What Happened to Beaches, A New Musical?
Beaches the Musical, based on Iris Rainer Dart's beloved 1985 novel and 1988 film, has had a long development journey, including early regional productions and a significant re-tooling. After a successful run in Calgary in 2024, the musical made its Broadway debut at the Majestic Theatre in April 2026 for a limited engagement, with plans for a national tour to follow.
Quick Answer
Beaches the Musical opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre on April 22, 2026, following previews from March 27, 2026. Starring Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, the production is scheduled for a limited run until September 6, 2026, after which it plans to embark on a multi-city national tour. While audience reception has been largely positive, critical reviews for the Broadway production have been mixed to negative.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Beaches Novel Published
Iris Rainer Dart's novel 'Beaches' is published, introducing the lifelong friendship of Cee Cee Bloom and Bertie White.
Beaches Film Released
The film adaptation of 'Beaches', starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, is released, popularizing the story and the song 'Wind Beneath My Wings'.
World Premiere at Signature Theatre
The musical has its world premiere at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, with music by David Austin and book by Iris Rainer Dart and Thom Thomas.
Chicago Pre-Broadway Run
A pre-Broadway engagement runs at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre in Chicago, directed by Eric Schaeffer.
Thom Thomas's Passing
Book writer Thom Thomas dies, leading to a halt in the musical's development.
Musical Re-tooled with New Creative Team
Nearly a decade later, the musical is re-tooled with new music by Mike Stoller and a revised book by Iris Rainer Dart.
International Premiere at Theatre Calgary
The re-tooled version of 'Beaches the Musical' has its international premiere at Theatre Calgary, starring Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett.
Broadway Transfer Announced
It is announced that the Calgary production will transfer to Broadway for a limited run in 2026.
Broadway Previews Begin
Previews for 'Beaches, A New Musical' begin at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway.
Broadway Opening Night
The official opening night for 'Beaches, A New Musical' takes place at the Majestic Theatre, starring Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett.
Mixed Broadway Reviews
The Broadway production receives mixed to negative critical reviews, though audience response remains strong.
Currently Running on Broadway
'Beaches, A New Musical' is currently playing at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway.
Broadway Run Concludes, National Tour Planned
The limited Broadway engagement is scheduled to close, with a national tour expected to launch afterward.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The journey of 'Beaches the Musical' began with Iris Rainer Dart's 1985 novel, which was famously adapted into a 1988 film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, known for the hit song 'Wind Beneath My Wings.' The first stage adaptation premiered at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, on February 8, 2014, featuring music by David Austin and a book co-written by Dart and Thom Thomas. This initial production then moved to Chicago for a pre-Broadway run at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre from July 2 to August 16, 2015, directed by Eric Schaeffer.
Progress on the musical was significantly halted following the death of book writer Thom Thomas in December 2015. Nearly a decade later, the production underwent a substantial re-tooling, emerging with new music composed by Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mike Stoller, orchestrations by Charlie Rosen, and a revised book by Iris Rainer Dart. This reimagined version had its international premiere at Theatre Calgary in Alberta, Canada, running from May 18 to June 16, 2024, co-directed by Lonny Price and Matt Cowart, and starring Jessica Vosk as Cee Cee Bloom and Kelli Barrett as Bertie White.
Following its successful run in Calgary, it was announced in December 2025 that 'Beaches, A New Musical' would transfer to Broadway for a limited engagement. Previews began on March 27, 2026, at the Majestic Theatre, with the official opening night on April 22, 2026. Vosk and Barrett reprised their leading roles, bringing the iconic friendship story to New York City.
The Broadway production has received a mixed to negative critical reception, with some reviewers noting issues with the script's pacing and character development, particularly for Bertie. However, audiences have shown a strong emotional response, often praising the performances of Jessica Vosk and the overall heartfelt nature of the story. The show is scheduled to conclude its Broadway run on September 6, 2026, after which a multi-city national tour is planned to launch in the fall of 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Beaches, A New Musical made different choices?