Australian actor Adam Garcia is set to return to the Liverpool Empire stage in the musical adaptation of The Bodyguard. The show, based on the 1992 Oscar-nominated film starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, tells the love story of former secret agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer and world-famous star Rachel Marron, who is being targeted by an unknown stalker.
Whitney Houston's Greatest Hits
The production features Whitney Houston's classic back catalogue, including I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and the iconic I Will Always Love You. It will run at the Liverpool Empire from Monday, June 15 until Saturday, June 20.
The show premiered at the Adelphi Theatre in London's West End in 2012, earning four Olivier Award nominations. Since then, it has been seen by over 3.9 million people across 15 countries and 45 US cities, including the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Canada, Italy, the US, Austria, and Japan.
Adam Garcia Takes the Lead
Adam Garcia, who plays Frank Farmer in the latest UK and European tour, shared his excitement with the ECHO: "I remember auditioning for the role before it opened in London 12 years ago. I looked too young for the role, but I remember watching it and sitting next to producer David Ian, telling him how fantastic the show was, brilliantly structured, different enough from the movie but familiar enough."
Regarding the show, Garcia said: "Audiences can expect a musical absolutely jammed to the gills with Whitney Houston bangers. From her uptempo tracks to her ballads, R&B, and soul. They can expect some of the best choreography. Karen Bruce has outdone herself with the partner work. The dancers are a league unto themselves. People can expect a thriller because it's about the danger of a stalker trying to attack and control this superstar. Also, it's a romance about two people who find each other in a difficult situation and form a relationship despite themselves."
Garcia's Career Highlights
Garcia is no stranger to the stage, with credits including Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever, for which he received an Olivier Award nomination. He also recently appeared as a finalist on the UK series of The Masked Dancer, finishing second. Film fans may recognize him from Coyote Ugly (2000) and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.
Having performed in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Liverpool Empire and on its UK and Ireland tour, Garcia recalls "wild weekends" in the city. He said: "I was staying near the Ropewalks part of town and it was summer. People like to have a good time in Liverpool. There's some really good food there as well. Some great brunch places, perfect for theatre people who don't get to go to dinner. I'm really excited to come back."
More information on The Bodyguard can be found on the ATG website.
