Posted by | RayCornelius
Heather Headley wants everyone to know that she is no Whitney Houston! But the Tony Award-winning singer-actress is ready for the challenge as the lead in the new stage version of the film The Bodyguard.
Headley will step into role of Rachel Marron, a pop star who falls in love with the bodyguard she has hired to protect her from a stalker. The original role was played by the late Whitney Houston and was her first major film.
Headley spoke recently to the BBC about the show and what she considers the “greatest challenge of her life.” She is also hoping that audiences will not compare her performance to that of the late Whitney Houston.
“I didn’t want it before and especially not now after her passing. I want people to come in and say this is Heather’s version – this is Heather playing Rachel Marron and singing Whitney songs. I am always trying to find a way to make them my own but still acknowledge and keep the integrity of her music.”
The Bodyguard premiered in 1992 and also starred Kevin Costner as the bodyguard, Frank Farmer. The movie soundtrack produced a number of hits for Houston including “I Have Nothing,” “I’m Every Woman” and probably her greatest known song, “I Will Always Love You” originally written by country music diva, Dolly Parton.
The musical will also feature these songs as well as few of Houston’s other hits records like “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “So Emotional.”
Headley, who is no stranger to the musical stage, is best known for her role as Nala in Disney’s The Lion King and for her Tony winning performance in Elton John and Time Rice’s Aida.
According to the show’s website, “The Bodyguard: A New Musical” is set to premiere in London’s West End in the autumn.
Check out this promotional video of Heather Headley singing Houston’s hit song, So Emotional:
[youtube id=”DGfNvA2Eh1A” width=”600″ height=”350″]
Trivia: Which music legend was originally supposed to play the lead in “The Bodyguard” back in the late 70’s?
Answer: Diana Ross
