BACK STORIES ON 'THE BODYGUARD' ...AND WHAT'S NEXT AT PROSCENIUM THEATER

Did you know that Piolo Pascual could have played the lead role in The Bodyguard’s musical version at Proscenium Theater? Imagine this heartthrob onstage as our local Kevin Costner!

- MILLET M. MANANQUIL

Christine Allado and Matt Blaker doing the roles played by Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in the original movie. Tim Yap as Sy Spector was well-applauded. Vyen Hugo, Alex Aure, Paji Arceo, Fay Castro, Jasmine Fitzgerald, Radha Cuadrado.

We asked Piolo himself when he sat with us at Ben Chan’s table during the Red Charity Gala. “Yes, I could have done this — as I have done a musical two years ago at GSIS Theater. However, my schedule until early next year is fully booked. All the rehearsals for such a musical would need a freer calendar.”

Then from the theater grapevine, we heard that Ian Veneracion was another choice — a good one also, since this handsome actor is a singer as well.

And how about Dingdong Dantes? Perfect too, but might this have caused a Family Feud? Would Marian Rivera have approved of the many kissing scenes?

Fast forward to today and we have a seasoned British actor, Matt Blaker, who is an acclaimed West End performer taking the lead part. In Whitney Houston’s Rachel Marron role is Christine Allado, a Filipina-British singer who has had remarkable performances at West End, as well. Bravo to these two actors who have been drawing raves at Proscenium Theater where Bodyguard the Musical is showing weekends until Oct. 19.

During the opening night, I felt proud of Rockwell’s masterpiece, Proscenium Theater, which is the country’s newest citadel of culture equipped with world-class acoustics, a state-of-the-art design that allows a good view from any of its 780 seats.

I also felt proud of our many local talents I saw onstage, starting with the first actor who received such a warm applause the minute he stepped onstage in his blinding yellow outfit: Tim Yap.