Interview: Jasmin Richardson of THE BODYGUARD

Jasmin Richardson was flying to New York from Los Angelos to audition for THE BODYGUARD musical. They started playing Whitney Houston in the airport and the "Dreamgirls" touring actress knew it was a sign. Turns out, the Houston, Texas, native was correct. Jasmin, no stranger to touring with "Memphis" also under her belt, plays Nicki Marron in THE BODYGUARD's national tour. The starlet and I chatted about the show and what it was like working with Grammy-nominated Deborah Cox.

JCA: Can you give us a synopsis of the show, including a little bit about your character Nicki?

JR: Well the show is primarily based on the star Rachel Marron, who has a stalker who is in love with her, and trying to get her attention. That is where we start the show. We have Frank Farmer who comes in as her bodyguard to protect her. It was based on the 1992 film with Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. I play Nicki, who is Rachel's sister. So I am Deborah Cox's sister in the show and it's a dream, to say the least. The character makes sure everything is in order so she is Rachel's assistant and "everything."

JCA: How similar is the musical to the movie, and which version is your favorite?

JR: It's pretty similar. There are some differences but I don't want to give too much away but I would say it is about the same. I will say that my character is flushed out because she is not that developed in the movie. There is more of a love triangle in the musical with me in it....That is a tough one. Probably the show because I am in it!

JCA: This show has not actually been on Broadway so a lot of people have never seen it. What is it like to share this completely new piece of art with thousands and thousands of people?

JR: I love it, I really, really do. A lot of people come into the show with their own ideas because a lot of the people have seen the movie. They know the music and they are familiar but then you hear them gasp because they have no idea what is coming.

JCA: Are there particular moments in the show where the audience just goes into standing ovation mode in the middle of the show?

JR: There are definitely quite a few. One of the moments is when Deborah is in the recording studio and that is what she actually does. She just gets into her element and it is incredible to see. People typically go crazy for that. And of course, the finale is "I Will Always Love You" and people always love that.

JCA: You are also the understudy for Deborah Cox. We obviously have to talk about that. What is that like? What have you learned from that dynamic? All the details, please.

JR: I'll be honest, it was very daunting because not only working with her but working as her understudy. I get to sing the entire score and it has helped me grow as an artist. Rachel... I don't even know what to compare her too. I mean she sings 13 songs and Nicki sings three. I just feel really blessed to be in this role.

Deborah's biggest thing is to be relaxed. Even when she just is tired, she never stresses. She sings effortlessly. And I think too much when I sing but she just feels the song. She always sings in full sentences to help breathe life into the lyrics and tells the story. The biggest thing I have learned from her is do not focus on sounding beautiful, just visualize the story.

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THE BODYGUARD originally debuted in London's West End theatre district from December 2012 until August 2014. The national tour will be at the Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre from March 28, 2017, until April 2, 2017. Please check times and ticket prices for the eight shows online.

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