Songs, star power lift PPAC’s ‘The Bodyguard’
PROVIDENCE — The story is familiar: Boy meets Girl, initial dislike turns into attraction, and then stuff happens to alter the course of love.
But the way that tale is told in the musical “The Bodyguard” makes for an entertaining theater experience.
There is star power in the leads, a score full of popular songs performed by an excellent band, and visually effective sets. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with a love story, especially one told with heart and a little humor, at least in the first act.
This live production is based on the 1992 Whitney Houston/Kevin Costner film, and the story line basically is the same. After superstar Rachel Marron receives a number of threatening letters, her manager hires former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer to protect her. At first, neither is impressed with the other … but you know how that goes.
As love blooms, so does the sense of danger, and that’s one of the things this stage production does well: create the creepy feeling of a thriller.
The story has been updated with contemporary references, like cell phones, but anyone who remembers the movie may not remember a big role for the superstar’s jealous sister, Nicki, because there wasn’t one. Her part has been “enhanced for the stage,” publicists explain. Only superficial attention is paid to the supporting characters, who are there mostly to serve the plot and provide some comic moments.
The star power in the lead roles comes both in resumes and performances. Deborah Cox, who plays Rachel Marron has a host of honors, including a platinum-selling album and a double-platinum single that topped the R&B charts for a record-setting 14 weeks; she’s also appeared on Broadway in the Elton John/Tim Rice musical “Aida.” She has the vocal range of Houston, if not all of the power, and she exudes “diva-ness” when called for, as well as tenderness.
She also performs most of the songs, from pop hits “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “How Will I Know” to the ballads “Greatest Love of All” and the show’s signature song, “I Will Always Love You.” The latter comes late in the show when, on opening night, Cox had lost some of the power of her earlier solos, but she made it work.
Judson Mills brings screen and television experience to the role of Frank Farmer, including appearing in ABC’s “Notorious” and HBO’s “Westworld,” as well as in 20 feature films. He makes a credible bodyguard, but he also has a knack for humor, a talent that creates another side to his character’s personality.
Big sets, small props and creative lighting make the show visually interesting, creating locations from Rachel’s elegant mansion to a dumpy karaoke bar or a backstage.
What most distinguishes the show is how seamlessly the music works in. The story sets up situations when we get to see Rachel “perform,” and an opening number has the energy and accouterments of an arena-sized concert – lights, jets of steam and an ensemble of incredible dancers. Moreover, fans get to hear whole songs, not just a few bars or a chorus as was the case in the movie.
It should be noted, however, that due to the demanding score, Cox does not perform at Saturday’s matinee or the Sunday evening performance.
The first act, despite its predictability, is the stronger in the roughly two-hour show. Both the story and the presentation peter out in the second half when melodrama takes over and the tale rushes to its conclusion. However, on the strength of the first act and of the music, this live version of “The Bodyguard” still entertains.
Performances of “The Bodyguard” musical continue through Sunday at the Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St. Tickets are $88-$41 and available at the box office in the theater, by calling (401) 421-ARTS (2787) or online at ppacri.org.