Iris Rainer Dart's 'Beaches' Musical Brings Beloved Story of Female Friendship to Broadway

The author's classic tale of two very different women and their lifelong bond comes to the stage after more than a decade of development.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:38pm

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Acclaimed author Iris Rainer Dart is bringing her beloved story 'Beaches' to Broadway as a new musical. The tale of the deep, complicated friendship between Cee Cee Bloom and Bertie White has resonated with readers and viewers for decades, first as a novel, then a hit movie, and now a stage production. Dart, who co-wrote the musical's book and lyrics, has been closely involved in the show's more than 10-year development process, ensuring her characters and their powerful bond remain at the heart of the story.

Why it matters

Dart's 'Beaches' has long been celebrated for its honest, empathetic portrayal of female friendship, a relationship that is often overlooked or undervalued in mainstream media. The musical adaptation allows Dart to further explore the complexities of this bond, as well as incorporate her own personal experiences that inspired the original work.

The details

The musical 'Beaches' stars Kelli Barrett as Bertie and Jessica Vosk as Cee Cee, tracing the decades-long friendship between the two women. Dart, who is 82, has been a regular presence at rehearsals, providing input and ensuring the show remains true to her original vision. Director Lonny Price notes that Dart is always open to changes and fresh ideas, continuously finding new ways to express the characters. The musical features songs by legendary songwriter Mike Stoller, with Dart supplying the lyrics.

  • Dart's daughter first noticed people reacting emotionally to 'Beaches' when she was in nursery school in the late 1980s.
  • The musical 'Beaches' is set to open on Broadway on April 22, 2026.

The players

Iris Rainer Dart

The author of the original 'Beaches' novel, who co-wrote the musical's book and lyrics. Dart's own close friendship with her cousin Sandy inspired the story.

Kelli Barrett

The actress portraying the character of Bertie in the Broadway musical.

Jessica Vosk

The actress portraying the character of Cee Cee in the Broadway musical.

Mike Stoller

The legendary songwriter who composed the music for the 'Beaches' musical, collaborating with Dart on the lyrics.

Lonny Price

The director of the 'Beaches' musical, working alongside co-director Matt Cowart.

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What they’re saying

“Women's friends are the ones who get them through this life. Husbands are great, but they ain't your girlfriend, and they ain't the one who's going to take your call at four o'clock in the morning.”

— Iris Rainer Dart, Author

“She's an endless font for these characters. You'd think she would have expressed all there is to say about them, but she keeps finding new ways to express them and in humorous and dramatic and very useful ways for a libretto.”

— Lonny Price, Director

“I see that very much in the difference between my male friends and seeing my wife with her friends. It's just a different level of closeness. It's beautiful. It should be celebrated.”

— Matt Cowart, Co-Director

What’s next

The musical 'Beaches' is set to open on Broadway on April 22, 2026, following a more than 10-year development process.

The takeaway

Iris Rainer Dart's 'Beaches' has resonated with audiences for decades, first as a novel and then a hit movie, for its honest and empathetic portrayal of the deep, complicated bond of female friendship. Now, as a new Broadway musical, the story will continue to celebrate this often overlooked relationship, with Dart's personal experiences and perspectives woven throughout.