Broadway’s Beaches Opens to Mixed Reviews, Weak Score
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Beaches opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre, running 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission).
- Mike Stoller composed the music, but the review says his score is unlikely to join his treasured legacy.
- Jessica Vosk performed adult CeeCee in an over‑the‑top, Midler‑inspired style, described as scene‑stealing.
- Wind Beneath My Wings was performed at the end of the show, providing the only nostalgic element for the audience.
- Iris Rainer Dart co‑wrote the book with Thom Thomas, opting for a snapshot structure of quick, Love‑Letters‑style scenes from the women’s lives.
- Lonny Price co‑directed the musical with Matt Cowart, yet the production was criticized for cartoonish characters and chintzy sets.
- Zurin Villanueva played the hospice caretaker, delivering a natural ease that hinted at a sturdier version of the story.
Why it matters: The production delivers a forgettable adaptation, so theatergoers miss a faithful tribute to the beloved 1988 film and the iconic ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ moment, while composer Mike Stoller’s score is unlikely to enhance his legacy, reducing the show’s potential to attract lasting audience enthusiasm and critical acclaim.
