Author Iris Rainer Dart is bringing her celebrated, tear-jerking narrative, "Beaches," to the Broadway stage. Dart asserts that the musical powerfully demonstrates the profound depths that female friendships can reach throughout life.

The Enduring Power of 'Beaches'

The story traces the intertwined lives of two contrasting women: the spirited Cee Cee Bloom and the more reserved Bertie White. Dart recalls a moment in the late 1980s when her daughter questioned why other mothers often told Dart, “I cried” upon meeting her, prompting Dart to explain the emotional impact of her work.

Dart firmly believes in the unique support system women find in each other. "Women’s friends are the ones who get them through this life," she stated. She emphasized that while husbands are wonderful, they cannot replace the intimate connection shared with a close female friend.

A Story Across Mediums

"Beaches" has resonated across various platforms, starting as a novel. It was later adapted into a film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, a television movie featuring Idina Menzel and Nia Long, an audiobook, and now, a Broadway musical.

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

Broadway Debut and Creative Process

The musical arrives on Broadway following a development period spanning over ten years and is set to open on April 22. Dart has been actively involved in rehearsals, noting the emotional impact on her audience, including her husband, who recently reached for a handkerchief during a run-through.

Director Lonny Price praises Dart's collaborative spirit. Price noted that Dart remains an "endless font for these characters," consistently offering fresh, useful ideas for the libretto in both humorous and dramatic ways.

Dart's Personal Connection to the Narrative

Musical theater was Dart's initial passion, preceding her work writing for television shows like “The Sonny & Cher Show” and her career as a novelist. Her inspiration for "Beaches" stems from a real-life, close friendship with her cousin, Sandy, who lived in Miami Beach.

The two balanced each other, with Dart pursuing an acting and writing career while Sandy followed a more conventional path marrying early and raising a family. Dart felt they complemented each other, stating, "We balanced each other out. What one lacked, the other made up for. So that was what kicked it all off."

In the musical, Bertie expresses this bond in the song “My Best,” with lyrics reflecting shared identity: “When I am with her, it's as if we share one heart/And if I ever lost her I would fall apart.”

Navigating Early Challenges and Artistic Integrity

The journey to publication was initially difficult, as Dart’s literary agent faced rejections, with some publishers deeming the story "not commercial." Interest surged only after the success of her 1980 bestseller, “The Boys in the Mail Room.”

When the studio adapting the book into a film sought changes, including altering the illness Bertie contracts, Dart opted against writing the screenplay. She followed her husband Stephen Dart’s advice to maintain creative control, believing she would have been unhappy otherwise.

The transition to stage was smoother because Dart had already integrated music into the novel, referencing works by Rodgers and Hammerstein and George Gershwin. The famous song from the film, “,” is included in the musical, which Dart acknowledged is essential due to its strong audience identification.

Dart feels that maturity offers a better perspective on the characters, allowing her to bring more of herself to the work now. This is evident in the song “Real Woman,” which includes the line, “What makes a real woman is her heart.” Dart shared that she feels bolder now, using the song to make a statement against anti-trans and anti-gay sentiments.