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The Bodyguard The Musical – review

by Julie Houghton 2nd September, 2017
by Julie Houghton 2nd September, 2017

It’s always an interesting experience when you go to an opening night, having heard mixed reports about a show and wondering if it’s going to be a long night in the theatre.

So I turned up at the Regent Theatre for the opening night of The Bodyguard The Musical with some trepidation, but I’m delighted to say that my fears were totally unfounded. I was quickly won over by this production. The simple story is brought to life with excellent casting and impressive effects that will have you jumping in your seat.

Taking on the starring roles played in the film by Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, are actor/dancer Kip Gamblin and Australian Idol graduate Paulini Curuenavuli, as bodyguard Frank (Costner) and pop megastar Rachel Marron (Houston).

Rachel is being followed by a dangerous stalker, who infiltrates her life in scarily intimate ways, but is unable to be traced through normal security procedures. Rachel will go to any lengths to protect her 10-year-old son, Fletcher, but security in Rachel’s whole life has definite holes in it, so her advisers bring in top gun security man Frank Farmer to ramp up protection and keep mother and son safe.

Friction develops as Frank curtails Rachel’s social and professional life, much to the frustration of her publicity agent Sy Spector.

As in the best romances, initial mutual antipathy between Rachel and Frank changes to romantic interest, until Frank realises he can’t do his job of protecting Rachel and Fletcher if he is romantically involved with her.

What makes this predictable story interesting is the chilling sense of danger is introduced at key points in the story, and a tragedy the characters must deal with. It certainly makes the viewer ponder the very real danger that megastars are in when a crazed fan can decide to take over the star’s life. Brendan Irving’s Stalker is so effective that at the curtain call he received muted applause mixed with loud boos.

For lovers of Whitney Houston’s classic songs, this show is a treat, with 16 show-stopping songs. It’s a huge sing for Paulini, but she proves she has the voice to belt out the power ballads and draw us in with her amazing musicianship when she softly sings the emotional songs. A great singer always makes it sound so easy, and Paulini does just that.

As Frank, Kip Gamblin creates an assured character who knows his stuff, and the chemistry between him and Paulini is totally believable. It’s a fine performance to complement Paulini’s showier Rachel.

Rachel’s singer sister Nicki is beautifully played by The Voice alumnus Prinnie Stevens, who matches Paulini with fine vocals. When the two of them briefly sing together it’s a treat.

Andrew Hazzard’s Sy resembles Prince Harry in physical appearance, and provides a well-drawn character with the dry wit and angst of a dedicated publicist. Singer/actor Glaston Toft, whom audiences may remember from Jersey Boys and Georgy Girl makes the most of his acting role as security adviser Ray Court. And young Aston Droomer, one of four boys playing 10-year-old Fletcher, is a delight.

I would add the rider that if your musical tastes are strictly classical, this is not the show for you. But for me, The Bodyguard The Musical was an engaging night in the theatre with a story that draws you in and some of the best pop ballads of our time.

 

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Events Calendar

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  • June 2022

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

2 events, 30

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

Flinders Quartet
May 30 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

A program with common threads, linking lives that are centuries apart. Program Clara Schumann 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op.16 Melody Eötvös…

$29 – $40
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

Flinders Quartet
May 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

A program with common threads, linking lives that are centuries apart. Program Clara Schumann 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op.16 Melody Eötvös…

$29 – $40

1 event, 31

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

The Consort of Melbourne: Ancient texts brought to life with luscious vocal harmonies.

$45 – $55

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

June 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

With a voice that speaks volumes in every note, Ferruccio Furlanetto is one of the greatest basses of our time. Over…

$53 – $149

0 events, 2

1 event, 3

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 4

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

3 events, 5

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

June 5 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

In this concert we explore facets of the world of acheiropoieta: literally “not hand made”, but more specifically miraculous images of…

$15 – $20
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

June 5 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2022 Bach Competition, dedicated to young musicians passionate about JS Bach will soon be open for entries. Entrants…

Free
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

2 events, 6

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

One of the finest players of his generation. Celebrated London-based Australian pianist, Jayson Gillham is known for his bright toned clarity…

$59 – $79
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 7

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

3 events, 8

11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

June 8 @ 11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

A performance of commanding exuberance, grace and sensitivity. Program Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Les petits riens, K.Anh.10/299b Antonio Rosetti - Symphony…

$42 – $49
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 9

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 9 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

2 events, 11

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

0 events, 12

0 events, 13

0 events, 14

0 events, 15

2 events, 16

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

June 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

COLLIDE Collide make their debut at ADCH with a showstopping program of exceptional works. With a surprise item at the end,…

$24 – $44
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

A double dose of Dvořák and the ferociously brilliant Feld flute concerto, with the legendary Prudence Davis on flute. Program Antonín…

$30 – $143

1 event, 17

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

3 events, 18

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

Saint-Saëns and Dvořák Artists Rick Prakhoff - conductor Roy Theaker - violin Kalina Krusteva - cello Program Saint-Saëns – Havanaise Op…

$15 – $45
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

JS Bach’s Double Violin Concerto is the glowing centrepiece of a Bach family reunion that celebrates this greatest of all musical…

$25 – $171

1 event, 19

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

A double dose of Dvořák and the ferociously brilliant Feld flute concerto, with the legendary Prudence Davis on flute. Program Antonín…

$30 – $143

2 events, 20

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

JS Bach’s Double Violin Concerto is the glowing centrepiece of a Bach family reunion that celebrates this greatest of all musical…

$25 – $171

2 events, 21

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Paul Grabowsky & Andrea Lam

June 21 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Paul Grabowsky & Andrea Lam

Pianist Andrea Lam performs Bach’s miraculous Goldberg Variations, before Paul Grabowsky plays his own jazz-inflected interpretation of this eternal theme on…

$40 – $49
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

3 events, 22

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quercus Trio: Hall of Mirrors

June 22 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quercus Trio: Hall of Mirrors

Australian composers who cross continents. About the artists Quercus is a new Melbourne-based horn trio, showcasing the distinctive combination of horn,…

$20 – $25
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

1 event, 23

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

1 event, 24

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 24 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

3 events, 25

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Paul Grabowsky & Andrea Lam

June 25 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Paul Grabowsky & Andrea Lam

Pianist Andrea Lam performs Bach’s miraculous Goldberg Variations, before Paul Grabowsky plays his own jazz-inflected interpretation of this eternal theme on…

$40 – $49
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

0 events, 26

1 event, 27

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Affinity Quartet – Through the Looking Glass

June 27 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Affinity Quartet – Through the Looking Glass

The next generation of Australia’s chamber music stars. Program Caroline Shaw Entr’acte Joseph Haydn String Quartet Op.76/4 ‘Sunrise’ Béla Bartók String…

$40 – $50

1 event, 28

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Great Performers Series: Diana Doherty & Bernadette Harvey

June 28 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Great Performers Series: Diana Doherty & Bernadette Harvey

A commanding, trailblazing oboist at the top of her musical game. In this concert, Diana Doherty unites with pianist Bernadette Harvey…

$49 – $115

0 events, 29

1 event, 30

7:30 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth

June 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth

Xian Zhang, the first female conductor to hold a titled role with a BBC Orchestra, joins forces with the MSO and…

$64 – $119

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth

July 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth

Xian Zhang, the first female conductor to hold a titled role with a BBC Orchestra, joins forces with the MSO and…

$64 – $119

1 event, 2

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Concert for Peace

July 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Concert for Peace

lMelbourne Bach Chamber Choir & Orchestra, organ and soloists, conducted by Rick Prakhoff A programme of works on the theme of…

$25 – $40

0 events, 3

May 30
May 30 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

May 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

May 31
May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

June 1
June 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
June 3
June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 4
June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 5
June 5 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

June 5 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 6
June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 7
June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8
June 8 @ 11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

June 8 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 9
June 9 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 10
June 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11
June 11 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
June 16
June 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

June 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 17
June 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18
June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 19
June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 20
June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 21
June 21 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Paul Grabowsky & Andrea Lam

June 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22
June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quercus Trio: Hall of Mirrors

June 22 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 23
June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 24
June 24 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25
June 25 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Paul Grabowsky & Andrea Lam

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

  • There are no events on this day.
June 27
June 27 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Affinity Quartet – Through the Looking Glass

June 28
June 28 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Great Performers Series: Diana Doherty & Bernadette Harvey

June 30
June 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth

July 1
July 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth

July 2
July 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Concert for Peace

June 30
June 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth

July 1
July 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth

July 2
July 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Concert for Peace

  • There are no events on this day.
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