Tony Winner Heather Headley Confirms Plans to Star in Stage Adaptation of The Bodyguard

Tony and Grammy winner Heather Headley has confirmed, via Facebook, previous reports that she will star in a forthcoming stage adaptation of the 1992 romantic thriller The Bodyguard, tackling the role made famous by Whitney Houston. The show, directed by Thea Sharrock (Equus), is expected to debut in London in fall 2012.

“So, let’s talk about London....” Headley posted. “Yes! I’ve been offered the role of Rachel in the musical version The Bodyguard. Very Honored! The script has been rewritten a bit and it’s very interesting. Needless to say, the music is great (they’re using many of the songs of Whitney’s catalogue)—very challenging, but great. We’ll start on the West End in London and then we’ll move to Broadway (if all goes well—think it will).”

The Bodyguard starred Houston as soul-singing film diva Rachel Marron, who hires a former U.S. Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer (played in the film by Kevin Costner) as her bodyguard for protection from an obsessed and violent fan. In addition to the anthem “I Will Always Love You,” written by Dolly Parton, the movie features “I’m Every Woman,” “Run To You,” “I Have Nothing,” “Queen of the Night” and “Jesus Loves Me,” all sung by Houston. Additional numbers on the soundtrack include Joe Cocker’s “Trust In Me” and Soul System’s “It’s Gonna Be A Lovely Day.” The stage musical will feature a book by Alex Dinelarius.

Headley won the 2000 Best Actress in a Musical Tony Award for the title role in Aida and originated the role of Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King. Her other stage credits include an Encores! presentation of Do Re Mi. Her debut album This Is Who I Am was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2002. She won a Grammy in 2010 for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album for her third album, Audience of One.