Tim Yap, hip-hop singer Radha, more actors, dancers join ‘The Bodyguard: The Musical’

After playing the role of Narrator in Repertory Philippines’ “Peter and the Wolf” at The Theatre in Solaire early July, Tim Yap joins “The Bodyguard: The Musical” playing the character Sy Spector.

In the story, Sy Spector is publicist of lead character Rachel Marron, the character that was played by Whitney Houston in the 1992 film version.

It was earlier announced Filipino-British Christine Allado will play Rachel in the Philippine premiere of “The Bodyguard” at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Center, Makati City, starting September 26.

Yap, the veteran host-eventologist and Sparkle talent, is no neophyte in theater. “[Prior to] playing Narrator for Peter and the Wolf for Repertory Philippines, I did some surprise appearances as Teen Angel in ‘Grease the musical’, also for 9 Works Theatrical,” Yap told GMA News Online via Facebook messenger.

We also remember Yap playing the role of DJ Dalang, the narrator in Ballet Philippines’ dance- musical theater version of “Darna,” staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater in August, 2003.

Yap also co-hosted GMA Gala 2025 with Gabbi Garcia.

Santi Santamaria, managing director and executive producer of 9 Works Theatrical told GMA News Online he was the one who chose Yap for the role. He added he was also the one who chose the actor for the role of Frank Farmer, the titular role of the bodyguard played by Kevin Costner in the 1992 movie version, though he can’t reveal the name yet.

As theater followers wait on who will play Frank, 9 Works Theatrical recently announced on their social media accounts the dancers and actors in the ensemble for the Manila premiere of “The Bodyguard.”

The much-awarded Vien King will play Agent Laney. “Being part of ‘The Bodyguard’ is such an exciting ride. Full of music, tension, and high stakes. Getting the role of Agent Laney makes it even better...nothing like I’ve ever done before. Grateful and thankful to my 9 Works family for making me part of this iconic material,” King told GMA News Online via Facebook Messenger. King has been recipient of various citations from Gawad Buhay and LEAF awards.

He has been known for playing lead characters in notable productions. He was Rama in “Rama Hari,” the acclaimed Filipino rock opera ballet created by five National Artists; Alice Reyes for direction and choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for music, Salvador Bernal for production design, and Bienvenido Lumbera for the lyrics and libretto with English Translations by Rolando Tinio.

King also played Ibarra in 9 Works Theatrical’s original musical “Liwanag Sa Dilim,” Michael in “Tick, Tick... Boom!” and Buddy Foster in the ongoing “Side Show: The Musical” by Sandbox Collective. 

Incidentally, King earlier played the Half-Man Half-Woman character in the Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group version of Side Show that was staged from August to September in 2018 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, directed by Steven Conde.

Sheena Palad plays Rachel’s older sister Nicki Marron. Palad is a much-awarded gospel singer who recently acted in 9 Works’ “Going Home To Christmas,” the musical featuring the songs of Jose Mari Chan, and in Trumpets Playshops’ “Joseph The Dreamer”.

CJ Navato, who is still playing Terry Connor in the ongoing “Side Show The Musical,” is joining “The Bodyguard” as Ray Court, a fellow bodyguard who supports Frank Farmer. Navato’s more recent theatrical works were with “Liwanag Sa Dilim” and “One More Chance The Musical”. 

John Joven Uy is Bill Devaney, manager of Rachel and some kind of father figure. Uy has acted in “Miss Saigon” (Germany) and “Song of Joseph” (Broadway). Jasper John Jimenez plays Tony Scibelli, one of Rachel Marron’s security aides. Jimenez’s acting credits for the theater include “Liwanag Sa Dilim,” “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy,” “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and both the musical and recent movie version of “Himala: Isang Musikal”.

Radha Cuadrado, otherwise known as Radha of Filipino-Canadian hip-hop group Kulay is part
of the ensemble. “She was in Paris when I called her [to join ‘The Bodyguard’],” Santamaria told GMA News Online.

Radha recently acted in 9 Works Theatrical’s staging of “Once On This Island”, playing the role of Asaka, the goddess of the earth. For rock music fanatics, Radha can be remembered having a duet with Basti Artadi in the song “A Matter of Time” for Wolfgang’s “Acoustica,” the live album recorded two-and-half decades ago at the Music Museum. They’ve been performing the song in some rare live sessions over the years.

Other members of the ensemble are Jasmine Fitzgerald (“Once On This Island,” “Rent,” “Passion”); Fay Castro (“Rent,” “Once On This Island,” “Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “Snow White and the Prince,” “All Out of Love,” “Side Show: The Musical”); Paji Arceo (“Liwanag Sa Dilim,” “One More Chance The Musical”); Lorenz Martinez (“Once on This Island,” “Joseph The Dreamer”); Elian Santos (“Liwanag Sa Dilim,” “Si Medea,” “Ibarra,” “Joseph the Dreamer”); and Giani Sarita (“Liwanag Sa Dilim”).

The team of dancers includes Julio Laforteza, Carmelle “Ching” Ros, Natalie Duque, Vyen Villanueva, Alex Aure, Richardson Yadao, Iya Villanueva and Winchester Lopez. 

Follow 9 Works Theatrical’s socials for other announcements on the much-awaited musical. — LA, GMA Integrated News