Paulini preps for stage debut as The Bodyguard leading lady
From pop star to leading lady — Paulini Curuenavuli is preparing for her debut musical theatre role in The Bodyguard and found out fitness is key for hitting the high note.
Parramatta
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HITTING the high notes of Whitney Houston’s power ballads doesn’t come without a lot of hard work — and a solid lung capacity.
One woman who knows the difficulties all too well is Paulini Curuenavuli — the former Australian Idol contestant taking on the role that made Houston famous in the stage adaptation of the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
“Her songs are massive — she soars, comes back down and then soars again,” Curuenavuli said.
“Whitney’s performances were all about stamina — they were huge notes but she had complete control over her breathing, that in itself is a challenge for me.”
The pop singer will make her stage debut in the lead role as Rachel Marron and says working with a musical theatre cast has been a change from working solo.
She has been in training at North Parramatta F45 to make sure she is in top form.
“Every part of the journey so far has been a challenge,” she said.
“I come from the pop world and performing on stage in a theatre is so different — I have had to up my game in every area of what I’ve been doing already.
“For a year I’ll be playing eight shows a week, with only one day off so physical fitness is key.”
Her workouts centre on building strength through 45-minute high intensity workouts at the F45 gym, a new fitness model that is attracting fans across the country.
“We get a real mix of people coming through the gym but everyone has a busy life,” trainer and owner of North Parramatta F45 Edwin Asotasi said.
“You can come in here, do your exercise and get out — without all the thinking of going to a gym.”
No stranger to The Bodyguard story, Curuenavuli said she grew up watching the film and was determined it was the role for her after seeing the musical in London’s West End.
“I remember watching it four years ago and I said to myself, when this show comes to Australia, I’m going to have this role.
“ ... I still cant believe that I’m actually doing it.”
Audiences can expect to hear the hits that defined the 90s such as I will always love you, The greatest love of all and I’m every woman.
Paulini will star alongside actor and former dancer Kip Gamblin, taking on the role made famous by Kevin Costner as ex-secret service agent Frank Garner.
“Kip has been such a great help,” Curuenavuli said, “I’ve been asking him so many questions like how to remember choreography or lines ... it's a whole different ball game for me.
“Acting is a new thing for me, I have dabbled in TV but everything has to be over the top when you’re on stage.”
The Bodyguard Musical premieres in Sydney on April 22.
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