Theatre
Everything you need to know about The Bodyguard at Sydney Lyric
The Bodyguard – The Musical is coming to Sydney Lyric Theatre in April 2017 with a huge star confirmed to take centre stage.
This post was updated on 20/02
We’re thrilled by news that Australian Idol star, Paulini Curuenavuli, will play the lead role – Rachel Marron – made famous by Whitney Houston in the classic 1992 romantic thriller.
The leading lady
The Bodyguard’s Sydney opening (and Australian premiere) follows its show-stopping success on London’s West End and will be continued with stints in Brisbane and Melbourne.
This marks Paulini’s musical theatre debut and we couldn’t think of a better fit for the role.
“I can’t believe it, it is sinking in slowly,” Paulini told Confidential.
“Whitney and Mariah (Carey) were my biggest influences growing up. I would watch them all the time. It wasn’t about anything happening around them, they demanded attention when they would get up on stage and that is what I have always wanted when I get up and perform.”
Adding: “It is only going to make me a better performer. People might be shocked but it isn’t too far from what I do already. I love Whitney and sing her songs in my set so it makes sense.”
The Songs
Fans of Whitney Houston’s legendary, powerhouse vocals can’t miss the opportunity to see some of her most iconic songs brought to life on stage.
The Bodyguard – The Musical features the stunning likes of I Will Always Love You, I Have Nothing, Queen of the Night and I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
We’ve tried to pick a favourite track and it’s impossible, they’re all incredible.
Paulini gave the theatre pack a first glimpse of herself in the shoes of Marron as she preformed the musical’s signature song at the announcement event.
The Plot
In case you need a refresher, The Bodyguard tells the story of superstar singer Rachel Marron and former Secret Service agent-turned-bodyguard Frank Turner, who is hired to protect Marron from an unknown stalker.
It’s an explosive tale of tension, emotion and love which will leave you on the edge of your seat in a live theatre setting.
Tickets and tour dates
The Bodyguard – The Musical will make its Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on 21 April 2017. From there, the tour will take it to the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisband from July and onto the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from August.
Updated 20/02
The cast
The complete cast has just been confirmed for The Bodyguard – The Musical, with the production sharing a new photo on Twitter today.
Soap star, Kip Gamblin (set to play Frank Farmer) and Paulini Curuenavuli (taking on lead Rachel Marron) will be joined by a host of musical theatre’s finest talents.
Helpmann Award nominee Prinnie Stevens will appear as Nicki Marron, sister to Rachel.
The remaining cast comprises Andrew Hazzard, Patrick Williams, Brendan Irving, Damien Bermingham, Glaston Toft, Anthony Bartley, Samantha Bruzzese, Amy Campbell, Chris Van Doren, Olivia Carniato, Heath Keating, Bree Langridge, Sasha Lian, Samuel Mckeown II, Priscilla Stavrou, Max Trengove, Blake Varga and Geoffrey Winter.
Tickets for the Sydney season are on general sale now – book via Ticketmaster.com.au.
