“Beaches” Struggles to Make a Splash on Broadway as Stage Musical Can’t Find the Wind Beneath Its Wings

**Stage Adaptation of *Beaches* Struggles to Capture the Emotive Spirit of Its Source Material**

The much-anticipated stage adaptation of *Beaches* has made its debut on Broadway, opening at the Majestic Theatre in New York City on April 22. Based on Iris Rainer Dart’s novel and the iconic 1988 film featuring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, the musical is buoyed by a score from Grammy-winning composer Mike Stoller, paired with Dart’s lyrics. Despite its promising premise, the production falls short in delivering the emotional resonance that audiences might expect.

At the heart of *Beaches* is the enduring friendship between Cee Cee Bloom and Bertie White. Their journey unfolds from childhood pen pals to lifelong companions, navigating the complexities of life, rivalry, and heartbreak. This framework presents an excellent opportunity for stirring theatrical experiences – yet, the current Broadway iteration struggles to elicit the deep emotional engagement that has made the original story so beloved.

Jessica Vosk, taking on her first Broadway role, portrays Cee Cee with charisma and presence. She captures the character’s bold and brash personality while managing to embody the spirit of Midler without falling into impersonation. Vosk’s performance shines in the show’s lighter moments, offering warmth and comedic flair that successfully draws the audience to her character’s vibrant energy.

In contrast, Kelli Barrett plays Bertie, for whom the material seems less accommodating. The character comes across as somewhat underdeveloped, lacking an individual arc that gives her a distinct identity within the narrative. Often seen as a reactive character to Cee Cee’s forceful nature, Bertie’s subdued vocal moments, particularly before her poignant loss, leave a palpable absence in emotional impact. This imbalance in character portrayal diminishes the story’s overall potency at a point when the audience would ideally need to connect more deeply with the central relationship.

Adding to the challenges, the musical’s score, despite being crafted by a highly regarded composer, fails to leave a lasting impression. While the songs serve their functional purpose in advancing the plot, they lack the depth needed to enrich character development or elicit an emotional response. As the production builds towards its pivotal moments, it feels as though the performances are often searching for a connection that remains just out of reach.

The climactic number, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” takes on significant weight within the context of the show. However, its execution does not live up to expectations. The performance begins with singers representing younger versions of Cee Cee and Bertie, which somewhat detracts from the emotional intensity that Vosk later attempts to deliver. Although Vosk’s rendition of the song is technically proficient and melodically rich, the vulnerability and heartfelt emotion that made the track iconic remain elusive.

Directed by Lonny Price and Matt Cowart, *Beaches* navigates through its chronological jumps with efficiency. Yet, it often hastens past moments that would benefit from a more deliberate pacing, leaving emotional beats feeling rushed. The collaborative book, developed alongside David Austin, stays true to the original narrative elements but falters in crafting the necessary emotional groundwork to uplift its potential tear-jerking moments.

What distinguishes the original film as a cultural touchstone—that unreserved embrace of sentimentality and trust in the characters’ journeys—seems diluted on stage. There’s a suggestion that with a sharper focus, enhanced musical craftsmanship, and a more equitable portrayal of its lead characters, *Beaches* could evolve into a stronger production.

Despite its shortcomings, the stage adaptation showcases a talented cast including Sarah Bockel, Harper Burns, Ben Jacoby, Brent Thiessen, Lael Van Keuren, and Zurin Villanueva, all of whom bring commitment to their roles. The official run of *Beaches* has been extended until September 6, 2023, followed by a tour across multiple cities.

Ultimately, the Broadway production of *Beaches* embodies the difficulties in translating a much-adored story from screen to stage. While audiences have genuine affection for the source material, this particular adaptation struggles to elicit the tears and emotions that the tale fundamentally promises. For now, this rendition of *Beaches* leaves viewers wanting more, failing to capture the poignant spirit of the characters that many have come to cherish. Tickets for the production are currently on sale as it attempts to find its footing among theatre enthusiasts.