Christine Allado takes on Whitney Houston's role in PH staging of ‘The Bodyguard: The Musical'
Christine Allado, the internationally acclaimed Filipina performer who made her mark in London's West End and global concert halls, is set to return to the Philippine stage as Rachel Marron in 9 Works Theatrical's staging of 'The Bodyguard: The Musical'—a bold, music-packed reimagining of the 1992 film of the same name that catapulted Whitney Houston into cinematic legend.
Set to the timeless hits 'I Will Always Love You,' 'I Have Nothing,' and 'Run to You,' The Bodyguard: The Musical' tells the gripping story of a superstar under threat and the unlikely romance that unfolds between her and her bodyguard.
The production is set to open on September 26 at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Center, Makati City. It marks the first-ever theatrical venture of the property group, signaling its entry into the world of performing arts.
Allado has long carried the Filipino flag across world stages, having played Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds in 'Hamilton's' original West End cast to headlining 'In The Heights' and 'The Prince of Egypt,' which earned her a nomination at the Grammy Awards.
Now, she will bring the same world-class presence home, ready to channel the strength, vulnerability, and vocal firepower that the role of Rachel Marron demands.
'It's a full-circle moment. To bring this kind of production to Manila and portray a role made iconic by Whitney Houston, in front of my kababayans, is deeply meaningful," she said.
No stranger to the Philippines, Allado, the daughter of lawyer Jojo Allado and Letty Guevara, was born and raised in Manila. She had studied theater at the University of the Philippines and undergone workshops with Trumpets Playshop where she acted in 'Hairspray,' 'Phantom of the Opera,' and the longest running Filipino musical, 'Joseph The Dreamer,'
Like many actors looking for greener pastures, she moved to Hong Kong to work at Hong Kong Disneyland, then migrated to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music, where she earned her Masters in musical theater in 2013.
Allado has since performed in sold-out concerts with Andrea Bocelli across Europe and Asia, to co-starring with Lea Salonga and Bernadette Peters in the West End run of 'Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends,' among many others. She currently stars as Meat in West End's production of 'We Will Rock You.' This year, she's also set to lead the West End premiere of 'Jo: Little Women The Musical.'
On Instagram Friday, 9 Works Theatrical posted a video of Allado singing 'I Will Always Love You,' one of Houston's signature songs used in the film and the musical.
However, as early as February, Allado had posted on Instagram a video of her singing 'I Have Nothing,' in what she dubbed a rehearsal for a concert in Mexico. The song is among Houston's top hits that was also used in the film and musical.
A long time coming
In an interview with GMA News Online, 'The Bodyguard: The Musical' director Robbie Guevara shared they got the rights for the musical as early as 2019 for 9 Works Theatrical's 2020 season.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, put everything on hold.
Santi Santamaria, managing director and executive producer of 9 Works Theatrical, added, '[It's] a long time coming, this show.'
In the past, 9 Works Theatrical has staged other award-winning musicals, including "Grease," "La Cage aux Folles," and "Tick, Tick... Boom!." In 2024, the company staged "Rent," and "Once on This Island," followed by "Liwanag sa Dilim" earlier this year.
According to Guevara, he first saw "The Bodyguard" musical in one of its West End runs after it premiered at Adelphi Theater in London in December 2012, while he saw the film version in a movie house in 1992.
He added that his favorite song from the film and musical is Houston's 'I Have Nothing.'
'I love all of Whitney's popular songs, so I enjoyed it. I wasn't a huge fan, but I didn't dislike [the film] naman,' he shared.
He also mentioned there are no more auditions for the musical's other roles, 'All done na.'
As for the actor who would play Frank Farmer in the local production (Kevin Costner played him in the film), Guevara remained tight-lipped, noting that it will be revealed soon.
Aside from Guevara, 'The Bodyguard: The Musical' creative team is composed of Arnold Trinidad as choreographer, Mio Infante as scenographer, Daniel Bartolome as musical director, and Shakira Villa-Symes as lighting designer.
'The usual team,' he said, whose recent directorial job was the original Filipino musical 'Liwanag Sa Dilim.'
For now, theater fans can look forward to seeing Allado in the landmark musical featuring Houston's other hits like 'One Moment In Time,' 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody,' 'I'm Every Woman,' 'Run to You,' 'How Will I Know,' 'Queen of the Night,' 'Saving All My Love for You,' and 'Greatest Love of All.'
With tickets now available at premier.ticketworld.com.ph, theater fans and music lovers alike have the rare chance to witness a global star shine on home soil in a show packed with drama, danger, and unforgettable music.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
19 hours ago
- GMA Network
Filipino youth from Italy shine bright on World of Dance 2025 in LA
The Hermes Dance Crew, composed of Filipino youth from Italy, electrify the stage of the World of Dance 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Courtesy: Hermes With lights blazing, music thumping, and a global audience holding their breath, the Hermes Dance Crew—representing both Italy and the Philippines—took the World of Dance 2025 stage and left it electrified. The 18-member crew delivered a performance that was nothing short of explosive, earning roars and cheers. For a few powerful minutes, the stage belonged to them—and they owned it with every beat, step, and story told through movement. From the streets of Rome to one of the most prestigious stages in the world, Hermes' journey is the kind that inspires. Composed entirely of Filipino youth born and raised in Italy, the group has been dancing together for years, with every performance carrying not just talent but heritage, heart, and pride. Members of the Hermes Dance Crew strike a pose at the Los Angeles Convention Center where the World of Dance 2025 was held. Courtesy: Hermes At the World of Dance Summit 2025—a multi-day gathering of the best dancers from all over the globe—Hermes brought something different: cultural fire and emotional storytelling wrapped in clean, high-energy choreography. Their signature hip-hop movement spoke volumes about identity, resilience, and unity. Backstage, the crew was overwhelmed with love and support from coaches, and supporters from home. When asked what the moment meant to them, the choreographers answered: "This wasn't just about showing we could dance. It was about showing the world who we are. We carry the love of two countries—Italy and the Philippines—and tonight, we danced for both." Under the guidance of passionate coaches Allen Gunda and Jefferson Bayaborda Creus, the team after years of training and discipline to the test—delivered a performance that will be remembered not anymore locally, but internationally. From the opening count to the final pose, Hermes commanded the stage with energy, sharpness, and confidence. Their routine was fresh and powerful, layered with moments that hit deep emotionally. By the time the music stopped, the crowd was on its feet—cheering, clapping, and shouting their name. Representing both the Philippines and Italy, members of the Hermes Dance Crew prepare to take the stage at the World of Dance 2025 in Los Angeles. Courtesy: Hermes More than a performance Hermes Dance Crew didn't just dance in Los Angeles—they made a statement: That young Filipinos in Italy have a voice. That they belong. And that they are ready to take on the world. They may not know exactly what the future holds, but one thing is for sure: The world is now watching. And from what they did on that stage... this is just the beginning! — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- GMA Network
Kitchie Nadal bares reason why she relocated to Spain in 2017
After being in the limelight for years, Kitchie Nadal took a break from her music career and moved to Spain in 2017 with her Spanish husband Carlos Lopez. In Monday's episode of 'Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,' the OPM icon shared that she moved to Madrid for love and to build a life with their children. 'Love. Of course, love. I married a Spanish guy, nagkakilala kami during Yolanda. We are both volunteers. And then 'yon, ang bilis na-develop,' Kitchie explained. 'He decided to stay and then we got to know each other more. And we got married. We had a baby. When we had a baby, we decided to move to Spain,' she added. When asked about her life in Madrid, Kitchie says she is 'really happy' because she was able to focus on her family. 'I'm really happy. Kasi iba ang lifestyle doon eh. I was able to focus [on] my family, hands-on with the kids like everyone. Ang dami kong natutunan doon. House chores, lahat, multi-tasking. Talagang ano, I really love how I was able to focus on them,' she shared. She added that she missed performing while in Spain and would hold intimate gigs there for the Filipino communities abroad. "Syempre mas maliit siya but I really find it, for me fun nga siya kasi parang ang intimate and then parang feeling ko ang meaningful ng dating kasi parang you get to unite the Filipinos there," she said. In 2020, Kitchie released a Spanish version of her hit single 'Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin,' titled 'No Me Digas.' According to the Filipina singer, her husband Carlos Lopez helped her translate the lyrics into Spanish. In the same "Fast Talk" interview, Kitchie was also asked if there was a chance for her to move back to the Philippines. "Anything is possible. We're open to anything," she said. Kitchie held a concert in the Philippines in June at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. She also held a concert in 2024 at the New Frontier Theater to mark her 20th anniversary in the music industry. A pillar of OPM rock, Kitchie is the hitmaker behind 'Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin,' 'Same Ground,' 'Bulong !!!' and 'Makulay na Buhay.' —Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
Anthony Rosaldo gets vinyl record signed by Nicole Scherzinger
Anthony Rosaldo got his vinyl record signed by Nicole Scherzinger after her Broadway show in New York! On Instagram, the Sparkle star shared that he got to watch the closing show of the musical "Sunset Boulevard" where the Filipino-American actress stars as Norma Desmond Among the photos he posted where of himself holding up a signed vinyl record of "Sunset Boulevard" with Nicole's autograph. He also shared a clip of Nicole signing the said vinyl, and more photos of himself outside and inside the St. James Theatre. According to Anthony, Nicole "blew the roof off" with her performance. "Her voice, her presence, the emotion you could feel it all the way to the back. And when I met her after, she was so warm and kind. Signed my vinyl too," he wrote in the caption. "So, so proud to be Filipino. Nicole was fearless, generous, and on fire. I think she got 3 or 4 standing ovations and she deserved every single one." He also tagged Nicole in the post, adding, "You deserve all the Tonys, Emmys, Oscars. We love you." In June, Nicole won Best Actress at the Tony Awards 2025 for her captivating performance as Norma Desmond." "Sunset Boulevard" also bagged the Best Musical Revival award. She was among the Fil-Ams, alongside Darren Criss and Marco Paguia, who ruled at the awards show. Meanwhile, Anthony starred as the lead, Elesi, in the "Liwanag sa Dilim" musical, which ran from March to May this year. The musical, which featured the songs of OPM legend Rico Blanco, also included Kapuso stars Rita Daniela and Khalil Ramos among the cast members. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
