Jessica Vosk Says She Feels ‘So Terrible’ When She Hears ‘Sobs from the Audience’ During Broadway’s “Beaches ”(Exclusive)

Jessica Vosk is currently enchanting audiences on Broadway as she takes on the role of Cee Cee Bloom in the musical adaptation of “Beaches.” The production runs until September 6 and draws inspiration from Iris Rainer Dart’s acclaimed novel, as well as the 1988 film featuring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey. Vosk describes her experience in the show, particularly its emotional depth, as both profound and moving.

The storyline of Beaches encapsulates the complex and evolving friendship between two very different women over the span of thirty years. Vosk’s character, Cee Cee, experiences a tumultuous journey alongside Kelli Barrett’s Bertie White, encompassing themes of rivalry, love, grief, and enduring connection. For Vosk, this portrayal evokes a significant emotional response, especially as she witnesses the audience becoming deeply affected during the final act of the performance.

In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Vosk reflected on the powerful connection between actors and the audience. During the emotional climax of the show, she is acutely aware of the impact they have, describing how the spectators often become utterly absorbed in the narrative. “Those last 20 minutes of the show, the audience is kind of a puddle,” she said. “I can feel that as the person sitting on stage.” Vosk recounted how the sounds of sobbing reach her from the seats, signifying the show’s resonance. “It’s human and it’s really necessary,” she added.

The actress expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the audience’s emotional engagement, feeling honoured to facilitate such profound feelings each evening. “Every show is a great moment of gratitude for me knowing that an audience is feeling whatever it is that they’re feeling,” Vosk remarked. This sentiment underscores the vital role that live performances play in emotional exploration and connection.

As Beaches delves into the themes of loss and love, Vosk carries her personal experiences of grief with her into the role. She revealed that she was navigating the profound sorrow of losing her father while participating in the initial workshop for the Broadway production. “When we first started this process of Beaches a couple of years ago, I suddenly lost my dad,” she shared, recalling the heart-wrenching moment when she received the call from her mother. The timing of her father’s passing, mere days after the workshop concluded, has left a profound imprint on her performance.

Vosk articulated how her own grief is interwoven into her portrayal, allowing her to connect with the material on a deeply personal level. “I constantly think about all of that when I’m dealing with this particular show on the arc that I have to take audiences on from start to finish,” she explained. Her reflections on loss resonate throughout her performance, highlighting how grief can elicit a complex mix of emotions, bringing both pain and joy simultaneously.

While engaging with such emotional material can be cathartic for Vosk, she also acknowledges the toll it takes on her. The demanding nature of the role necessitates moments of rest and recovery. “It probably explains why I have to lay down or nap in between shows or go home and go to bed after to decompress,” she admitted. This routine underscores the intense emotional labour required in acting, balancing the artistry with personal well-being.

Vosk is appreciative of the journey she is on, noting that her ability to actualise these emotions without suppression is a privilege. “I feel kind of lucky that I have to have those emotions and I don’t stifle them down like we would normally do,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of authenticity in performance art.

With tickets for Beaches now on sale, audiences are invited to witness the intertwining of personal stories, emotional truths, and artistic expression. Jessica Vosk’s portrayal promises to engage the hearts and minds of those attending, making each performance a unique exploration of love, loss, and resilience. As the finale of the show approaches, one can only anticipate that the emotional waves experienced on stage and in the audience will continue to create lasting memories, celebrating the enduring power of theatre.