Photo Credit Paul Coltas
Another Hollywood blockbuster hits The Regent this week in the form of ‘The Bodyguard’. The 1992 smash hit starred Whitney Houston as vocal superstar Rachel Marron whose team engage bodyguard Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner) after a series of unsavoury letters lead them to the inevitable conclusion that the star has a dangerous stalker.
The film showcased the vocal talents of Houston and included some memorable numbers including ‘Run To You’, ‘I Have Nothing’ and the unforgettable ‘I Will Always Love You’. The stage play stays true to the film script and the storyline follows the hectic lifestyle of starlet Marron and the introduction of Farmer into her life sends it into a talespin and both have to wait to see if two opposite worlds can collide.
The two main female leads were so strong in this production. The soundtrack adds overall value to the film as it is so very well known and comparisons to the original will naturally be made with the stageplay, however have no fear, it was lived upto and more!
Rachel Marron was played by Samantha Mbolekwa (will be Melody Thornton for the remainder of the week). Samantha was sensational, her vocal performance was brilliant, as was her dancing and acting. The big number at the finale was note perfect and was a joy to watch.
Emily-Mae plays Marron’s overlooked and jealous sister Nicki and with big hit numbers herself, again was a fantastic vocal performance as was her acting. Samantha and Emily-Mae’s duets were also something else and added much to the performance value.
Ayden Callaghan played ‘The Bodyguard’ Frank Farmer and was a strong acting performance. His stoic gate and steely stare was well executed and his storyline was carried well and both he and Samantha had a really good chemistry together on stage.
A shout-out to Kaylenn Aires Fonseca who was tonight’s ‘Fletcher’, Marron’s young son. He was great, his performance was solid and his part during the final curtain call was duly and deservedly given a large round of applause.
Not to take anything away from the rest of the cast, their collective performances were very well executed and the dancers at the end were both energetic and acrobatic.
The set and videography added much to the overall production, with great lighting and stage effects seamlessly adding depth to the stage, images beamed on to the curtains and everything from the stalkers dingy basement to the glitz of the academy awards was transitioned perfectly with the set and costume design.
A thunderous soundtrack carried brilliantly, glittering performances, effortless vocals and fantastic scenery make this an absolute must-see. Every single person in the auditorium was off their feet and clapping well before the curtain went down and the auditorium bustling with praise.
The show is on until 4th March and tickets are available here. Be sure not to miss out as they are selling fast!
Photo Credit Paul Coltas and show Melody Thornton playing the role of Rachel Marron
