Beaches

Beaches
A New Musical
Majestic Theatre
April 25, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Beaches

The Broadway production of Beaches is a musical celebration of life-long friendship.  Iris Rainer Dart, who wrote the original novel, wrote the lyrics and teamed up with Thom Thomas to write the book.  The music, by Mike Stoller, is fun, heartwarming, and memorable.  Although this musical tells the same story as the well-known Bette Midler / Barbara Hershey movie, it has a life of its own.  The show does, however, conclude with a stunning rendition of  “Wind Beneath My Wings.” 

Cee Cee Bloom (played by Jessica Vosk) receives an emergency phone call and immediately exits the dress rehearsal of her network TV show.  Her thoughts go back to her childhood, when she, Little Cee Cee (played by Samantha Schwartz), first met Little Bertie (played by Zeya Grace) on the beach at Atlantic City.  Little Bertie is mesmerized by Little Cee Cee’s talent and hutzpah.  They become fast friends, even though Little Bertie’s mother, Rose (played by Lael Van Keuren) does not approve.  When Berite (played by Kelli Barrett) leaves her family and soon to be fiancé, Michael (played by Ben Jacoby), she joins Cee Cee in a small, struggling theatre.  Cee Cee supports Bertie’s dream of going to law school, and is proud of her when she tells Rose how she feels about the life she expects her to lead.  Regardless, Bertie returns to her family, graduates college, and marries Michael.  Cee Cee’s star continues to rise and she marries her director, John Perry (played by Brent Thiessen).  Cee Cee and Berite’s lives start to grow apart, but they are there for one other when they face personal tragedy. 

Jessica Vosk & Kelli Barrett
Photo courtesy of Beaches

Jessica Vosk is phenomenal as Cee Cee Bloom.  She has genuine chemistry and connection with Kelli Barrett’s Bertie.  Their relationship runs a full gamut of emotion, from admiration to envy, and dependance to dissonance.  They are fully committed, creating tender, funny, and intense moments.  

Samantha Schwartz and Zeya Grace steal the show as Little Cee Cee and Little Bertie.  The stark differentiation in their characters makes for well-timed comedy.  These two young actors do a brilliant job of laying the foundation for the relationship and bond between the women as they grow and mature.  Bailey Ryon plays Teen Cee Cee, and Emma Ogea plays Teen Bertie.  Their enthusiasm is fresh and boundless.  

Zeya Grace & Samantha Schwartz
Photo courtesy of Beaches

The strength and charm of this production is that the audience sees the young and teen versions of the characters throughout the story.  This is a constant reminder of the layers of their friendship and the depth of their bond.  It is highly effective and emotionally captivating.

Beaches is playing at the Majestic Theatre.  This is not a stage version of the movie.  It needs to be experienced as a new journey with familiar characters, and this small cast does an amazing job of engaging the audience in their journey.  

Domenick Danza