The timeless hits of Whitney Houston find a fresh spotlight in 9 Works Theatrical’s The Bodyguard The Musical, now playing at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati City. For those who grew up with Whitney’s powerful songs, this is more than just a stage production. It is a vibrant, reimagined experience that pays homage to an era while speaking to today’s world.
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| Christine Allado and Matt Blaker in 9WT's The Bodyguard The Musical |
While the original 1992 film is remembered more for its star power than its plot, this adaptation sharpens the story’s edges and updates it with smart, contemporary touches. Modern-day elements like social media, virality, and omnipresent CCTV surveillance are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making the tension more immediate and relatable. It is a thoughtful modernization that does not just retell a classic but reinvents it.
The thrill begins the moment Christine Allado steps on stage as Rachel Marron, opening with a high-octane performance of “Queen of the Night.” Surrounded by stellar backup singers and dancers, Allado commands the stage with a mix of vocal power and star presence. Arnold Trinidad’s jazzy, energetic choreography elevates the spectacle, while her stunning costume changes underscore her status as the ultimate diva of her time.
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| Christine Allado as Rachel Marron |
Matt Blaker brings warmth and wit to the role of Frank Farmer. His portrayal finds the sweet spot between stoic protector and charming lead, with the karaoke bar scene emerging as one of the crowd favorites. While comparisons to Kevin Costner are inevitable, Blaker makes the role entirely his own. He is playful, engaging, and unexpectedly funny.
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| Matt Blaker as Frank Farmer |
A standout of the night is Sheena Palad as Nicki, Rachel’s sister. Her voice soars with emotion in “All at Once,” "Saving All for Love For You" and “Run To You” giving her character a compelling emotional arc that adds depth to the love triangle. Palad’s performance is magnetic and shows that this is not just Rachel’s story but Nicki’s too.
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| Sheena Palad as Nicki Marron |
The production design is a technical triumph. Mio Infante’s scenography transforms the Proscenium stage with seamless precision. Clever use of LED screens, projections, and layered panels creates visual depth and fluid scene transitions. The modern multimedia treatment enhances the show’s contemporary tone without losing its classic soul. You can hardly notice the movement of set pieces, and that is the kind of theatrical magic 9 Works Theatrical consistently delivers.
Equally unforgettable is Vien King’s first major villain role as the stalker. His transformation from matinee idol charm to dangerous menace is both surprising and riveting, marking one of the night’s standout character turns.
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| Vien King as the Stalker |
The ensemble and supporting cast bring the production to life with high energy, vocal strength, and precise execution. Every number feels big and alive, sustaining momentum from start to finish.
In a brief conversation with Director Robbie Guevara and Artistic Director Raul Montesa, I suggested an exciting idea: flashing the lyrics somewhere onstage to encourage the audience to sing along. For a musical built on Whitney Houston’s greatest hits, it is a move that could turn the theater into one big, joyful concert moment.
With its clever modernization, powerhouse performances, and breathtaking technical execution, The Bodyguard The Musical by 9 Works Theatrical is a must-see. It is a dazzling celebration of music, memory, and spectacle that proves Whitney’s legacy remains just as electrifying today as it was in 1992.
The show runs until October 19, 2025. Get your tickets at tinyurl.com/TheBodyguardAtRockwell.
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