As of March 30, a new musical will take place at the Théâtre St-Denis: The Bodyguardinspired by the successful film released in 1992 which brought together on screen Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.
Adapted and directed by Joël Legendre, the musical will star Frédérick De Grandpré as bodyguard Frank Farmer and newcomer to the theatrical scene, Jennifer-Lee Dupuy, as singer Rachel Marron. Sharon James (alternating with Maëva Grelet), Widemir Normil, Tommy Durand and Normand Carrière will also be part of the cast.
As soon as Joël Legendre was approached by the band of Musicor Spectacles to mount The Bodyguard, he realized that one of his biggest challenges would be to find “his Whitney”. Indeed, the story lingers on the fate of Rachel Marron, international star of the song pursued by a violent stalker. In a word, the role is tough, not to mention that it is the main female performer who is responsible for the greatest vocal prowess, including the inevitable piece I Will Always Love You.
The pearl presented itself, when the auditions were over, in the guise of Jennifer-Lee Dupuy. This singer raised in the gospel tradition has been part of many choirs and earns her living as a project manager in a building materials company. “I grew up in church and I always sang,” explains the woman of Haitian origin. “I even traveled to Europe to form gospel choirs. This will be my first gaming experience, but Joël surrounded me well…”
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Jennifer-Lee Dupuy has an important professional background in the world of gospel music.
“We needed a star and as soon as I saw Jennifer-Lee’s demo, I felt her aura, her presence, explains Joël Legendre. She is a performer who we do not know, but who nevertheless has a huge background. Her mother was a choir director like Whitney Houston’s. The Bodyguard will mark her theatrical debut, as Whitney began her acting career in film. Both are 30 years old… It’s fun to discover a new face. »
In the case of the character of Frank Farmer, the choice of the interpreter was made easily: “I had the name of Frédérick De Grandpré in mind from the start. He is a nice man who, in addition, is a champion in martial arts! »
The actor reviewed the film directed by Mick Jackson to get back to the role in mind. What he rediscovered pleased him. “Kevin Costner’s proposal is interesting. His bodyguard is a vulnerable guy who is afraid and who overcomes this fear through action, preparation. The libretto of the play is very interesting, very coherent. It’s a beautiful story of love and action. »
In French from here
Joël Legendre could have contented himself with taking over the translated libretto of the musical Bodyguard, which was mounted on various stages including the West End in London. He preferred to adapt the text to give it a more Québécois accent – without falling into the joual –, but also to situate the action in 1992, “at the time of large shoulder pads and makeup”.
Namely: if the text is translated into French, the songs remain in the original English language. And other pieces from Whitney Houston’s repertoire were added to the musical, including How Will I Know, I Wanna Dance With Somebody Or Greatest Love of All.
“Whitney Houston has always been an idol for me,” says Joël Legendre. She’s been through so many dramas. She was poorly surrounded in her life and I want to give her back her letters of nobility with this show. I would like her to be proud of the result. »
Musical comedy The Bodyguard is presented at the Théâtre St-Denis from March 30 and from June 28 on the stage of the Théâtre Capitole de Québec.