Chicago Tribune - Not Recommended
"...Aside from a terrific and dazzlingly toned ensemble of dancers, there's one only reason to attend "The Bodyguard" - the chance to enjoy those signature numbers from "All at Once" to "How Will I Know" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" to "One Moment in Time." They are all well-sung by the star of the show, Deborah Cox, a distinguished touring artist (you may remember her from "Jekyll & Hyde") who doesn't try to replicate the Houston punch, generally leaning more gently but quite potently in the numbers. It is a highly professional and enjoyable performance - in a challenging show that constantly is making her change costume, or jump on some mechanical device, or that insists on cutting off half her body with some concertina-ering bit of scenery. Cox is supported by stellar vocals (and the best acting of the night) from Jasmin Richardson, who plays the jealous sister."
Chicago Sun Times - Not Recommended
"...The musical, based on the original Lawrence Kasdan screenplay — but outfitted with a somewhat re-imagined, no-cliche-left-untapped book by Alexander Dinelaris (who penned the screenplay for “Birdman”) — had already been produced in London, where Heather Headley had the misfortune to be playing the lead the same year Houston died. And the show went on to have productions throughout Europe and beyond. Now it is on a U.S. tour, in a stop at the Oriental Theatre, and to its marketers’ credit, it has been spared the “pre-Broadway” tagline. Let’s just say that the corpse we see on the stage during the musical is not half as lifeless as the show itself. Cox would have been far better off simply putting together a concert that paid homage to Houston, or to her own work as a songwriter."
Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended
"...The vocals aren't the problem, however, in this thoroughly professional, if oddly passionless production. The problem rests with a weak script by Academy Award-winning "Birdman" writer Alexander Dinelaris."
ShowBizChicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...The first number of The Bodyguard is presented ala concert form, which makes sense considering that Rachel Marron is a 6 time Grammy Award winner. Unfortunately almost every song that follows is presented the same way. Which leaves me questioning the identity of The Bodyguard. Is it a musical or is it a Whitney Houston impersonator concert with scenes from The Bodyguard? Every time that I would get into the story, I was pulled out immediately by a number that contributed nothing to furthering or extending the plot."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...The best thing about The Bodyguard, Lawrence Kasdan’s Oscar-nominated 1992 film, was how it put the late Whitney Houston on the map and in our hearts. Despite zero chemistry, erotic or dramatic, between Houston’s driven diva and Kevin Costner’s title character, Houston’s celebrity survivor scorched the screen, buttressed by Whitney’s terrific breakout numbers. Houston, the eagle, had landed."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...I will say that this production, if nothing else, is a theatrical experience that every audience member will recall, for whatever feelings they had. The glitz is “very” glitzy and the sparkle delightful. The ensemble is exciting and highly energetic making each dance number one that will leave an imprint in your mind. Maybe, just maybe, they can rework the script to make this a better story-telling experience. One can only hope!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...While the selling point of this show is definitely the great hits of Whitney Houston, it’s also peppered with some breathtaking, acrobatic choreography. The story is entertaining and thrilling, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Produced with high tech scenic, projection and lighting design, as well as with some stunning, stylish costumes and wigs, this limited engagement makes a hot diversion for escaping the cold winter nights."
The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended
"...The Bodyguard Musical may not be a great show, but it’s undoubtedly a lot of show. Aside from the huge number of Whitney Houston songs, many of them sturdy ‘80s classics rendered with a huge ensemble of back-up dancers, the consistently dazzling lighting, costumes sound and set design reflect the superior skill set of this entire creative team. Aside from being just a starring vehicle for Deborah Cox and a showcase for the Whitney Houston canon, however, The Bodyguard Musical team also strains to show fidelity to a central plot about a stalker who’s trying to kill the singer."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...And so if expectations are no grander, Broadway in Chicago's hosting of Canadian pop singer Deborah Cox can be considered a success. This beauty gorgeously, seamlessly sings her way through the well-known Houston songbook from the 1992 mega-hit film (and resulting 17x platinum, Grammy-winning soundtrack) of the same name."
Third Coast Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...As the show progresses we can see the resemblance to the film, which allows us to follow along. The audience, especially those around me, knew the storyline already so they also knew what was coming and accepted the jumps regardless. However, to a newcomer, the jump from bodyguard and client to a couple on a date at a karaoke bar to in bed and in love is quite the leap. A few additional (and short scenes) could have helped the relationship develop more subtly or the transitions between the scenes in general could have been less stark with harsh moving set pieces. One successful plotline, the unraveling of Rachel's jealous sister, Nikki Marron, who longs for attention and success like her sister's, was due to the outstanding performance of Jasmin Richardson. Richardson's vocals were particularly noteworthy, leaving me wishing she had more numbers."
Splash Magazine - Not Recommended
"...Like an extra-large sugary soda, "The Bodyguard" is just a load of empty calories that gives us a guilty pleasure. And this musical adaptation turns up the corn syrup quantities on that surgery soft drink to dangerously high levels. So, I say to anyone planning to attend "Bodyguard" to come to the theatre with the lowest possible expectations that you can. It will help. And, in addition to turning off your cell phones, I'd also suggest turning off your brain for a couple of hours as well. You'll have a good time, but I can't guarantee you'll love it. No one can with material as terrible as this."