A standing ovation before the final note: The Bodyguard delivers at the Engeman
Erica Burkett (Rachel Barron) and with the ensemble cast of the Engeman Theater’s production of The Bodyguard. Photos courtesy of the Engeman Theater.
There’s something you don’t see every day at the John W. Engeman Theater: a standing ovation that starts before the final song even ends. But that’s exactly what happened during The Bodyguard, and it tells you just about everything you need to know.
Running through April 26, this stage adaptation of the hit film (and its iconic soundtrack) brings familiar songs, big vocals and a storyline that still manages to pull you in, even if you already know how it ends. On opening night, audience members couldn’t help but show their enthusiasm and gratitude mid-finale.
At the center of it all is Erica Burkett as Rachel Marron, and it’s hard not to start there. Close your eyes, and you’d swear you’re hearing Whitney Houston. Open them, and Burkett’s stage presence does the rest – she’s confident, commanding and simply easy to watch. She carries the show in a way that feels natural, which isn’t easy to pull off in a role this big.
The production itself leans into what people want from The Bodyguard: the music. Songs like “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “I Will Always Love You” land exactly where they should, giving the audience those moments of connection, impact and – let’s be honest – the opportunity to sing along. But it’s not just a concert. There’s enough going on here, from romance and tension, to a touch of humor, strong choreography and standout costumes, to keep it feeling like a full experience rather than a jukebox show.
Blake Burgess as Frank Farmer brings a very physical presence to the role, and it works. A former college football player at Auburn, Burgess looks the part of a bodyguard. But what’s more interesting is the shift in his character over time. He starts off controlled and guarded, and gradually softens as his relationship with Marron develops. Their dynamic builds at a steady pace, and even if you know the story, there’s still a sense of anticipation in how it plays out on stage. One of the most memorable moments comes early on, when Farmer quite literally sweeps Marron up into his arms and carries her out of danger, an onstage moment that had the audience locked in.
There are also moments that feel very “live theater” in the best way, like the noticeable audience reaction when Burgess steps on stage in a white tank, people laughing and whispering like they were back in the early ’90s watching Kevin Costner for the first time. It’s those little shared reactions that make the night feel fun and communal.
By the end, the energy in the room is hard to ignore. This isn’t a polite round-of-applause kind of show. It’s the kind where people are on their feet without really planning to be – where the music hits, the nostalgia kicks in and the whole audience feels it at once.
The Bodyguard is exactly what you’d hope for: entertaining, familiar and genuinely engaging. It’s a night out that leaves you energized, and judging by the crowd, you won’t be the only one.
Performances run through April 26 at the Engeman Theater in Northport, with shows Wednesdays through Sundays. Tickets may be purchased by calling 631- 261-2900, going online at engemantheater.com or visiting the box office.
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