The Engeman’s ‘The Bodyguard’ is a Must-See Megahit!

By: Cindi Sansone-Braff

The John W. Engeman Theater’s electrifying production of the musical “The Bodyguard” earned a well-deserved standing ovation Saturday night. The audience remained spellbound from the showstopping opening number, “Queen of the Night,” to the knockout encore extravaganza, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” There’s so much to love about this show, from the pitch-perfect vocals and dazzling costumes to the high-energy choreography, precision-perfect direction, and superb acting.

“The Bodyguard, The Musical” is based on the successful 1992 Warner Brothers film, with a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan, and features Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. This jukebox musical, with a book by Alexander Dinelaris, focuses on the Secret Service agent Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron. A diva accustomed to getting her way, Rachel is less than happy about her glamorous lifestyle being restricted by strict security measures. However, what began as a tense professional relationship between Frank and Rachel developed into a complex yet passionate romantic connection.

Erica Burkett possesses the “it factor,” that elusive, magnetic star quality needed to step into Whitney Houston’s rhinestone-studded stilettos. Burkett, a powerhouse singer with impressive dance moves to match, has the theatrical skills necessary to convincingly portray the internationally acclaimed pop star, Rachel Marron. Marron is a complex character: outwardly confident and strong, but privately vulnerable and insecure. Among the show’s many highlights were Burkett’s unforgettable performances of “The Greatest Love of All,” “One Moment in Time,” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Blake Burgess commanded the stage with his charismatic portrayal of Frank Farmer, Rachel’s conscientious bodyguard, who is the living embodiment of stoicism, integrity, and discipline. Burgess and Burkett have dynamic onstage chemistry, clearly demonstrated in the key scene at the karaoke bar where Frank playfully, if not somewhat reluctantly, sang his late mother’s favorite song, “I Will Always Love You.” After Frank’s less-than-stellar performance, Rachel surprised both the bar audience and Frank with her heartfelt version of “I Have Nothing.”

Sharaé Moultrie brilliantly portrayed Nicki Marron, Rachel’s resentful older sister, a talented performer overshadowed by her famous sibling. Moultrie’s captivating rendition of the beloved ballad “Saving All My Love for You” was one of those unforgettable onstage moments that linger long after you leave the theater. Burkett and Moultrie, two superstars, delivered a breathtakingly beautiful duet to the emotionally charged pop ballad, “Run to You.” A round of applause goes out to Costume Designer Dustin Cross for his stunning creations, especially Rachel’s and Nicki’s to-die-for gowns, which made the two female leads look divalicious!

Engeman veteran Jonathan Corbrda gave a spot-on comedic performance as Sy Spector, Rachel’s calculating publicist, earning some of the biggest laughs of the evening.

A special shoutout to the talented young actor Eldridge Taylor Jr. for his outstanding performance as Rachel’s dedicated son, Fletcher. Taylor delivered an angelic rendition of the soulful gospel ballad, “Jesus Loves Me.”

Other standout performances were given by Shabazz Green as Rachel’s hardworking, loyal manager, Bill Devaney, Semih Bal as Tony Scibelli, Rachel’s longtime head of security, Ben McHugh as Ray Court, a CIA agent with extensive knowledge about stalkers, and Naja Nicole and Kendall Stewart as the Backup Vocalists.

A big round of applause goes out to The Engeman’s talented creative team. Under Hunter Foster's expert direction, the entire production was flawless. Krystyna Resavy’s precise choreography, Kyle Dixon’s stunning, multi-level set, along with Laura Shubert’s outstanding sound design, John Burkland’s dramatic lighting design, and the excellent band led by Brian Sweeney, all contributed to making this one of the best musicals I have ever seen!

This production featured a Broadway-caliber ensemble, including Bridget Bailey, Jake Bartley, Madeline Benoit, Gabriel Bommarito, Zeth Dixon, Zoie Lee, Juan Romero Muñoz, Bryn Purvis, and Henrique Sobrinho, and Amare Tavarez. Swings for the production are Faith Jordan Candino and Preston Karp.

Don’t miss this concert-infused theatrical experience! “The Bodyguard” runs through April 26, 2026. To purchase tickets, call 631-261-2900, go online at engemantheater.com, or visit the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can't Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press.