Producer Crossroads Live North America is thrilled to announce full casting of the North American tour of THE BODYGUARD the musical.
The cast is led by Brooke Bailey (Rachel Marron), with Jonathan Blansfield (Frank Farmer), Erica Burkett (Rachel Marron-Alternate), Andrea Simpson (Nicki Marron), Keyshawn Brian Steele (Tony Scibelli), Anthony S. Goolsby (Bill Devaney), Ethan Hall (Stalker), Riki Stevens (Sy Spector), Carmelo Kelly (Fletcher), and Shiloh Prendergast (Fletcher).
The cast also includes Cedric Jamaal Greene, Cydney Heard, Tanner Jarrett Kirol, Joe Love, Lucy Mangion, Yurika Ono, Camal Pugh, Courtney Genoveva Saffold, Samantha Scott, and Scott Willits.
The international award-winning smash-hit musical will tech and launch a new, reenvisioned production in Toledo, Ohio in October 2026. Led by director Samantha Saltzman, the production will play more than 50 cities in its first year.
Biographies
Born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut, Jonathan was active in theater and television before graduating from the University of Connecticut in Storrs. He then spent several years pursuing adventure around the world, working as a professional sailor in the Caribbean and the United Kingdom, a ski instructor in Colorado, and a whitewater rafting guide in Oregon.
Jonathan later earned his J.D., graduating cum laude from Vermont Law School, before building a career in Washington, DC as an energy and electric utility professional. In 2019, he launched a successful career in real estate, but when the market shifted in 2022, he found himself at a crossroads. It was then that he returned to the dream that had never left him: creating and sharing stories as an actor (and writer).
Since then, Jonathan has dedicated himself to the craft of acting, making this role a milestone in a remarkable journey. Playing Frank Farmer in The Bodyguard is especially meaningful, as the film and its iconic soundtrack were an important part of his childhood and helped inspire his love of performance and storytelling.
Her theater credits include Aldonza in Man of La Mancha and performances with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, where she has been featured in original productions including Lies, Spells, and Old Wives’ Tales, created by Nate Jacobs, and the original musical review Marvin Gaye, where she portrays the legendary Diana Ross. Through Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s educational theater programming, Riki also performs works dedicated to preserving and sharing Black history, culture, and stories through the arts.
As a vocalist, Riki has performed as a featured artist alongside acclaimed musicians including Dionne Warwick and Paula Cole, toured internationally with Fally Ipupa, and served as a featured soloist honoring Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose. She was also invited to perform for acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming at a healing symposium at the Metropolitan Opera through Live & In Color Theater, an organization committed to developing and producing new works that center artists and stories from historically underrepresented communities.
Riki’s performance work includes portraying Elphaba in a Wicked concert benefiting Best Buddies International, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities and friendships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Supporting children and individuals with special needs remains one of Riki’s greatest passions.
Riki trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and continues to create through music, theater, and storytelling. She believes the arts have the power to inspire, educate, and connect people across generations.
Cedric Jamaal Greene (Ensemble). Born and raised in Boston, MA. Cedric received his formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy, OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center and was a member of Nia Dance Troupe. He has also trained on scholarship at the Ailey School, Nashville Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Ballet X. After receiving his BFA from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia Cedric performed internationally in many productions such as Swing the Musical as the Lindi feature (Norwegian Creative Studios) Memphis, Cabaret (Gateway Playhouse), The Scottsboro Boys (Playhouse on Park), The International tour of Dreamgirls as Swing and Dance Captain in 2019-2020, and Titusville Playhouse’s production of Dreamgirls.
Cedric recently performed on the 2nd National Tour of Aint too Proud as Smokey Robinson/Damon Harris, Returned to Gateway Playhouse in Aint too Proud as Smokey Robinson/Richard Street, and performed at the Fireside Theatre in Frozen. He is currently a teaching artist with the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.
Cydney Heard (Ensemble). Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Cydney Heard is a New York City–based performer making her national tour debut in The Bodyguard. She recently attended the Jacob’s Pillow Musical Theatre Intensive, where she continued to develop her artistry alongside some of the industry’s leading educators.
Cydney trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), building a strong foundation in musical theatre, acting, voice, and dance. Her performance credits include Off-Broadway productions Mike and Mindy’s Wild Weekend Jam, 54 Below, the Nevada Ballet Theatre Spring Concert, Sight & Sound Theatre (Jonah), Hallmark Productions (Maxine’s Christmas Carol), and concert dance and choreography festivals across the country.
Passionate about storytelling through movement, Cydney is drawn to work that blends athleticism with emotional honesty. Whether performing, creating choreography, or making music, she strives to connect with audiences through authenticity, curiosity, and joy!
Cydney is incredibly grateful to her family, friends, mentors, and everyone who has encouraged her along the way. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Follow along on Instagram: @cyd_da_squid_
TANNER JARRETT KIROL (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his national tour debut! He’s a Hartt School Musical Theatre BFA alum. Favorite credits include MT Wichita’s 2025 season and Action in West Side Story (Mac-Hayden). He thanks his family, friends, and agents for their support! @annesteeleagency @tannerjarrett
JOE LOVE (Ensemble). He/him. Regional: Featured Dancer in Guys and Dolls, Marty/Ensemble in White Christmas, Young Scrooge/Christmas Future in A Christmas Carol, and Ensemble in Who’s Got Me (World Premiere). Educational: Bill/Lucentio in Kiss Me! Kate. @joeloveofficial website: joeloveofficial.com
Lucy Mangion (Ensemble). All the way from Australia, Lucy is thrilled to be making her national tour debut with The Bodyguard! Previous credits include Broadway Bares, Sean Kingston and The Kid LAROI. Endless love to her family in Australia and chosen family in NYC.
Yurika Ono (Ensemble). Yurika is thrilled to make her national tour debut! She is a NYC-based performer, dancer, and choreographer, proudly born and raised in Japan. Her credits include Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York Fashion Week, and It’s a Wonderful Life at Fireside Theatre. In 2024, she made her choreographer and director debut with her original production Step Into… produced by Time Capsule Project. Endless thanks to ARC, the creative team, cast, friends, and family for their endless love and support. ありがとう！
Camal Pugh (Ensemble). A native of Washington, DC, Camal “C-Note” Pugh has been choreographing and dancing for the past 15 years. A decorated and competitive athlete growing up, Camal didn’t begin dancing until his late teen years. A graduate of University of Maryland Baltimore County, Camal has trained in Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Jazz, and African. Starting late in the industry did not slow Camal’s drive and passion for dance. So far, he has had the opportunity to work with Nao, Betty Who, Rubi Rose, Bryan Poppin and projects with AARP, Microsoft, and Nike. His journey as a Choreographer has led him too “Camal Creates” a staple he uses when creating and choreographing. He has choreographed for HULU, BET, AARP and productions of Hairspray, A New Brain, and Off-Broadway Exorcistic the Rock Musical. Moving forward, Camal hopes to motivate and encourage others to not give up on their dreams and keep pushing despite the hurdles life will throw at them.
Courtney Genoveva Saffold (Ensemble). Courtney Genoveva Saffold is a Black and Filipina multi-hyphenate performer based in New York City. Raised in Ocean County, New Jersey, Saffold began her dance training through her church’s dance ministry. Recognizing her potential, dance ministry leader Amber Blue encouraged her to pursue formal training at Tiffany Dance Academy, where she immersed herself in a wide range of dance styles. Her passion for dance deepened while working with choreographer Marlowe Scott, who cast her in Over the Rainbow: The Rock Ballet. After premiering in Somerset, New Jersey, the production transferred Off-Broadway to Playwrights Horizons, where Courtney served as Dance Captain.
While attending the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, Courtney simultaneously earned her Associate of Arts in Dance from Ocean County College. Completing both her high school diploma and college degree at the same time allowed her to earn her BFA in Commercial Dance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee in just two years. During her time at BoCo, she had the opportunity to work closely with dance industry icon Anthony Burrell and BoCo Chair of Dance Mila Thigpen, both of whom she credits with helping shape her into the artist she is today. She is proud to be among the first graduates of the Conservatory’s Commercial Dance program.
Upon graduating at just 20 years old, Courtney had the opportunity to perform at the opening of KCON LA ’24 under the direction of Jennifer Archibald, in collaboration with CJ ENM and Berklee, alongside fellow Boston Conservatory classmates. She then joined Disney Cruise Line as a MainStage dancer with the Disney Fantasy’s 25th cast. Courtney has also worked on the developmental lab for New York City Center’s La Cage aux Folles, under the direction of Edgar Godineaux and Associate Choreographer Jess Castro.
Most recently, she made history as part of the FIFA World Cup™ 2026 Final Halftime Show, performing alongside Shakira and Burna Boy and working with Charm La’Donna, Kany Diabaté Ahn, Chris Grant, and Maite Marcos.
As her career continues to grow, Courtney remains committed to inspiring others by creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and forging pathways for those who follow. She believes there is always more work to be done to create meaningful change and hopes her journey reminds others that no dream is too ambitious. She gives all glory to God and thanks her mom, dad, and sisters, Ashley and Brittany, for instilling in her a go-getter spirit and resilience.
Remain positive. Stay grateful. Create possibilities. | Proverbs 3:5–6
Instagram & TikTok: @courtgenoveva
Samantha Scott (Swing). Samantha is thrilled to be making her national tour debut with The Bodyguard! A recent grad from NYU Tisch Drama’s New Studio on Broadway, she is honored to be sharing this story across the country. Some of her favorite roles include Cassie in A Chorus Line, Gloria in Damn Yankees, and Caesar in Julius Caesar. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support and for the team and ARC casting for their trust. Much love! @samantharscott
Scott Willits (Swing). Scott, a Minneapolis, Minnesota native, earned his B.F.A. in Dance from the prestigious Ailey/Fordham BFA Program and is a proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
As a performer, Scott has built a dynamic career spanning theater, opera, film, television, music videos, and contemporary dance. He appeared in the Metropolitan Opera’s world premiere of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, directed by Bartlett Sher with choreography by Mandy Moore, and collaborated with Moore again on Dance Lab: Bespoke – The Heart. Scott also performed in Jerry Mitchell’s Broadway Bares, working alongside Reed Luplau under the direction of Kellen Stancil, and appeared in Betty Weinberger’s On the Topic of Love at Arts On Site.
Scott toured nationally with Fiddler on the Roof, performing as Ensemble, Nachum, and Yussel while understudying—and performing—the roles of the Fiddler, Mordcha, Avram, Mendel, and Sasha. Directed by Bartlett Sher with choreography by Hofesh Shechter, the production showcased Scott’s versatility as both a dancer and actor. He was also featured as a soloist with Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance at the International Dance Festival in Cali, Colombia.
On screen, Scott portrayed the principal role of Magnus in the short film Jade the Icon, directed by Katie Spears and featured at the Big Apple Film Festival. His additional screen credits include Eminem’s “Slim Shady” promotional performance, directed by Theresa Stone; Gaby Alter’s “Dancing on the Edge of the World,” directed by Michelle Tattenbaum, in which he appeared as the principal dancer; and Janelle Kroll’s “Barricade,” directed by Jessica Beth Radish.
Scott’s commercial work includes Kenzo x H&M, choreographed by Ryan Heffington and featured in Vogue, as well as a featured performance for Wolford under the direction of Brice Mousset. Throughout his career, he has performed with acclaimed companies including Classical Theatre of Harlem, Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, Elisa Monte Dance, Nimbus Dance Works, and Oui Danse. His collaborative work extends to an impressive roster of visionary artists, including Sari Ketter, Chris Evans, Marla Phelan, Roderick George, Matthew Rushing, Sidra Bell, Darrell Grand Moultrie, and Norbert De La Cruz III, among many others.
As a choreographer, Scott has created and presented original work at festivals, schools, and arts organizations including the DUMBO Dance Festival, Brooklyn Dance Festival, Bryant Park Dance Festival, Diversity of Dance at BAM Fisher, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Brooklyn High School of the Arts, and Montclair High School. He also collaborated with Shay Bland on the duet Glass Ceiling, which premiered at The New School. In recognition of his artistic vision and emerging voice, Scott was selected as a recipient of NJPAC’s Jersey New Moves! Emerging Choreographers Award where he presented an original work at NJPAC’s Victoria Theatre.
Scott has also established himself as a respected choreographic assistant and educator. He has assisted Ray Mercer on projects including the Fire Island Dance Festival, Boise Idaho Theatre Academy for the Jimmy Awards, and Broadway Bares. Through his longstanding work with Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, Scott has served as both choreographic assistant and teaching artist to Earl Mosley working in educational programs at renowned institutions such as The Ailey School, Marymount Manhattan College, The Joffrey School, LaGuardia High School, Montclair State University, Adelphi University, and Hofstra University. His teaching credits also include Nimbus Arts Center, Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts, the Elisa Monte Summer Intensive, Soul Arts Academy, West Met Classical Training, Brass City Ballet, Steps on Broadway Academy, and numerous additional programs, reflecting his ongoing commitment to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of artists.
Joining Saltzman on the creative team, THE BODYGUARD the musical features a book by Alexander Dinelaris, choreography by Jim Cooney, music supervision and additional orchestrations by Darryl Archibald, scenic design by Christine Peters, lighting design by Craig Stelzenmuller, sound design by Joshua D. Reid, costume design by Whitney Locher, hair and wig design by Liz Printz. Casting is by ARC.
Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD the musical is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable music. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Both expect to be in charge of their situation – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
Originally produced in the West End of London by Michael Harrison and David Ian from 2012 to 2014, THE BODYGUARD the musical made its North American premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey on November 25, 2016. After its limited engagement, the U.S. tour opened in Minneapolis, MN at the Orpheum Theatre on January 10, 2017 bringing the show to 42 cities across the country. THE BODYGUARD the musical’s continuous international success has brought productions in various languages across the world including the UK, Ireland and Monaco; Utrecht, Netherlands; Seoul, Korea; Australia; a West End revival; and many more countries.
Thanks for stopping by! If you enjoy this content, and want to help support the site, visit my Buy Me A Coffee page here.