Paulini Curuenavuli wowed us on Australian Idol with her impressive five – octave range, stunning looks and engaging personality. She is one of Australia’s most uniquely talented performers and has gone from strength to strength since her Idol days. This double platinum award winning singer and songwriter is now wowing audiences in her debut musical role as Rachel Marron in the smash hit musical ‘The Bodyguard’. I was lucky enough to chat with Paulini and ask her what Brisbane audiences can expect when the musical arrives here in Brisbane in July.
Whitney Houston is a childhood idol of Paulini’s so she was thrilled to be playing this iconic role.
“It feels amazing and it’s an honour to get up and perform songs from my childhood inspiration. I first saw the musical in London and fell in love with it. I knew it would be the perfect role for me.”
The show started in Sydney and has won rave reviews. Paulini says, “The show has been received amazingly. I love connecting with the audience each night. Seeing the audience get up out of their seats to sing and dance makes it all worth it.” As this is Paulini’s debut I asked how she was coping with the rigours of performing.” It is definitely challenging doing 14 songs each performance and some days twice. I try to keep fit and rested.” It shows, Paulini is looking better than ever and her voice is at the top of her game.
Audiences will be familiar with many of the songs from the movie and Paulini says, “Some of my favourites including ‘Run To You’, ‘How Will I Know’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’ are included in the show. My very favourite to sing would be ‘Run To You’. From the show you can expect amazing singers, actors, dancers,beautiful costumes and a fun night out.”
We here at SheBrisbane love fashion and Paulini agrees we will not be disappointed with the costumes, “The costumes are glamorous! Expect lots of sequins, especially in the final number.”
In case you’re unaware of the story ‘The Bodyguard’ is about a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer who is hired to protect superstar singer Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
On the romance between Rachel Marron and Frank Farmer, played on stage by the multi-talented Kip Gamblin, Paulini agrees that it is quite volatile and a true case of opposites attract. Paulini says, “I think that ‘s why people connect with the storyline because opposites do attract in real life as well. For me romance is all about accepting someone flaws and all! “Whilst in Brisbane Paulini is looking forward to coming up and soaking up the sunshine and performing these iconic songs for Brisbane audiences. So gather together a group of your favourite dancing queens or maybe your very own Frank Farmer and enjoy seeing one of Australia’s finest performers in a brilliant and breathtakingly beautiful musical. I for one will be out of my seat when ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ starts playing. ‘The Bodyguard’ will be playing at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC from July 19.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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