Overview
Synopsis
Former CIA agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect singing superstar Rachel Marron. Her life is under threat from a disturbed stalker who will go to any lengths to terrify and kill the singer. However, Rachel is initially unaware of her predicament and she clashes with Frank from the start. They each expect to be in charge, but what they don’t expect is to fall in love. As anger turns to passion, Frank finds his role compromised and he realizes that he must call time on their burgeoning relationship in order to do his job effectively. Despite the star’s heartbreak and anger, Frank puts his own life on the line in order to protect Rachel and her young son, Fletcher. After killing Rachel’s sister in a case of mistaken identity, the stalker takes one final chance to murder Rachel. Frank must rely on all his instincts to save the life of the woman he loves.
Show Information
- Book
- Alexander Dinelaris
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- The Bodyguard (1992 film)
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2012
- Genres
- Drama, Romance
- Settings
- Contemporary, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- America, Present Day
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Theatrical Rights Worldwide
- Ideal For
- College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Child, Early Teen Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Based on the 1992 film of the same name, The Bodyguard premiered in London’s West End in December 2012, featuring Heather Headley as Rachel Marron. Beverley Knight took over the lead role in September 2013 and was, in turn, replaced by Alexandra Burke in June 2014. The London show closed in August 2014. Following a two year tour around the UK, The Bodyguard had a West End revival from July 2016 - January 2017 with Beverley Knight resuming the lead role. The entire cast then transferred to
to read the context for The Bodyguard and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
In a darkened house, former secret service agent, Frank Farmer, shields his client from a would-be assassin. When the assassin reaches for his gun, two gunshots ring out in the dark.
The scene switches to a concert starring the famous singer, Rachel Marron. Surrounded by her backing dancers, Rachel strides downstage to sing (“Queen of the Night”). Backstage, Rachel’s manager, Bill Devaney, and Tony, her personal security manager, reveal that she has a stalker who has broken into
to read the plot for The Bodyguard and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Treble/Boy Soprano |
Songs
Act One
- "Queen of the Night" - Rachel and Ensemble
- "How Will I Know" - Rachel, Fletcher and Ensemble
- "Greatest Love of All - Rachel
- "Saving All My Love for You" - Nicki
- Mayan Medley: "Million Dollar Bill"/"I Wanna Dance with Somebody"/"So Emotional" - Rachel Marron and Ensemble
- "Run to You" - Rachel and Nicki
- "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" - Karaoke Girls
- "I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton Version)" - Frank
- "I Have Nothing" - Rachel
Act Two
- "All the Man That I Need" - Rachel and Ensemble
- "I'm Every Woman" - Rachel and Ensemble
- "All at Once" - Nicki
- "Run to You" (Reprise) - Rachel
- "Jesus Loves Me" - Fletcher, Nicki and Rachel
- "Jesus Loves Me" (Reprise) - Ensemble
- "One Moment in Time" - Rachel
- "I Will Always Love You" (Whitney Houston Version) - Rachel
- "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" - Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher