The previously announced musical adaptation of hit 1992 film The Bodyguard will open at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre in November 2012, according to the UK’s Daily Mail. Tony and Grammy winner Heather Headley is confirmed to tackle the starring role of singer Rachel Marron, played by the late Whitney Houston in the film. Thea Sharrock will direct.
The Bodyguard starred Houston as soul-singing film diva Marron, who hires a former U.S. Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer (played in the film by Kevin Costner) as her bodyguard for protection from an obsessed and violent fan. In addition to the anthem “I Will Always Love You,” written by Dolly Parton, the movie features “I’m Every Woman,” “Run To You,” “I Have Nothing,” “Queen of the Night” and “Jesus Loves Me,” all sung by Houston. Additional numbers on the soundtrack include Joe Cocker’s “Trust In Me” and Soul System’s “It’s Gonna Be A Lovely Day.”
All the songs featured in the movie will reportedly be part of the stage production, as well as a dozen of Houston’s other hits. The stage musical will feature a book by Alex Dinelarius.