Theater News

World Premiere of Beaches the Musical Extends Before Performances Begin

The new musical starts at Signature Theatre on February 18.

Alysha Umphress stars as Cee Cee Bloom in Signature Theatre's world premiere musical Beaches, which has announced an extension before performances have begun,
Alysha Umphress stars as Cee Cee Bloom in Signature Theatre's world premiere musical Beaches, which announced an extension today.
(© David Gordon)

Signature Theatre announced today that it will extend the run of its world premiere musical Beaches through March 30. Adapted from the 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart (which was made into a 1988 film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey), Beaches features music by David Austin, book by Dart, lyrics by Dart and Thom Thomas, and direction by Eric Schaeffer. As previously announced, the musical stars Mara Davi as Bertie (known in the film as Hillary) and Alysha Umphress as Cee Cee Bloom.

According to Signature Theatre, Beaches "follows two extraordinary friends through 30 years of camaraderie, laughter, and sorrow. 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."

The creative team of Beaches includes choreography by Dan Knechtges, musical supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, orchestrations by Lynne Shankel, scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Frank Labovitz, lighting design by Chris Lee, and sound design by Lane Elms.

In addition to Davi and Umphress, the cast includes Cliff Samuels as Michael Barron, Matthew Scott as John Perry, Donna Migliaccio as Leona Bloom, Helen Hedman as Rose White, Brooklyn Shuck as Young Bertie, Presley Ryan as Young Cee Cee, Maya Brettell as Teen Bertie, Gracie Jones as Teen Cee Cee, and Svea Johnson as Nina. Also in the cast are Michael Bunce, Bayla Whitten, Jamie Eacker, Heather Brorsen, Davis Hasty, Dan Manning, Ryah Nixon, and Robbie Roby.

Signature has pre-released two original songs from Beaches, "Extraordinary" and "A Bunch of Kids."

For tickets to Beaches, click here.