9 Works Finally Announces Full Cast for The Bodyguard, the Musical
After several teasers online, Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical finally announced on Sunday, August 24, the full lineup for the upcoming The Bodyguard, the Musical, which runs from September 26 to October 19 at the new Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati.
Headlining the production is West End leading man Matt Blaker as Frank Farmer, the stoic bodyguard himself. Paired with the acclaimed Christine Allado, the musical promises a dynamic performance brought to life by a powerhouse ensemble of Filipino veterans and rising stars.
Matt Blaker as Frank Farmer
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The Bodyguard, the Musical Leads
Matt Blaker, a graduate of the prestigious Guildford School of Acting, is no stranger to commanding the stage. With a resume that includes notable roles in legendary West End productions like Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, and most recently, Billy Flynn in Chicago, he brings a wealth of experience to the Proscenium Theater. His on-screen experience includes a role in Netflix's The Crown.
"What I love about Frank is that he's fueled by both duty and passion," Blaker shares. "He's a man of many sides—family-driven yet fiercely committed to his work—and it's a gift to be able to portray such a layered character."
Christine Allado as Rachel Marron
Opposite Blaker is Grammy-nominated artist Christine Allado, best known for her breakout role in Hamilton’s original West End cast as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds. The Filipina-British actress-singer returns to Manila as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard.
Allado has also starred as Julie Jordan in Carousel, performed in We Will Rock You, and co-starred with Lea Salonga and Bernadette Peters for the original West End run of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theater.
A Stellar Lineup of Filipino Talent
While Blaker and Allado anchor the production, the rest of the cast is a testament to the depth of talent within the local theater scene. The musical features a compelling mix of seasoned actors and new faces.
Award-winning gospel singer-songwriter Sheena Palad is set to play Nicki Marron, bringing her powerful voice and emotional range to the stage. Alternating in the role of Fletcher are two young talents, Elian Santos and Giani Sarita, both of whom have already built impressive resumes in stage, film, and modeling. Santos and Sarita were previously seen in Liwanag sa Dilim, also produced by 9 Works Theatrical.
Veteran entertainer Tim Yap returns to the stage as Sy Spector, while multi-award-winning performer and entertainment director John Joven-Uy takes on the role of Bill Devaney. Meanwhile, Vien King, who won the Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Musical for Passion (2019), plays Agent Laney. The cast also features well-known names like actor and educator Jasper Jimenez as Tony Scibelli, Star Magic artist CJ Navato as Ray Court and Frank Farmer's cover, and Paji Arceo as Douglas.
Rounding up the cast is a roster of incredible performers, including:
- Jasmine Fitzgerald (Once on This Island, RENT, Passion) as cover for Rachel Marron and Nicki Marron
- Vocal powerhouse Radha (Once on This Island)
- Theater actor and director Fay Castro (Liwanag sa Dilim, Rent, Side Show: The Musical)
- Dance artist Winchester Lopez (Miss Saigon UK International Tour)
- Carmelle Ros (Sweet Charity, Grease) as Rory
- Two-time Gawad Buhay awardee Richardson Yadao (Cinderella, Giselle) as Bobby
- Iya Villanueva (Liwanag sa Dilim, Joseph the Dreamer)
- Vyen Villanueva (Tabing Ilog the Musical) as Jimmy
- Commercial model and dancer Alex Aure (Lasallian Pointes N’ Flexes Dance Company)
- Julio Laforteza (Associate Director of Galaw.Co Dance Theater)
- Natalie Duque, who is an apprentice with Galaw.Co Dance Theater
- PJ Rebullida as a performing swing (Once On This Island, Disney's Newsies)
- Veteran actors Lorenz Martinez and Lani Ligot as swings
The Bodyguard, the Musical is directed by Robbie Guevara, together with Raul Montesa as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director, Mio Infante as scenographer, Arnold Trinidad as choreographer, Shakira Villa-Symes as lighting designer, Aji Manalo as sound engineer/designer, GA Fallarme as video and projection designer, Jay Aranda as technical director, and Elliza Aurelio as hair and makeup designer.
The Bodyguard, the Musical runs from September 26 to October 19, with 8 p.m. shows on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. shows on Saturdays and Sundays, at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati. Tickets are now available on Ticketworld, with prices ranging from P4,120 to P6,695.
