If Ghost the Musical’s success two years ago in the Shanghai market is anything to go by, it might well be that American 90s films still have their charms among local audiences. With that in mind, the musical adaptation of Mick Jackson’s romantic-thriller film, The Bodyguard (1992), is scheduled to debut at Shanghai Culture Square this June.
The story follows Frank Farmer, a former secret service agent who is hired to protect a music star, Rachel Marron, from a dangerous unknown stalker. In the movie, Kevin Costner plays the stone-faced and experienced bodyguard while Whitney Houston owned the role of a gorgeous singer with a thriving career.
Though the plot has been called cheesy and predictable, the film has a cult following and its success is arguably cemented by Houston’s sublime vocal performance. The film produced the bestselling soundtrack of all time, along with a collection of accolades including a nomination for Best Original Song (‘I Will Always Love You’) at the Oscars.
Written by Alexander Dinelaris and directed by Thea Sharrock, the West End production is set in the present to reflect today’s showbiz environment and the concert scenes remind one of a performance by Beyonce.
Playing the iconic role of Rachel Marron in the revival version is West End musical actress Carole Stennett, who has been involved in hit musicals like The Lion King. She expects to be asked the inevitable question of whether she can live up to the legendary Whitney Houston.
“Fortunately, I’m playing Rachel Marron.” Stennett giggles, tacitly reminding us that her goal is to embody the character instead of blindly imitating another actress’ rendition. “She’s an independent woman and has to work hard to support herself. Despite many similarities, the major difference between the character and me is that I’m not a super star and I don’t have a son. I hope to build my own version of Rachel Marron.”
Pressures aside, Stennett admits that she’s honored and excited to be able to perform so many classic songs every night. Whereas her stage partner – aka The Bodyguard – is also expected to sing and probably get light on his feet, her performance must contrast with his solemn character.
Lisa Fleming, the international tour manager who brought the entire original production to Shanghai, recalls that the most challenging part of their West End debut back in 2012 was convincing the public that they didn’t use Whitney Houston’s death, which took place months just before the premiere, as an uncanny publicity stunt.
“It’s a project that we’d been working for a year to get off the ground,” says Fleming. “When we started, it was quite tricky to get the rights of those songs because they are all very expensive. So we had to get the publishers and writers to agree and trust us to use the songs, shaping them into a musical that wouldn’t be cheeky.” The level of care that went into the adaptation will surely be apparent in its Shanghai debut.
June 30 – July 9, 7.15pm (weekend matinees, 2pm), RMB80-880. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing.
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