Iris Rainer Dart's Iconic 'Beaches' Story Arrives on Broadway as a Musical
Iris Rainer Dart, the celebrated author, brings her deeply moving narrative "Beaches" to the Broadway stage in a new musical adaptation. At 82 years old, Dart emphasizes that the story continues to demonstrate the profound depth and resilience of women's friendships. The musical officially opens on April 22, marking the culmination of over a decade of development.
A Story Born from Real-Life Bonds
The origins of "Beaches" are deeply personal, drawing from Dart's own lifelong friendship with her cousin, Sandy. Their families frequently met at various beach locations, including Atlantic City, which provided the structural framework for the fictional tale. Letters exchanged between visits sustained their connection.
"We balanced each other out. What one lacked, the other made up for. So that was what kicked it all off," Dart recalls. "I felt as though we were one person." This intimate bond inspired the characters of the unconventional performer Cee Cee Bloom and the more traditional Bertie White, whose intertwined lives form the heart of the story.
From Novel to Screen to Stage
"Beaches" has enjoyed a remarkable journey across different media:
- It began as a bestselling novel.
- It was adapted into a beloved 1988 film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey.
- A television movie followed, featuring Idina Menzel and Nia Long.
- Now, it arrives on Broadway as a full-scale musical production.
Dart co-wrote the musical's book with Thom Thomas and penned lyrics for songs by Mike Stoller, of the legendary songwriting duo Leiber & Stoller. The production stars Kelli Barrett as Bertie and Jessica Vosk as Cee Cee.
The Emotional Core and Creative Process
Directors Lonny Price and Matt Cowart praise Dart's collaborative spirit and endless insight into her characters. "She's an endless font for these characters," says Price. "You'd think she would have expressed all there is to say about them, but she keeps finding new ways."
The musical retains the emotional core of the film, tracing a friendship that begins in Atlantic City in 1951 and is tested by life's challenges, including love triangles, marital struggles, single parenthood, and illness. A poignant new song for Bertie, "My Best," includes the lyric: "When I am with her, it's as if we share one heart / And if I ever lost her I would fall apart."
Overcoming Initial Doubts
The path to creating "Beaches" was not without obstacles. Dart's literary agent initially faced rejection from publishers who doubted the commercial appeal of a story about two girls meeting on a beach. Success came after the publication of Dart's novel "The Boys in the Mail Room" in 1980, which renewed interest in her earlier work.
When Hollywood adapted the novel into a film, Dart chose not to write the screenplay on her husband Stephen's advice, avoiding compromises to her vision. The film famously introduced the anthem "The Wind Beneath My Wings," which has been incorporated into the stage musical. "Everybody loves that song. They identify it with the piece," Dart notes.
A Message for Modern Audiences
Dart sees the Broadway adaptation as an opportunity to revisit her characters with greater maturity and a contemporary perspective. The musical includes the song "Real Woman," which features the line: "What makes a real woman is her heart." Dart describes this as a deliberate statement against anti-trans and anti-gay sentiments. "I don't know if I would have been bold enough years ago," she admits. "But I want to make that statement."
Reflecting on the story's enduring power, Dart affirms: "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." With its Broadway debut, "Beaches" continues to celebrate the unbreakable bonds of female friendship for a new generation.
