“Beaches,” a sentimental tale of friendship from the ’80s, has finally made its stage debut on Broadway. However, the charm of the 1988 film, particularly Bette Midler’s iconic song “Wind Beneath My Wings,” has not translated well to this new format.
The musical, titled “Beaches, A New Musical,” opens with a lot of potential but ultimately feels forgettable. The music, composed by rock songwriter Mike Stoller, doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The much-anticipated closing number, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” only serves as a reminder of Midler’s original performance.
The story follows CeeCee and Bertie, two childhood friends with starkly different personalities. Their unlikely bond endures through family drama, distance, and romantic challenges—but ultimately, a tragic illness tests their friendship in a way nothing else could.
The show begins on an Atlantic City beach, introducing us to young CeeCee and Bertie. CeeCee, played energetically by Samantha Schwartz, immediately stands out with her flamboyant style. In contrast, Bertie, encouraged by her free-spirited friend, brings a more reserved outlook. Their friendship is born through playful banter and shared secrets.
Even as they return to each other as adults, something feels flat. The musical employs a rapid-fire narrative style, showing snippets of the women’s lives—past relationships, career aspirations, and personal challenges. CeeCee’s transformation from a seaside performer to a more famous figure feels rushed. Jessica Vosk, playing adult CeeCee, channels Midler’s flamboyant energy but sometimes leans too heavily on imitation.
Kelli Barrett’s portrayal of Bertie balances CeeCee’s larger-than-life personality with a grounded approach. However, the nuances that connect these characters seem missing, requiring the audience to draw on their own nostalgia for a richer experience.
Supporting roles don’t add much either. The men in the story are thinly sketched, and the mothers come off as one-dimensional caricatures. In contrast, Zurin Villanueva, who arrives later in the story, brings a refreshing authenticity to her character, hinting at a stronger version of this musical that could have been.
While the show carries the weight of nostalgia, it ultimately lacks the emotional depth to resonate fully. It relies heavily on audience memories of the original film, which may not be enough to carry it through.
For a broader context, musicals based on films have become frequent on Broadway. While some, like “Mean Girls” and “Mamma Mia!” enjoy success, others fail to capture the original magic. According to a survey by Broadway League, audience interest in adaptations remains high, though execution is key.
As cultural trends show a growing appetite for nostalgia-driven content, it’s essential for productions like “Beaches” to find their own unique voice rather than simply replaying sentiments from the past.
For more details on the production, visit Broadway.
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Beaches,Broadway,Broadway Review,Jessica Vosk,Kelli Barrett
