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Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

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#1

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 10:44am

According to the show's official website, a British actor named Gloria Onitiri will alternate with Headley in the role of Rachel Marron when THE BODYGUARD reaches the West End later this year, presumably performing two of the eight shows a week.

http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/team/#gloria-onitiri

This makes sense, given how insanely demanding the score is bound to be. It's good to see the producers planning proactively rather than force Headley to power through all eight performances a week and potentially damage her voice.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
#3

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 10:51am

I'm really not excited about this project after hearing clips of Heather singing. I'm very disappointed they've changed the keys to suit Heather's voice, especially as they are not as impressive. I know Whitney had one of the greates voices of all time and it's difficult for performers to match her vocal ability, but there are people out there that can sing them in her keys.
#5

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 11:31am

I was wondering if they'd have an alternate. good choice. and I'll add that Headley and this show should head to Broadway as wel.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
#6

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 4:53pm

That's a difficult one. I would like them to have gone with an unknown, someone that could sing it in the original keys and sounds a bit more like Whitney. Headley's name carries very little weight over here in the UK and they need to make a success of it here before they can transfer it across to the US.
Thankfully they will be able to sell it on the reputation of the film and soundtrack.
I just think it's disappointing that the musical's legacy will be in different keys to the original.
If they were going to go with a name I would have liked them to go with someone like Michelle Williams, who is a known name on both sides of the atlantic and could probably sing the songs in the original keys.
#7

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 4:56pm

its not a Whitney tribute show though so why would it have to be in the same key? Its not about Whitney its the stage version of THE BODYGUARD. There is a difference.

Plus don't judge a preview snippet, judge her performance on stage
#9

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 5:12pm

I know it's not a Whitney tribute show, but don't like what I've heard from the songs. The keys of Heather's voice.
I am a huge fan of Heather's gospel album, but don't think her voice suits the pop style of The Bodyguard's numbers.
I will judge her stage performance and would love her to prove me wrong.
#10

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 5:15pm

Angus, Michelle Williams had trouble with the score in Aida so i think she would wind up butchering the body guard. I would suggest Sasha Allen or Patina Miller if they wanted someone who can sing it in the original keys.

Updated On: 9/1/12 at 05:15 PM

#11

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 5:16pm

I assume the musical we need to re imagine the songs , I for one don't need carbon copies, if I want to hear them sung like Whitney I'll listen to Whitney, but it will be great to hear in the context of a story and personally I think Heather is fab.
#12

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 6:09pm

I guess the other side to your argument is that the majority of the paying audience will expect to hear them performed like Whitney, otherwise why remake it with the same songs?
#16

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 6:58pm

I'm guessing Heather was hired because she is ridiculously talented - and very consistent vocally (and with her attendance.) I don't care about the keys, and I've loved what they've released so far. Looking forward to seeing her on stage again.
#17

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 7:31pm

I only wish she had the opportunity to go back in an re-record her vocals for the DREAMGIRLS recording like Billy Porter did. Unfortunate result.
#19

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 8:00pm

I like Heather, but I think people might be picky (especially Whitney fans) about her playing this role. Her voice, though deep, is kind of nasally.
"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter
#21

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/1/12 at 8:45pm

I want to see Heather in this role, and I think she's going to be great. As far as naming people who could sing these songs in the original keys, I'd add Adrienne Warren, and Dan'yelle Williamson to the list. I think Heather is going to be fantastic though.
#23

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/2/12 at 12:16am

I personally would have cast any of the three females I have listed below. The latter on this list has an similar tonal quality to Whitney. I am sure Heather will do well. She is a hard worker and at the end of the day it's about the story and the Characters Journey if she is able to capture that which she will. Folks will forget all about the lowered keys


Sasha Allen
Fecelia Boswell
Gwen Jackson


There is nothing in the world better than Live Theater.

Updated On: 9/2/12 at 12:16 AM

#24

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/2/12 at 2:43am

I love the Whitney,
but even if She was doing this show 7 times a week they would lower the keys.
I'm with those who want to look at this as it's own entity and not a carbon copy of the Film and Whit's performance.
Of course there will still be comparisions.
#25

Heather Headley to Have An Alternate in THE BODYGUARD

Posted: 9/2/12 at 3:18am

I'm 'meh' on Headley. Isn't the the woman who **** on Broadway and theatre in general to make it big in pop music?

... Yeah, that happened. Welcome back Heather.

Want someone who can sing the role and quite literally knock it out of the park? Jeannette Bayardelle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJUUDx95RWE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AZkGtIvArw (best RENT female soloist I've ever heard)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udHj-aV5Z6Q



BN

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