Mount Vernon 13-Year-Old Goes Pro In 'The Bodyguard'

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Aspiring child actors from Mount Vernon and White Plains will join a professional cast in a regional premiere of 'The Bodyguard' at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, playing April 26 - May 12. The romance-thriller musical features the classic Whitney Houston songs showcased in the film of the same name.

Nazir Garnett, from Mount Vernon, and Mark Anthony Newman Jr., of White Plains, will share the role of Fletcher (protagonist Rachel’s son) while performing with American Idol’s LaToya London.

They remember how it they found out about it: for one, it was a call from a youth bureau administrator; for the other, a message from a former teacher. Though from different sources, the message was the same: Make sure you audition! Both had been interested in performing, but neither had ever performed professionally. Now these two local Westchester boys have the chance of a lifetime.

Thirteen-year-old Garnett got into theatre when a teacher enlisted him in a school performance; after that one show, he was hooked.

“I love performing because it is a way to express myself,” said Garnett in a press release. “My favorite thing about this show is the constant love all the actors have for each other.”

Newman, 10, started by singing in his church choir and school chorus, and then worked on plays with a local youth group.

“I like to perform because it gives me confidence," said Newman. "I love singing, dancing, and acting with adults. I learn so much from them and they make me feel like I’m around family members.”

"The Bodyguard" is a romantic thriller. When former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker, each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. The Bodyguard features many of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including: “I Have Nothing”, "One Moment in Time”, “Run to You”, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and the iconic “I Will Always Love You."

Heading the cast is American Idol Season 3 Finalist LaToya London as Rachel. Along with Garnett and Newman, the show also features Reggie Bromell, Coleman Cummings, Lyric Danae, Meghan Deeley, Talia Dooz, Cameron Edris, Andrew Foote, Deánna Giulietti, Sean Hayden, Larry Johnson, Sarah Kleist, Hayley Lampart, Steven Liberto, Tara Llewellyn, Madeline Mancebo, Toby Miller, Carolina Miranda, Jennifer Oehlwein, Drew Reese, Kelley Reid, Cecilia Snow, Christopher Spurrier, Justin Tepper, Cameron Turner, Leron Wellington, Tyler Whiteman, and Hannah Fay Zieser.

The Bodyguard is directed by Frank Portanova with musical direction by Stephen Ferri and choreography by Daniel Gold. Scenic design by Christopher & Justin Swader, lighting design by Adam Honoré, costume design by Antonio Consuegra, sound design by Jon Weston, stage managed by Jessie Jardon. Based on the Warner Brothers film, screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan, book by Alexander Dinelaris.

For tickets visit the theatre box office Monday-Friday (11am-6pm), purchase the tickets online at wppac.com or call 914-328-1600. For Group Sales, please contact boxoffice@wppac.com.

The White Plains Performing Arts Center is a professional regional theatre located in downtown White Plains, NY. The Bodyguard is a WPPAC Mainstage Equity Production. Mainstage productions are created from scratch, staffed with professional production teams, played by large live orchestras, and boast high-quality sets and costumes.