it’s tough to catch all of the lyrics. In addition, Nicki Marron (Emily-Mae), Rachel’s sister, has a phenomenal voice, epitomised throughout her efficiency of ‘Saving All My Love for You’ and I want we heard extra from her.
Unlike most musicals the place completely different characters have solos or duets, solely Rachel, Nicki and the ensemble sing. This ends in the opposite major characters noticeably feeling misplaced as a result of they don’t make any musical contributions.
Given the glitz and glamour related to Whitney Houston’s reveals, the viewers might need anticipated dazzling costumes. The crimson beaded gown that Rachel wears performing her salsa dance is attractive. Her different costumes, nonetheless, usually are not as eye-catching. Similarly, the set felt too naked. While using curtains to dam the stage is intelligent, the surroundings fails to move the viewers to a unique world.
However, that is made up for by the modern stage path, notably within the membership scene the place the stalker makes an attempt to assault Rachel. The staging cleverly incorporates slow-motion moments, which successfully emphasise the suspense of the damaging state of affairs. Later, when the stalker writes certainly one of his threatening letters, a pre-recorded birds-eye view video of him doing so is projected onto the stage curtain. Although it is a intelligent concept in precept, the actor was barely out of sync with the projection. Yet, this may probably resolve itself all through the run with apply.
The Bodyguard Musical has comical moments too. Callaghan is hilarious within the karaoke scene, the place he purposely sings ‘I Will Always Love You’ in a deadpan, monosyllabic method. Additionally, the music ‘He Fills Me Up’, created unintended laughter from the viewers as a result of its innuendo-laden lyrics, particularly because it adopted a specific steamy scene.
The tempo of the second act is sluggish in comparison with the primary, presumably because of the elevated use of ballads that do really feel shoehorned in. This makes the sudden ending really feel much more abrupt. Nonetheless, the addition of a singalong after the bows ensures that the present ends on a excessive.
The Bodyguard Musical gives a enjoyable, pleasant night and excels in its choreography. Thornton and Emily-Mae’s vocals are excellent, and Callaghan’s comedic timing is impeccable.
Book by: Alexander Dinelaris
Screenplay by: Lawrence Kasdan
Directed by: Thea Sharrock
Choreography by: Karen Bruce
Scenic and costume design by: Tim Hatley
The Bodyguard performs at New Wimbledon Theatre till 11 March, earlier than persevering with on a UK tour all through 2023. Dates and tickets could be discovered right here.