CELEBRITY  WITH  AMANDA  KELLER  

 

THE  BODYGUARD:  THE  MUSICAL  Amanda heads backstage to catch up with star Paulini, who plays the lead role of Rachel Marron, in the Musical The Bodyguard. Paulini performs 16 of Whitney Houston’s biggest songs during the show with her character protected by personal bodyguard Frank Farmer – actor Kip Gamblin. After meeting Kip in person Amanda challenges him to become her personal Bodyguard and see if he can protect her during one of her very dangerous days. Can Kip protect and serve or does Amanda live too dangerous a life?

 

ABOUT  THE  BODYGUARD   Adapted from the classic 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, and written by the acclaimed, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Big Chill, The Empire Strikes Back), THE BODYGUARD features 16 iconic Whitney Houston hits including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I Will Always Love You (originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton). The show tells the story of superstar singer Rachel Marron and former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect her from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.

Leading the Australian cast is Paulini as Rachel Marron, with Kip Gamblin as bodyguard Frank Farmer and Prinnie Stevens as Nicki Marron. Andrew Hazzard (Spring Awakening) will be playing Sy Spector, Patrick Williams (Hair) is Bill Devaney, Brendan Irving (The Rocky Horror Show) plays the Stalker, Damien Bermingham (Chicago) is Tony, and Glaston Toft (Jersey Boys) plays Ray Court.

Paulini first saw The Bodyguard: The Musical during its original West End run, four years ago. She and her manager were in London and decided to see it on a whim - as they left the theatre after the show, Paulini said that if the production ever came to Australia, she wanted the role. It’s no surprise that Paulini got her wish; she has been singing Whitney Houston songs all her life and has a five octave vocal range that rivals that of the diva herself.

ABOUT  PAULINI  

 

With her incredible voice, stunning looks and engaging personality, Paulini is one of Australia’s most uniquely talented performers. The Fijian-born singer songwriter first enthralled the nation on the inaugural series of Australian Idol. Audiences instantly fell in love with Paulini’s impressive five octave range – a voice still unrivalled and like no other in this country. Since then Paulini has forged a hugely successful career. Her debut album ‘One Determined Heart’ and smash single ‘Angel Eyes’ achieved double platinum status, both hitting the #1 spot. She is still one of only 10 Australian female solo artists to have a #1 album on the Australian ARIA Charts.

 

She then released another highly acclaimed album ‘Superwoman’ before releasing two more double platinum albums with the popular all-girl group Young Divas. In 2015, debuting at #25 on the ARIA charts, Paulini’s highly-anticipated third solo album ‘Come Alive’ was released, an infectious, fresh blend of catchy pop, sexy grooves, funky RnB and heart-felt soul that was a labour of love for Paulini, inspired by her personal experiences. Paulini’s sound has been Influenced by some of the most iconic voices in music, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and her childhood idol Whitney Houston, having won the National Star Search Competition in her teens with her incredible rendition of Whitney’s timeless classic When You Believe, showcasing her world class talent from a young age. Since signing with Alberts Music Publishing, the singer travelled the globe from New York to Los Angeles, Paris and London, collaborating with some of the world’s best producers including Chris Rosa (producer for Macy Gray/Jamie Foxx), Erik ‘Blue2th’ Griggs (Jordin Sparks, Dreamgirls soundtrack) and Philippe- Marc Anquetil (Little Mix, Emeli Sande, Timomatic). Paulini’s song writing abilities are very much in demand, she’s penned songs for many international artists including hits for The Voice winners from France and the Philippines in recent years. She has had incredible success internationally having wowed audiences at New York’s illustrious Pride festival, sung in Dubai, Paris, Berlin and Shanghai across several prestigious global sporting events, and performed at the esteemed G’Day USA showcase in the States celebrating all things Australian. Paulini has come a long way since her days on Australian Idol; she is thrilled for her theatrical debut in The Bodyguard and performing songs she has known and loved for as long as she can remember.

ABOUT  KIP  GAMBLIN  Kip Gamblin is a multifaceted performer, an accomplished actor, dancer and choreographer. Sydney born, Kip is most known to Australian audiences for his roles in a wide range of television dramas including Home and Away, All Saints, Tricky Business, Dance Academy and most recently Neighbours. His role as Scott Hunter in Home and Away won him the TV Week Logie award for Best New Talent. Kip later gained international acclaim for his performances in the BBC London’s drama series Casualty where he spent two years working as a series regular. Kip commenced his training in dance, theatre and drama at the McDonald College of Performing Arts in Sydney, and later at the Australian Ballet School. His theatre credits include principal dance roles with Australian Ballet, Western Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company and Royal Opera Covent Garden. Spotted by Kenny Ortega (producer, director and choreographer best known for High School Musical and Michael Jackson’s tour ‘This is It’), Kip was offered a featured solo dance role performing alongside Barbara Streisand on her Australian tour of Timeless. His dance career has seen him travel extensively throughout the world with highly successful tours to Europe, UK, Asia, and the United States. Kip’s film credits include Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge and Bruce Beresford’s Mao’s Last Dancer. In recent years Kip has enjoyed giving back to the arts community, by guest speaking, presenting, teaching and coaching dance and drama for students at NIDA, Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Newtown High School of Performing Arts and various local dance schools. When he is not performing, Kip enjoys spending time with his family, surfing and playing music with his sons.

The 2017 Australian tour of THE BODYGUARD commenced at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on 21 April, and will play at the Lyric Theatre, Brisbane from 19 July, before playing the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from 24 August.

 

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