Introduction
The long-awaited Broadway adaptation of Beaches is set to open this spring, bringing the beloved story of lifelong friendship to the stage with a fresh musical score. Fans of the 1988 film and the original novel will see familiar characters, new songs, and a star-studded cast perform in the Majestic Theatre. The show promises to blend the emotional depth of the film with upbeat moments that celebrate the bond between two best friends.
At a Glance
- Beaches returns to Broadway with a new musical score and a fresh cast.
- Previews start on March 27, with the official opening on April 22 and performances running through September 6.
- Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett reprise their roles from the 2024 world premiere, supported by a Tony-nominee director and Grammy-winning composer.
- Why it matters: The production marks the first Broadway lead for Vosk and showcases a new era of female-friendship storytelling.
The Broadway Journey of Beaches
Beaches began as a New York Times bestseller by Iris Rainer Dart, was adapted into the 1988 film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, and now arrives on Broadway for a limited engagement. The musical follows childhood pen pals Cee Cee Bloom and Bertie White as they grow from roommates to rivals to lifelong confidantes, navigating ambition, love, and loss. The original film’s emotional resonance-highlighted by Midler’s Grammy-winning “The Wind Beneath My Wings”-set a high bar for the stage adaptation.
The show’s musical numbers are crafted by Grammy-award-winning legend Mike Stoller, with lyrics by Dart and a book co-written by Dart and Thom Thomas, developed alongside David Austin. This collaboration promises to honor the novel’s tone while adding new songs that showcase the characters’ friendship.
Cast and Creative Team
Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, who originated their roles in the 2024 world premiere at Theatre Calgary, return to the Majestic Theatre. Vosk, 42, is best known for her work as Elphaba in Wicked and her recent run in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen. Barrett, 41, has appeared in six Broadway productions, including the Tony-winning revival of Parade.
The production is co-directed by Tony-award nominee and Emmy winner Lonny Price-known for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill and Sunset Boulevard-and Matt Cowart. Their combined experience brings a fresh vision to the beloved story.
Key creative credits include:
- Composer: Mike Stoller
- Lyricist: Iris Rainer Dart
- Book: Dart & Thom Thomas (with David Austin)
- Director: Lonny Price & Matt Cowart
Performance Schedule and Ticketing
The show’s preview run begins on March 27, with the official opening night on April 22. Performances will run through September 6 before the production embarks on a multi-city national tour. Tickets are now on sale through the official Broadway box office and major ticketing partners.
Ticketing Highlights
- Early-bird pricing available until the end of February.
- Group discounts for parties of ten or more.
- Accessible seating options throughout the Majestic Theatre.
The limited engagement strategy allows the production to gauge audience reception before expanding to a national tour, a common practice for Broadway shows that debut with a strong fan base.
Behind the Scenes
The musical’s score blends classic pop sensibilities with contemporary musical theatre styles, reflecting the timeless nature of the friendship at its core. Staging choices emphasize the contrast between the characters’ personalities-Cee Cee’s brashness and Bertie’s introspection-while also highlighting their shared history.
Production design, costume, and choreography-though not detailed in the original announcement-are expected to honor the period setting of the 1988 film while adding modern theatrical flair. The creative team’s intent is to provide audiences with a “rare burst of joy” amid the story’s emotional depth.
Key Takeaways
- Beaches brings a new musical experience to Broadway, honoring the original film while offering fresh songs.
- The cast, led by Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, delivers a powerful portrayal of lifelong friendship.
- The show’s limited run from March 27 to September 6 offers a concentrated window for audiences to experience the production before its national tour.
- The collaboration of award-winning composer Mike Stoller, lyricist Iris Rainer Dart, and seasoned directors Lonny Price and Matt Cowart promises a high-quality theatrical event.
Fans of the story and musical theatre enthusiasts alike have a limited window to experience this new chapter of Beaches before it takes the road on a national tour.
