Bette Midler Reunites with Her “Beaches” Costar, ‘The Great’ Barbara Hershey

**Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey Reunite as ‘Beaches’ Heads to Broadway**

Iconic actresses Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey recently rekindled their onscreen chemistry as they shared a heartfelt reunion on social media. Midler, aged 80, took to Instagram on Thursday, February 26, to post a selfie with Hershey, 78. The caption read, “It’s a BEACHES reunion! Here I am with the great Barbara Hershey! We go back a-ways!!!” The gathering brings back memories of their collaborative effort in the beloved 1988 film *Beaches*.

The film, adapted from Iris Rainer Dart’s bestselling novel published in 1985, features Midler as C.C. Bloom and Hershey as Hillary Whitney. The narrative chronicles the complicated yet enduring friendship between the two characters, from their first encounter in the 1950s on New Jersey’s shores to different paths in life—C.C. becoming a famous singer and actress while Hillary pursues a career in human rights law. At the time of its release, *Beaches* provided a rare and refreshing portrayal of female friendship, illuminating the challenges of balancing personal ambition with relational complexities.

Reflecting on the filming experience, Midler shared with *PEOPLE* that it was an exceptionally joyous atmosphere on set. She praised the late director Garry Marshall for his unique ability to create an environment rich in talent and camaraderie. “He had a talent for pulling together, and he had all these cameos,” Midler commented, highlighting the presence of Marshall’s actor friends who featured in the film and added charisma to the production.

The emotional narrative of *Beaches* has transitioned from film to stage and will soon make its Broadway debut. Previews for the musical adaptation are set to begin on March 27, ahead of the official opening night scheduled for April 22. Following its initial run, the production will continue until September 6, 2024, before embarking on a national tour across multiple cities.

Taking on the lead roles in the musical will be Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, who will reprise the characters they originally portrayed during the world premiere of *Beaches* at Theatre Calgary in Canada. The production promises to deliver a fresh musical interpretation of the classic tale, with a score by Grammy Award-winning composer Mike Stoller and lyrics penned by Dart. Additionally, the book is a collaborative effort between Dart and Thom Thomas, ensuring that the soul of the original story remains intact.

As excitement builds for the upcoming Broadway adaptation, ticket sales for *Beaches* are anticipated to commence in January 2024. Early access to tickets can be secured through the show’s official website, beachesthemusical.com, allowing fans of both the film and the actresses an opportunity to partake in this celebration of enduring friendship.

The reunion of Midler and Hershey has reignited nostalgia among fans of the original film, reminding audiences of the poignant themes explored in *Beaches*. Their on-screen friendship has had a lasting impact, continuing to resonate with viewers for decades. As both actresses celebrate their legacies, the Broadway adaptation may introduce the heartfelt story to a new generation, providing a modern twist on a classic narrative about love, loss, and companionship.

With the launch of *Beaches* on stage set for the coming months, the anticipation for this revival leads one to reflect on the powerful and sometimes tumultuous bonds that define friendships, particularly among women. Midler and Hershey’s reunion serves as a testament to the film’s enduring message and its relevance in today’s world, a reminder that these connections remain vital across the years. As fans await the new musical, they can look forward to revisiting the timeless tale that captured the hearts of many when it first graced the silver screen.