Beaches, A New Musical is making waves on Broadway! It officially opened at the Majestic Theatre on April 22, following previews that started on March 27. Directed by Lonny Price and Matt Cowart, this adaptation is based on Iris Rainer Dart’s novel and the 1988 film of the same name.
The musical features a talented cast, including Jessica Vosk as Cee Cee and Kelli Barrett as Bertie. They are joined by Ben Jacoby, Brent Thiessen, Samantha Schwartz, and Zeya Grace. Many of the actors previously performed these roles during the musical’s world premiere at Theatre Calgary.
Take a moment to check out what critics are saying:
- 1 Minute Critic
- Cititour
- Culture Sauce
- Deadline
- Entertainment Weekly
- The Guardian
- The New York Times
- New York Theatre Guide
- New York Theater
- New York Post
- People
- Slant Magazine
- Time Out
- TheaterMania
- Theatrely
- The Wrap
- The Recs
- Variety
Fans of the original Beaches film might wonder how this musical compares. The movie, released in 1988, highlighted a deep friendship between Cee Cee and Bertie, bringing tears and laughter. Interestingly, this new stage version has been in the works for over ten years, initially performed in 2014 at Signature Theater in Virginia.
With music by Mike Stoller and a book by Dart and Thom Thomas, the musical beautifully weaves elements from the novel and the film while introducing fresh musical numbers. It’s worth noting that this production boasts a diverse creative team, enhancing the experience even further.
As Broadway embraces this new musical, attention turns toward its relevance today. Amid ongoing conversations about friendship and resilience, the themes in Beaches resonate strongly. Social media buzz around the show reflects a mix of nostalgia and excitement, proving that good stories remain relevant regardless of the format.
A national tour is also on the horizon, promising to bring the magic of Beaches to cities across the country. So, whether you catch it on Broadway or later on tour, it’s a journey worth taking.
