The musical delivers on the strength of Whitney Houston’s legendary catalogue.
For audiences who grew up with the 1992 film or with Houston’s music, the emotional resonance is undeniable. The show leans heavily on nostalgia, fueled by the audience’s expectation of the iconic soundtrack. The plot is straightforward—danger + romance + redemption—and it doesn’t require much overthinking.
As a first-time viewer, I honestly wanted to scream in excitement, but the audience stayed quiet, knowing the songs are Whitney’s classics. It was also not allowed to sing along during the numbers. Still, the energy was overwhelming.
What a spectacular night it was at the preview of ‘The Bodyguard The Musical’ at the brand-new Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati!
The evening was filled with thrills, entertainment, and standing ovations—made even more memorable with the presence of celebrities who joined the crowd in being wowed by the production. LionhearTV was there to witness the world-class spectacle and experience it firsthand.
Headlining the show are international Broadway stars Christine Allado and Matt Blaker, whose talent and chemistry lit up the stage. But they weren’t the only standouts—performances from Sheena Lee Palad, Tim Yap, John Joven-Uy, and powerhouse ensemble artists drew equal praise.
The cast also includes CJ Navato, Vien King, Radha, Jasmine Fitzgerald, Fay Castro, Lorenz Martinez, and Lani Ligot, adding even more star power to the already dazzling production.
This isn’t just a musical—it feels like a concert extravaganza. From the stunning staging and explosive hologram effects to the crystal-clear sound design, the production feels like an international tour brought right here to Manila. Bravo to 9 Works Theatrical for pulling off such a modern, world-class staging!
Inspired by the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the musical follows the story of international superstar Rachel Marron, who falls in love with her bodyguard Frank Farmer amid the looming threat of a dangerous stalker.
Of course, the heart of the musical lies in Whitney Houston’s immortal hits. The show features a powerhouse lineup including ‘I Will Always Love You,’ ‘I Have Nothing,’ ‘Run to You,’ and more—songs that continue to be among the most requested and covered worldwide.
Houston broke into the music scene in 1985 with her self-titled debut album, delivering her first chart-toppers ‘Saving All My Love for You,’ ‘How Will I Know,’ and ‘Greatest Love of All.’ At the 1986 Grammy Awards, she won Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. These classics, alongside her 1992 Bodyguard soundtrack—which went on to win Album of the Year at the Grammys—cemented her as one of the biggest pop stars in history.
Even after her passing in 2012, Houston’s music remains timeless. Her songs are staples in talent shows and videoke sessions, and whenever ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ plays, people can’t help but get up and dance.
At the Proscenium preview, this spirit came alive. By the encore, everyone was on their feet—singing their hearts out and finally letting loose after two hours of restrained admiration.
For Gen Zs and millennials, ‘The Bodyguard’ offers both nostalgia (through their parents’ videoke favorites) and the thrill of a kilig romantic story—akin to the K-dramas they love.
With performances running only until October 19, 2025, this is a rare chance to witness a truly world-class production on Philippine soil. Don’t miss it. (with reports from Lau Balocos)
