Heather’s appearances will also be limited on the Wednesday matinee too.
The reason for this is that the role of Rachel Marron, made famous by Whitney Houston in the film of the same name, is indeed extremely challenging vocally to be able to put in the winning performances night after night with no rest.
Although the show in London has received mixed reviews the theatre critics seem unanimous in declaring that Heather Headley saves The Bodyguard musical. Heather Headley, the star of the new theatre version of Whitney Houston’s crowning moment on the big screen has been spared the wrath of the critics. In fact, it seems that her decision to return to musical theatre after a break of 12 years seem to have been a wise one, as she is described in The Telegraph’s review as being “at least as fine a singer as Houston in her heyday, if not even better.”
Heather looks the part as well, according to Charles Spencer, who noted her “legs that go on forever” as well as the “succession of dazzling, figure hugging costumes” as well as her “sassy stage presence.”
Michael Billington, for The Guardian, wrote that “the show is staged with enormous technical efficiency”, although he was not so impressed with the story.
The central storyline of the show is the relationship between the star singer, Rachel Marron, as portrayed by Heather Headley and her bodyguard, Frank Farmer, played by Lloyd Owen, famous for his T.V. role as Monarch of the Glen.
So even though the show has attracted comments such as “dross with gloss” and “a pumpy, undemanding evening” all in all, it’s looking good for Heather Headley whose star rating is soaring.
The alternative Rachel Morran at certain performances is Gloria Onitiri.
Gloria trained in English and Drama at the University of Birmingham and is an experienced theatre actress. Her many theatre credits include: Sheila in Takeaway (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Avenue Q (Noël Coward Theatre). Her previous West End theatre role was as Nala in Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum theatre.
Gloria is similarly superb as Rachel Marron and is a star in the making.
For those customers who have already purchased tickets for the above performances and do not want to see the show without Heather Headley, the producers have agreed that tickets may be exchanged to another performance, but strictly no refunds.
