For as long as its murderers’ row of a soundtrack has endured, movie-turned-musical The Bodyguard The Musical also has a central romance proven to be swoon-worthy for different generations.

And even with 20/20 hindsight, this staging by 9 Works Theatrical also makes sure to balance both again, instead of going all-in on either.

The jukebox musical is inspired by the film of the same name. It follows Oscar-nominated superstar Rachel Marron, who gets a US Secret Service-turned-bodyguard to protect her after receiving deadly threats. 

Queen of the Night

From the moment the title, which was projected onto a screen, zooms onto the audience, one knew they were in for a solid time at the theater. 

The beginning is tense, but as soon as Christine Allado appears on stage with her dancers, you immediately receive what you were promised in the marketing. 

Rachel Marron is a role that requires a triple-threat with charisma. Adding to this, Whitney Houston as Marron is so deeply ingrained in the cultural memory. These were big challenges, but Allado rises up to the challenge. 

Numerous comparisons from audiences familiar with the original film will be made, yet Allado gives an assured performance with her equally soulful renditions of a certain generation’s songs. From the beginning, you will be swept up by her; Allado just oozes a certain charm that compels.

Despite the occasional falter when the story calls for drama, she possesses a showstopping and commanding voice. The dance numbers she does, she excels at as well. Allado is also believable in her character’s desperation and longing, particularly at the end. 

It’s safe to say the whole audience was captivated, simply struck in awe.

All at Once

In line with certain jukebox musicals, The Bodyguard The Musical also knows audiences are in for a thrillingly fun time at the theater. As a result, everyone is on the same page when it comes to the musical numbers. 

The songs were all performed well, with just the right amount of spectacle. You get a really fun musical number at the beginning, and the energy afterwards is sustained for all of the delightful songs. The ballads, like I Will Always Love You, are also just as affecting. 

A karaoke scene was notable for its enthusiasm. It’s the most distinctly Filipino scene in an otherwise foreign work as well, because Frank Farmer (played by Matt Blaker) delivers an impassioned vocal performance after having had too much alcohol. It’s something several Filipinos can relate to! 

Saving All My Love for You

Alexander Dinelaris, who wrote the book, made sure the musical was sufficiently tense and sufficiently thrilling. Despite the occasional narrative lull in the first act, there’s enough luster to keep one engaged. 

The second act picks up, as the thriller in the source material comes into play. The exciting melodramatic nature of it all playing out was just fun to watch! 

Direction from Robbie Guevara ensured the musical’s 2hr 15m (with a 15-minute intermission) runtime flies by. Musical direction by Daniel Bartolome led the music to feel so incredibly lush and full. 

However, the orchestra tended to overpower the singing in ensemble-heavy numbers. It resolved itself by the end of the final number, though. The music was undoubtedly great and nostalgic. 

Projections from GA Fallarme were also eye-catching. Relatively new during my journey in Philippine theater, the projections zoomed in, emphasized, and displayed letters among others. 

The set design by Mio Infante was also very much alive. It had a lived-in quality to it, and it really helped in solidifying Rachel Marron’s superstar status.

One Moment in Time

A solid time at the theater through and through, The Bodyguard The Musical captivates with an equally superstar turn from Christine Allado. 

Its glitz-and-glam vibe also matches that of the new swanky Proscenium Theater, whose inaugural public show was The Bodyguard The Musical. 

For audiences expecting to hear amazing renditions of Whitney Houston’s hits, rest assured the show has it all, and then some. 

Further Information

The Bodyguard The Musical will run from September 26 to October 19, 2025 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell. Tickets cost PHP 4120 to PHP 6695. Tickets may be availed through tinyurl.com/TheBodyguardAtRockwell or TicketWorld outlets (including the Power Plant Cinema).

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