Engeman Theater’s ‘The Bodyguard’ is a show you’ll always love

By Julianne Mosher

Prepare to get “So Emotional” because the John W. Engeman Theater’s latest stage show of The Bodyguard isn’t just a musical — it’s an exhilarating, hit-packed journey that will make you “Wanna Dance with Somebody’” and leave you saying “I Will Always Love You” to this production.

Some shows demand your attention, but The Bodyguard doesn’t just demand it — it commands it, delivering a powerhouse performance that combines an emotionally charged story with an iconic soundtrack. 

Based on the beloved 1992 film starring the late Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the musical tells the gripping story of Frank Farmer (Blake Burgess), a former Secret Service agent turned elite bodyguard, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron (Erica Burkett) from a relentless stalker.

As the two personalities clash, their professional relationship soon sparks an unexpected romance, navigating danger and desire.

Directed by Hunter Foster and choreographed by Krystyna Resavy, you will be in awe from the moment the curtains draw back.

The show’s backbone is undeniably its incredible soundtrack, boasting a catalogue of Whitney Houston classics that will have showgoers dancing and singing in their seats. The show starts off with Houston’s electrifying “Queen of the Night,” where the ensemble (Bridget Bailey, Jake Bartley, Madeline Benoit, Gabriel Bommarito, Zeth Dixon, Zoie Lee, Juan Romero Munoz, Bryn Purvis, Henrique Sobrinho, Amare Tavarez, Naja Nicole, Kendall Stewart) are adorned in futuristic costumes (designed by Dustin Cross).

As soon as Burkett opens her mouth to sing, you know you’re in for an invigorating musical, but you’ll leave feeling like you just saw a young Whitney live, in-person.

The story, surrounding the fear that Marron is facing at the hands of an unknown stalker, and how it impacts the people close to her in her circle, then gets intertwined with other classics like, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “How Will I Know,” “Saving All My Love for You,” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go?”

The final scene features the soundtracks most famous song, “I Will Always Love You,” and Burkett’s version is so good that you are guaranteed you’ll want to give her a standing ovation.

And while Burkett shines, the entire cast is a vibrant ensemble who elevate this story to an unforgettable level.

Opposite of Burkett, Burgess takes on the stoic Farmer and perfectly embodies the gentleman bodyguard. A special spotlight must also be shone on Sharae Moultrie as Rachel’s sister, Nicki. Moultrie seizes the moment, delivering a truly beautiful and emotionally resonant vocal performance. Her rendition of “Saving All My Love for You” is a genuine showstopper, earning well-deserved applause.

A story with a romance and tragedy underneath the pop hits, there are also a lot of laughs thanks to supporting characters like Bill Devaney (Sabazz Green), Tony Scibelli (Semih Bal), Sly Spector (Jonathan Cobrda) and Ray Court (Ben McHugh).

Beyond the phenomenal voices, the theater does its rendition of The Bodyguard with dazzling staging, innovative lighting and breathtaking effects. From subtle mood shifts to full-blown, stadium-level spectacle that explodes in the opening number, the show is a visual feast. It pushes the boundaries of what many expect from musical theatre. 

Be warned: this production is relentless in the best possible way. There are no lulls, with  hit after hit keeping you on the edge of your seat. Even if you’re not a die-hard Whitney fan, you simply cannot deny the sheer power and impact of this incredible catalogue from an artist who sold nearly 200 million records.

CAST: Erica Burkett, Blake Burgess, Sharae Moultrie, Bridget Bailey, Semih Bal, Jake Barltey, Madeline Benoit, Gabriel Bommarito, Faith Jordan Candino, Jonathan Cobrda, Zeth Dixon, Shabazz Green, Preston Karp, Zoie Lee, Ben McHugh, Juan Romero Munoz, Naja Nicole, Bryn Purvis, Henrique Sobrinho, Kendall Stewart, Eldridge Taylor Jr., and Amare Tavarez.

See a sneak peek here.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents The Bodyguard The Musical through April 26. The main stage season continues with Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot from May 14 to June 28 and The Wedding Singer from July 9 to Aug 23. For tickets and more information, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.