It was a gunshot that signaled the beginning—a sound that could immediately trigger fear in anyone. But the hostile noise and the terror that came with it were quickly drowned out—not by crying or panic, but by the fierce and confident rhythm of Whitney Houston’s “Queen of the Night.”

That was the opening scene of “The Bodyguard: The Musical,” the debut production of Manila’s newest performing arts hub—the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati City. On Sept. 25, 2025, the theater opened its doors not just to theatergoers eager to see the stage adaptation of the 1992 romantic thriller film, but also to a new chapter of Filipino artistry.

Led by 9 Works Theatrical, with Robbie Guevara as director, the musical—unlike the film that starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner—placed greater emphasis on spectacle, emotion, and the enduring legacy of the late music icon.

Set against the backdrop of the Proscenium Theater’s state-of-the-art stage, this production promises a viewing experience as dynamic as the story itself. With a 16x16-meter stage, fully automated fly lines, and an orchestra pit, the theater is engineered for visual and technical brilliance. Even the farthest seats in the Dress Circle—just 20 meters from the stage—offer a clear, immersive view that makes every spot in the house feel like the best seat.

Bringing the story of “The Bodyguard” to the stage is its stellar cast, led by Filipino thespian and Grammy-nominated artist Christine Allado as pop diva Rachel Marron, and West End leading man Matt Blaker as the bodyguard himself, Frank Farmer.

As the show unfolds, audiences will find it fascinating to see how Rachel’s relationship with Frank evolves. Fans of the movie will also find comfort in familiar scenes and how they are artfully reimagined on stage.

Much like other adaptations, new elements are introduced to reflect the times and heighten the story’s emotional arc. One of the most notable additions is the deeper exploration of Rachel’s sister Nicki, portrayed by Sheena Palad, who, like Rachel, is a gifted vocalist but has never had her moment in the spotlight—or the chance to be the leading lady of her own story.

What makes “The Bodyguard: The Musical” unique is its music and how it’s woven into the storytelling. Apart from the iconic hits from the movie’s soundtrack, the musical also features other Whitney Houston classics such as “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” among others.

This turns the show into a true jukebox musical, where songs are used not only in concert scenes and rehearsals but also to express the characters’ inner emotions. Unlike other musicals where the ensemble often sings in unison, “The Bodyguard: The Musical” relies heavily on the vocal prowess of its two female leads. Thank the musical gods for blessing Christine and Sheena with such powerful, soul-stirring voices—voices that honor Whitney’s legacy while adding their own flair.

All in all, “The Bodyguard: The Musical” is nostalgia at its best. While it mirrors some of the flaws of its source material, its music is simply divine—enough to keep everyone seated, shimmying their shoulders, and tapping their feet. It is Whitney’s talent and timeless legacy that will make Filipino audiences rush to see this grand production.

“The Bodyguard: The Musical” runs until Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with tickets now available at ticketworld.com.ph.