‘The Bodyguard’ Gets Stage Makeover On London’s West End

A new musical version of “The Bodyguard” is set to premiere at London’s West End next month.

The stage production, based on the 1992 movie of the same name that starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, will begin previews November 6 at the Adelphi Theatre. Opening night is set for December 5.

Heather Headley will play Rachel Marron, the role made famous by Houston in the original film. Headley won a Tony Award for Best Actress for her performance in “Aida,” and also originated the role of Nala in “The Lion King.” In addition, she has also has a successful singing career, and won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album for her third release, “Audience of One.” Lloyd Owen will perform as bodyguard Frank Farmer, the role played by Costner in the film.

Here’s how producers describe the show:

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, “The Bodyguard” features a whole host of irresistible classics including “Queen of the Night,” “So Emotional,” “One Moment in Time,” “Saving All My Love,” “I’m You Baby Tonight,” “Run to You,” “I have Nothing,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – “I Will Always Love You.”

The book for the production is written by Alex Dinelaris, and the musical is directed by Thea Sharrock.

Headley admitted recently that she considered dropping out of the performance after the death of Whitney Houston earlier this year, but decided to stick with it.

“I asked my people to get me out of it,” she told the Daily Mail. “I didn’t want people to think I was copying her or taking advantage of her. Then my husband’s family made me see that I had to do it.”