Get your tissues out! One of the most enduring and tear-inducing stories of friendship in movie history is getting a stage encore.
Beaches is headed to Broadway in a new musical adaptation.
Based on Iris Rainer Dart’s New York Times bestselling novel that became a beloved 1988 film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, the musical will play a limited engagement at the Majestic Theatre in New York City next spring.
Previews begin March 27, 2026 with an official opening night set for April 22. The production will run through Sept. 6, ahead of a multi-city national tour.
Theatrical favorites Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett will lead the musical, reprising the roles they originated during the its 2024 world premiere at Theatre Calgary in Canada.
Vosk will play the brash, big-voiced Cee Cee Bloom (made famous by Midler), opposite Barrett as the elegant and introspective Bertie White (Hershey)— best friends whose bond stretches across decades of love, ambition and heartbreak.
The story follows the two, from childhood pen pals to roommates, rivals and lifelong confidantes. From big dreams to devastating loss, their oil-and-water friendship perseveres through even the most tragic trials.
Co-directed by Tony Award nominee and Emmy winner Lonny Price (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close) alongside Matt Cowart, the new musical features a score by Grammy Award-winning legend Mike Stoller, lyrics by Dart, and a book by Dart and Thom Thomas, developed in collaboration with David Austin.
Trudie Lee
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Beaches centered unapologetically on female friendship at a time when the genre was rarely given that kind of emotional scale. Though initially divisive with critics, the film became a cultural touchstone, embraced by generations of fans for its unapologetic emotion, soaring performances and tear-soaked final act.
Midler’s rendition of “The Wind Beneath My Wings” went on to win the Grammy for Record of the Year, cementing the film’s place as one of the most iconic friendship dramas in popular culture.
Trudie Lee
This will be the first time Vosk has originated a lead role on Broadway.
The actress, 42, recently completed a celebrated run on Broadway in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen and is best known for her star turn as Elphaba in Wicked, both on tour and on Broadway. Her credits also include Waitress, Chess, Fiddler on the Roof, The Bridges of Madison County and Finding Neverland. She voices fan-favorite character Lute in Amazon Prime’s Hazbin Hotel and is currently touring in support of her 2024 holiday album, SLEIGH.
Barrett, 41, has appeared in six Broadway productions, including the Tony-winning revival of Parade, Wicked, Dr. Zhivago, The Royal Family, Gettin’ the Band Back Together and Baby It’s You. Her television credits include Fosse/Verdon, The Punisher, Dynasty, Younger and Chicago Fire. She also originated Sherrie in Rock of Ages Off-Broadway.
Additional casting, creative team members and national tour cities for Beaches be announced at a later date.
Tickets for Beaches go on sale in January, with early access available via beachesthemusical.com.
