Broadway World
BEACHES THE MUSICAL Will Make International Premiere at Theatre Calgary
By: Nicole Rosky
Aug. 01, 2023
Mister D: They keep trying to bring this musical to Broadway and it seems to keep fizzling out. For all I know it may be great. But people are so enamored with this story and the songs that are sung. I bet the theater crowd just assumes their going to hear Wind Beneath My Wings, no matter how big the lettering on the poster may be…because you know, people, in general don’t read nor do thry comprehend much (Mama gettin nasty!) I’d go see it. And I can’t believe how many Bette movies they want to bring to Broadway. Wake me up when The Rose hits the boardsl
JAS Theatricals and Alison Spiriti for Right Angle Entertainment have just announced the international premiere of Beaches the Musical as the final show of Theatre Calgary’s upcoming 2023-24 season.
Producers also announced that Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mike Stoller has joined the musical’s creative team as composer.
“I was delighted to get a phone call from Iris asking if I would write the music for the musical Beaches. Working with Iris is always a happy process full of laughs, and collaborating with Iris, Joe, Jenn, and Lonny on this terrific project has been a joy!” said Mike Stoller in a statement.
Beaches the Musical features a book by Iris Rainer Dart &Thom Thomas, lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart, based on the novel Beaches by Dart, and was developed in collaboration with David Austin. Joseph Thalken serves as Music Supervisor. Directed by Tony Award Nominee Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard – revival, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill), and co-directed by Matt Cowart (Sunset Boulevard – revival, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, 110 in the Shade, Broadway), previews begin May 18th, 2024, open May 24th, and run until June 16th in the Arts Commons Max Bell Theatre in Calgary.
A new musical based on the best-selling novel, which was made into the blockbuster film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, Beaches follows two extraordinary friends through 30 years of camaraderie, laughter, sorrow, and love. Vivacious, outlandish Cee Cee and beautiful, privileged Bertie meet as children and become fast friends. From pen-pals to roommates to romantic rivals, Cee Cee and Bertie’s oil-and-water friendship perseveres through even the most tragic trials. With a touching vulnerability, Beaches exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit and the bonds of sisterhood.
The full cast and creative team for Beaches the Musical will be announced at a later date.
Previous developmental productions of Beaches have taken place at The Signature Theatre in Washington, DC, and The Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago. Beaches the Musical will be having a NYC Industry reading in October 2023.
In honor of National Friendship Day, Beaches the Musical is offering a Best Friend Getaway. Visit BeachestheMusical.com to enter your information to receive a chance to win a VIP trip for two – you and your best friend – to attend the Opening Night of the International Premiere of Beaches the Musical at Theatre Calgary on May 24, 2024. (Sweepstakes will begin on National Friendship Day 8/6/23).
Stafford Arima – Theatre Calgary artistic director:
“I remember the movie Beaches like it was yesterday. I first saw it when I was 18 years old. Now 35 years later, the brilliant Iris Dart, who wrote the original novel, has teamedup with the legendary songwriter, Mike Stoller to reimagine this timeless tale of friendship as a musical. I am honored and thrilled that this new production of Beaches, directed by Lonny Price and Matt Cowart, will have its international premiere at Theatre Calgary.”
Iris Rainer Dart- Book, Lyrics, Original Novel:
“Not long ago I visited the beautiful TheatreCalgary and fell in love with the theater, the energy of the team, and Stafford Arima’s joy and enthusiasm in presenting plays and musicals to the community. Remarkably, it was my old friend Stafford’s idea, many years ago, that I turn Beaches into a musical. The team of co-directors Lonny Price and Matt Cowart and our producers JenniferMaloney-Prezioso and Douglas McJannet have brought Mike Stoller along with many laughs, and just the right kind of loving guidance to get us to this important version of our musical. We can’t wait to share it with all of you.”
Mike Stoller – Music:
“I’ve never been to Calgary, but I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Stafford Arima. How lucky can a guy get? – I’m writing a musical with the wonderful Iris Dart, who I love to write songs with. Our show, “Beaches” (based on Iris’novel)is being directed by the fabulous Lonny Price (who I met and worked with decades ago) and co-directed by Matt Cowart. The producers, Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso and Douglas McJannet have assembled this dream team, and now I’m going to get to see Calgary and my dear friend, Stafford Arima.”
Lonny Price – Director, and Matt Cowart -Co-director:
“Having previously directed ‘The Louder We Get’ at Theatre Calgary, Matt Cowart (co-director) and are thrilled to continue our wonderful working relationship with Artistic Director, Stafford Arima, returning with another brand new musical, Beaches! Based on the novel, which was made into the blockbuster film, Beaches is a story that celebrates the ups and downs, the triumphs and tribulations of the thirty-five-year friendship in the lives of Cee Cee and Bertie. (In the film, Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey.). We defy anyone to walk away unmoved by IrisDart’s hilarious and touching book, as well as her lyrics to legendary composer Mike Stoller’sexhilarating new score. If we sound very excited about it— we are!”
Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso – Producer:
“It is one of the greatest pleasures of my career to bring Beaches the Musical to the stage and to have our international premiere at Theatre Calgary. Working with the impeccable Stafford Arima and the Theatre Calgary team has been a joy for my partner DouglasMcJannet and me, and anytime Director Lonny Price and Co-Director Matt Cowartare lead the team, the audience is in the best hands possible. With IrisRainer Dart and Thom Thomas’ beautiful book tapping into the unique bonds of friendship and the timeless score that Iris and legendary composerMike Stoller have created, best friends around the world will fall in love with Cee and Bertie, for the first time or for the hundredth time. At its core, Beaches is a love story about friendship… come fall in love!”
