Paulini. Photo by Daniel Boud.
At a media call today, producers John Frost, Michael Harrison and David Ian announced that beloved Australian pop star Paulini will play the leading role of Rachel Marron in the Australian Premiere of The Bodyguard, the award-winning musical.
With a five-octave range and household-name recognition since her time on Australian Idol, Paulini has performed around the world, though this will be her first theatre role.
“We are thrilled to give the extraordinary Paulini her first musical theatre role as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard,” said John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers.
“When Paulini came into the audition room and sang those Whitney Houston hits, we knew she was born to be our leading lady.
The Bodyguard has been a huge hit everywhere it has played since its 2012 world premiere in London – I have no doubt Australia will fall in love with this iconic story and those soaring ballads all over again, especially with the beautiful Paulini leading the cast. I’m also looking forward to auditioning to find our leading man, our ‘Bodyguard’”.
Based on the widely adored 1992 film (starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner), this musical version of The Bodyguard boasts a book by Alexander Dinelaris, who won an Academy Award for Birdman.
Here’s the plot info you need to know: “Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar singer Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love. ”
Head to the 3:57 mark of the video to hear Paulini sing the iconic ‘I Will Always Love You’ – an important number in the show.
The Bodyguard is packed with Whitney hits, including ‘Queen of the Night’, ‘So Emotional’, ‘One Moment in Time’, ‘Saving All My Love’, ‘Run to You’, ‘I Have Nothing’, ‘Greatest Love Of All’, ‘Million Dollar Bill’, and ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’.
Paulini is a Fijian-born singer/songwriter whose career has moved from strength to strength after her reality TV beginnings. Her debut album ‘One Determined Heart’ and smash single ‘Angel Eyes’ achieved double platinum status, both hitting the #1 spot. She is still one of only 10 Australian female solo artists to have a #1 album on the Australian ARIA Charts.
She then released another highly acclaimed album ‘Superwoman’ before releasing two more double platinum albums with the popular all-girl group Young Divas. In 2015, debuting at #25 on the ARIA charts, Paulini’s highly-anticipated third solo album ‘Come Alive’ was released.
Paulini has collaborated with some of the world’s best producers including Chris Rosa (producer for Macy Gray/Jamie Foxx), Erik ‘Blue2th’ Griggs (Jordin Sparks, Dreamgirls film soundtrack) and PhilippeMarc Anquetil (Little Mix, Emeli Sande, Timomatic). Paulini has penned songs for many international artists including hits for The Voice winners from France and the Philippines.
The 2017 Australian tour of The Bodyguard will commence at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on 22 April 2017, before playing at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane from July and the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from August. Tickets for the Sydney season are on sale from 31 October from Ticketmaster. Keep up with the show via www.thebodyguardmusical.com.au @TheBodyguardAU #TheBodyguardAU
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View Comments
Who is else will be in this stage show apart from Paulini
Hi Karen, at this stage there has been no other casting announcements. I believe auditions for the rest of the cast will take place later this year so I would expect further announcements in early 2017.
Who is the male co star taking the part of the body gard
Hi June, There hasn't been an announcement on that yet. We will let you know as soon as we find out.
Has the part of Frank Farmer, the bodyguard, been cast yet for the Sydney show? I don't want to buy tickets until I know this. Could it perhaps be Rob Mills, a seasoned performer, and a wonderful singer. He would be perfect.