A powerful and emotional production with excellent performances, strong vocals and effective cinematic tension. Rating
Excellent
Based on the hit Warner Bros. 1992 movie, The Bodyguard translates very well to the stage. It tells the story of megastar Rachel Marron who receives death threats from a stalker and engages the services of bodyguard Frank Farmer. Their relationship is initially frosty but becomes more heated.
It is very clear that this production was adapted from the screen. There is a strong cinematic feel throughout as action is occasionally shown blown up in video form. This is used to great effect with the stalker’s shady activity, lending him a huge and deadly presence throughout. There are also several jump-scare moments. For example, the show opens very suddenly with an explosive gunshot, stopping all the conversations in the auditorium as we see a brief excerpt from Frank’s past. It’s a very effective device that helps to increase the tension as the show progresses.
The show quickly segues into a full-on performance of ‘Queen of the Night’ from Rachel, complete with energetic backing dancers, screaming fans and pyro effects. This very quickly establishes her superstar status. Sidonie Smith is stunning as diva Rachel. Her Whitney Houston-style vocals are powerful, and her performance is authentic. She is completely convincing as the character, oozing confidence and style. Her initial disdain at Frank’s appointment changes very quickly when he saves her from a stage invasion, and we see the famous image from the movie poster recreated and magnified as he carries her to safety.
Frank is played by Adam Garcia, an established song and dance man who plays against type in this portrayal. Frank is businesslike and secure in his ability. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He is Frank by name and nature. He has an endearing, softer side, demonstrated in his interactions with Rachel’s young son. All of this comes across clearly in Garcia’s assured performance. At one point, Frank sings in a karaoke bar, and the audience’s expectations are shattered as it is clear this is not one of Frank’s gifts; Garcia is marvellously tuneless. His stage presence is palpable, and the audience feels safer when he’s present.
The stalker is played with deadly menace by James-Lee Harris. He says very little in the production, but his deliberate movements, emotionless facial expression and brilliant lighting give him a threatening presence throughout. He elicits many a gasp from the auditorium. Harris looked as though he enjoyed the boos tonight when he took his bow.
Rachel’s sister, Nicki, is played by Sasha Monique, who does well to keep the audience’s sympathy given that she is jealous of her sister’s success and also attracted to Frank. Monique has her own moments to shine, and her rendition of ‘Saving All My Love for You’ in a nightclub is lovely. It’s a strong contrast to the powerful and epically staged Rachel Marron numbers. Monique’s duet with Smith of ‘Run to You’ is stunning and a show highlight.
The songs come thick and fast. They are all showstoppers, every one a hit and all performed exceptionally well. There is some serious vocal talent in this production. The final number ‘I Will Always Love You’ is staged beautifully and the money note is perfect.
The exuberant finale of ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ invites the audience to get on their feet and join in. Tonight’s audience needed very little encouragement to comply. Amusingly, Garcia remains in character and only gives a tiny clue to his dance ability. This is a well-crafted adaptation of the hit film, which stands on its own merits as an excellent piece of musical theatre.
Based on the Warner Bros. Film
Screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan
Book by Alexander Dinelaris
Directed by Thea Sharrock
Set & Costume Designed by Tim Hatley
Choreography by Karen Bruce
Orchestrations & Additional Music by Chris Egan
Musical Supervision by Richard Beadle
The Bodyguard plays at the Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 14 February
before embarking upon a European tour until Saturday 29 August
