A musical version of The Bodyguard, the 1992 film that starred Whitney Houston, will open in the West End later this year, its producers have confirmed.

Tony and Grammy award-winner Heather Headley will play singer Rachel Marron – the role originated by Houston – in the production, which will play at the Adelphi Theatre from November. The plot centres of the burgeoning relationship between Marron and her bodyguard, a former secret service agent, played in the film by Kevin Costner.

The project has been in the works since last year, but its commercial prospects will no doubt be strengthened by news of the singer's death. Thriller Live, a Michael Jackson tribute show, has been a mainstay on Shaftesbury Avenue since January 2009. It was originally scheduled to close in May of the same year, but extended and attracted extra public interest following Jackson's death that June.

The musical will feature some of Houston's biggest hits, including I Will Always Love You, as well as a number of additional numbers made famous by the singer, who died last week in Los Angeles.

American playwright Alex Dinelaris has written the show's book, which reportedly deviates from the original film, and Thea Sharrock, whose National Theatre production of After the Dance was named Best Revival at last year's Olivier awards, will direct for producers David Ian and Michael Harrison.

Further casting for The Bodyguard has not been announced.