Author Iris Rainer Dart is bringing her poignant story, "Beaches," to the Broadway stage, asserting that the narrative continues to demonstrate the profound depth of female friendships.

The Enduring Power of Female Bonds

Dart's story centers on the intertwined lives of the messy Cee Cee Bloom and the reserved Bertie White, tracing their relationship over many years. She noted that women rely on their friends to navigate life's challenges, stating, "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."

The emotional impact of "Beaches" has resonated across various media formats. It began as a novel, transitioned into a film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, and later became a television movie featuring Idina Menzel and Nia Long. Now, it continues its evolution as a Broadway musical.

Development and Creative Team

Dart, 82, co-wrote the musical's story alongside Thom Thomas, contributing lyrics to music composed by Mike Stoller, one half of the renowned Leiber & Stoller songwriting duo. The production stars Kelli Barrett as Bertie and Jessica Vosk as Cee Cee.

After more than a decade in development, the musical is set to open on April 22. Dart, who has attended numerous rehearsals, expressed satisfaction after a recent run-through when she observed her husband reaching for a handkerchief. She remarked, "OK, we’re good. We got him, we got him.”

Director Lonny Price praised Dart's collaborative spirit, noting she remains an "endless font for these characters" and is receptive to fresh ideas. Price added that she continually finds new, useful ways to express the characters dramatically and humorously for the libretto.

Inspiration and Early Career

Musical theater was Dart's initial passion before her successful career as a novelist and television writer for shows like "The Sonny & Cher Show." She began as a child actor in Pittsburgh and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a theater degree.

The core of "Beaches" is drawn from Dart's real-life, close friendship with her cousin, Sandy, who resided in Miami Beach. Their bond was maintained through letters between visits to places like Atlantic City, forming the structure of the fictional narrative.

Dart and Sandy balanced each other, with one compensating for what the other lacked. Dart recalled an instance where Sandy provided crucial information about chickenpox immunity, saying, "Honey, we’ve been married longer," after Dart panicked about exposing her unborn daughter.

Musical Themes and Evolution

The musical follows the friendship ignited in Atlantic City in 1951, tested by a love triangle, marital issues, single parenthood, and illness, mirroring the popular film directed by Gary Marshall.

In the show, Bertie sings "My Best," with lyrics reflecting their closeness: "When I am with her, it's as if we share one heart/And if I ever lost her I would fall apart." Director Matt Cowart commented that the intense closeness in female friendships is beautiful and deserves celebration.

The journey to the stage included initial resistance from publishers who deemed the story "not commercial." However, after the success of Dart's 1980 bestseller, "The Boys in the Mail Room," interest in "Beaches" returned.

Dart opted against writing the screenplay for the movie adaptation, following her husband Stephen’s advice to avoid compromising her vision. The transition to stage was easier as the novel already contained many musical references, including songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The iconic song "Beaches" from the film is incorporated into the musical, which Dart confirmed after receiving encouragement from her New York doorman. She feels that maturity offers a better perspective on the characters Cee Cee and Bertie.

The musical features new material, such as the song "Real Woman," which includes the line: "What makes a real woman is her heart." Dart stated that this song allows her to make a bold statement against anti-trans and anti-gay sentiments, something she might not have attempted years ago.