There are two more chances to watch the the smash London and Broadway musical hit, “The Bodyguard,” this weekend at Delta Center Stage.
The script is based on the 1992 film screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan, which features the vocal renderings of Whitney Houston, who played the lead role of Rachel Marron.
The story follows former secret service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect Marron, a highly acclaimed R&B singer, from an unknown stalker.
Described as a breathtakingly romantic thriller, “The Bodyguard” is filled with well-known musical hits such as “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Saving All My Love” and one of the highest-selling songs of all time — “I Will Always Love You.”
The show’s musical director, Oliver Johnson, said the opening night was “phenomenal.”
“The audience was really captivated by the musicals … everything went simply great. I would encourage those who haven’t attended yet to at least come Saturday and Sunday. Those actors have now gotten a taste of hearing the audience reaction. Their confidence has been lifted and now they’re really getting to feel like they’re in the movie,” Johnson said. “Please come out and support E.E. Bass and the productions going on there. We have so much talent in the Delta that sometimes isn’t recognized. … With these shows, they’re able to display their talents in a way they wouldn’t be able to otherwise.”
“We see all the mistakes and the hiccups that go on during rehearsal, so, seeing it in live action, we’re just as surprised as the audience because you’re thinking about where you started from to where you’re at now,” he previously said. “The theater has made accommodations to make everyone feel safe as it relates to the current pandemic, so I would love to see our community be supportive of those in our community who are doing positive things.”
Show director and DCS executive director Tim Bixler said he is proud of the hard work everyone has put forward with this show.
“I’m so very proud of the show we’ve put together, thanks to the hard work and immense talent we’ve got the opportunity to showcase,” he said. “Dr. Johnson has outdone himself recruiting singing talent that is simply extraordinary. Fielding local talent that can cover Whitney Houston’s immense vocal legacy is no easy job, but this show definitely delivers.”
The role of Rachel Marron is being portrayed by local resident Stacye Harrison and the role of Frank Farmer is being performed by Alfred Redmond.
Local resident Shawanda Lee, who plays the role of Marron’s sister, Nicki, said performing this musical has been a great experience.
“The experience has been awesome. … getting to know the cast, and finally experiencing the crowd has been very fulfilling. Hearing the crowd’s laughter, applause, and gasps through the play gives the cast the motivation to execute their roles as accurately as possible,” Lee said.
Thinking fondly of her late grandfather, Lee said, “To know that my grandfather is smiling down at me, making my family — those involved in the play and observing — proud is definitely a huge heart hug for me.”
The last two performances are set to start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Jake and Freda Stein Hall at E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center, 323 S. Main St.
Admission for adults costs $20, youth ages 16 and younger or anyone with a student ID costs $10.
Admission is free to DCS season ticket holders and tickets will also be available at the door prior to each show.
All tickets are general admission, and there is no reserved seating — all seating is on a first come, first served basis. For information and special arrangements of any kind, call Bixler at 662-820-5489.
Tickets are on sale at Grounded Sister, Montage Market Place, Bass Center offices or online at DCS’ ticket booth, deltastage.com.
