THE BODYGUARD, The Musical by Carol Kaufman Segal

            The Bodyguard, The Musical is based on the 1992 MGM film written by Lawrence Kasdan, starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.  The musical book was written by Alexander Dinelaris and opened on Broadway December 5, 2012.  A wonderful company began touring the United States in May, 2015, and the Los Angeles premiere is playing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.

            Not having seen the film, I can only speak for the musical, and I think this production of The Bodyguard is spectacular.  What makes a musical spectacular?  To me, it is the performers, the acting, singing, dancing, staging, lighting, costumes, music, an interesting storyline, all rolled into one exciting show.

            Deborah Cox, the female lead in this musical thriller, is a sensation as Rachel Marron, a superstar who is being threatened by an unknown stalker.  Her theater group hires a former secret service agent, Frank Farmer (Judson Mills) for her protection.  However, Frank is not too interested in taking the job when he finds himself in the midst of “stars” until he finds out that Rachel has a young son, Fletcher (highly talented Kevelin B. Jones III alternating with Douglas Balldeo). 

            Rachel and Frank don’t see eye-to-eye.  However, he has a winning relationship with Fletcher.   Rachel’s sister Nikki (Jasmine Richardson) finds herself falling for Frank, but his interest towards her is only as a friend.  Fortunately, Frank is quick on the trigger during one of Rachel’s performances when he saves her life as the stalker gets away.  From that moment on, Rachel warms up to Frank and they fall in love.  But life has a funny way of changing, and it is on again, off again, until the final ending when Rachel sings the beautiful song I Will Always Love You. 

            The story is not so much what makes this production so wonderful.  It is all of the things I mentioned previously.  Every member of the cast is outstanding  as are those behind the scenes that include Karen Bruce (choreographer), Tim Hatley (set and costume designer), Mathew Smedal (music director),  the entire company of dancers, all under the direction of Thea Sharrock.

            The Bodyguard, The Musical continues Tuesday through Friday at 8 PM. Saturday at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sunday at 1 PM and 6:30 PM, at the Pantages Theatre.  For more information, visit www.TheBodyguardMusical.com.  For tickets or more information visit the official website for the Hollywood Pantages Theatre at www.HollywoodPantages.com/TheBodyguard.  

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