Interview: Jasmin Richardson Discusses The 'Thrilling and Joyful' THE BODYGUARD

The national tour of THE BODYGUARD-based on the eponymous film featuring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner-just launched a few weeks ago and plays a limited Broadway in Chicago run starting on January 31. For those unfamiliar, the musical focuses on Hollywood star Rachel Marron (Deborah Cox) and her bodyguard Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect her from an anonymous stalker.

Cast member Jasmin Richardson plays the role of Rachel's sister, Nicki Marron. She chatted with BroadwayWorld a few days before THE BODYGUARD arrived at the Oriental Theatre to discuss life on tour, why she's excited to perform in Chicago, and of course, the classic Whitney Houston songs showcased in the musical.

This show had a successful run in the West End and now you're part of the national tour here in the United States. How's it going so far? And as you approach the Chicago stop, why do you think Chicago audiences should want to see this show?

Our audiences have been so receptive. The biggest thing about this musical is the music. It's music that people have been growing up listening to...We all know this iconic Whitney Houston music. It's contagious. It's full of joyful energy...and I think Chicago audiences will respond to the music and the story-line. I think they'll have a good time. We're very excited about coming to Chicago.

What's the most exciting part of performing in a national tour?

The traveling! I get to see a lot of incredible cities, like we're in Memphis right now. [I love to] experience the city, the food, the people. Each audience is different. The things they find funny or serious in the show differ.

Do you have a favorite moment in the show?

I would have to say one of my favorite moments is with Deborah. We're playing sisters right now...[in one scene], come into her bedroom...and we have this whole girly, sisterly exchange. People always laugh. At the end of the show, [I get] a couple of, "Oh my god, you guys really feel like sisters!" It's just really fun, and it's my favorite thing.

What's it been like performing alongside Deborah Cox?

She's a really beautiful and kind person. I'd listened to her music since I was a kid, and it's been a true honor to work with her. She's so nice and so humble. She's had so many star friends come to the show, and she's made sure we met all of them. It's been so much. I feel like at this point we have a genuine friendship. Who could ask for more?

What do you hope theatergoers take away from the experience of watching THE BODYGUARD?

I hope that theatergoers really just have a good time. This is show is unique in that it's very much a thriller. The only other show I can compare it to is PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. It has so many unexpected twists and turns. I don't think most audiences see that coming...and I hope they enjoy the music. That's always been the through line through this whole thing. And it has this interesting thrilling component that people don't see coming.

What are you hoping to experience in Chicago while you're here?

The food! The food! I love Chicago. My boyfriend's actually from Chicago so I've been there quite a few times. I'm excited to be at the Oriental and just be there. Even if it's cold. I'm just excited to be in Chicago. I know the audiences are such smart theatergoers and that's exciting, too. I'm excited to get their take on things. I'm really excited to be in the atmosphere of Chicago.

Do you have a dream role?

I want to originate something. Something I can really really enter that character with my reality and that's something I really want. There's no story out there right now that I want to be a part of that is a dream role. So that would be the dream.

Do you have any other projects coming up on the horizon?

Right now, I'm just really, really focused on THE BODYGUARD. We've only been on tour for a week. I'm just consumed. That's just my focus right now.

See Jasmin Richardson as Nicki Marron in Broadway in Chicago's engagement of THE BODYGUARD, playing from January 31 - February 12 at the Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph). Tickets are $19-$85. For more information, visit BroadwayinChicago.com.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!