Whitney Houston's music gets new life in 'Bodyguard'

A scene from the musical “Bodyguard.” / Courtesy of CJ E&M

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Hit movies are one of the best sources for musical theater and the musical "The Bodyguard" attempts to attract movie fans who are familiar with the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner as well as theatergoers who want to enjoy dazzling performances by Korea's top powerhouse talents.

The musical rendition of the hit film premiered in London's West End in 2012. Last December it arrived in Asia for the first time in Korea, raising the curtain at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul.

The musical chose to weave Houston’s music, in addition to those featured in the original movie, with a dramatic plot revolving around world-class singer Rachel Marron and her newly hired bodyguard Frank Farmer.

In terms of music, the performance heavily relies on the actress playing the lead role Rachel. As the musical features songs recorded by Houston, most songs are suitable for female vocals.

The show opens with Rachel singing "Queen of the Night" during a concert with dancers. A few other songs such as "I'm Your Baby Tonight" and "So Emotional" are also sung by Rachel as a singer, instead of delivering the characters' feelings. Still, the songs are relatively well-weaved into the drama, conveying how Rachel opens her heart to the bodyguard as well as the loneliness of the top star.

All other songs are translated into Korean, but the most famous "I Will Always Love You" is performed in the original English lyrics, once by tone-deaf Frank and later in the show by Rachel the superstar. The decision to put an English song amid Korean lyrics and lines has pros and cons but it succeeded to provide the most Houston-like feeling to audiences.

In total, Rachel sings 15 Houston songs during the show, which could be quite demanding. For the Korean production, musical diva Jeong Seon-ah, "Voice of Korea" winner Son Seung-yeon and veteran singer Lee Eun-jin, better known under the stage name Yangpa, alternate the role. While Son and Lee make their stage debut in "The Bodyguard," Jeong is a seasoned performer whose credit includes Glinda in "Wicked," Evita in "Evita," Lauren in "Kinky Boots" and Mimi in "Rent."

Jeong simply proves her talent as one of the most-sought-after actresses in Korean theater. Her voice shines and flawlessly delivers the Houston songs, while impeccably portraying Rachel's sensitive but lonely character and maternal affection for her son Fletcher.

Frank, the taciturn bodyguard, is played by screen actors Park Sung-woong and Lee Jong-hyuk. This is Park's musical debut and Lee has experience in "Chicago" and "42nd Street.” There isn’t that much pressure on their singing talents, but both Park and Lee have strong stage presence, protecting Rachel and her family.

Rachel's sister Nicki, played by another powerhouse vocalist Choi Hyun-sun, has a strong presence, not losing out to the star Rachel. Choi convincingly portrays Nicki's sorrow over being overshadowed by her famous sister despite her deep, soulful vocals comparable to Rachel.

The Korean premiere of "The Bodyguard" runs until March 5. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.