Well, folks, it looks like ‘Beaches, A New Musical’ is highkey done with its Broadway run, straight-up closing its curtains on May 24th. After just 28 previews and a mere 38 regular performances at the iconic Majestic Theatre, the show is packing it in. This move ain’t exactly a shocker for those who follow the Great White Way, especially after the musical got zero Tony nominations, which is a brutal blow for any new production trying to make a splash on Broadway.
Bringing a fresh musical to Broadway is a notoriously tough gig, no cap. The economics are wild, with production costs often soaring into the millions. Without critical acclaim or that sweet ‘Tony bounce’ in ticket sales that nominations usually bring, it’s incredibly challenging to stay afloat. For ‘Beaches’, despite its strong source material from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart, the show struggled to connect with audiences enough to justify the huge investment. Many productions fold quickly if they don’t find their footing early, making this closure a legit example of Broadway’s cutthroat reality.
The original ‘Beaches’ film, starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, holds a special place in the hearts of many, and adapting such a cherished story for the stage comes with immense pressure. Fans of the movie often have high expectations, and musicals, like any adaptation, have to navigate that fine line between honoring the original and bringing something fresh to the table. Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, as Cee Cee Bloom and Bertie White, truly gave it their all, along with the rest of the dope cast and creative team, trying to evoke that deep emotional connection the story is known for.
Producer Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso shared that audiences ‘laughed, cried, [and] called their friends on the way out of the theater,’ which sounds like a real connection was forged. While those personal moments are powerful, they didn’t translate into the consistent box office numbers or critical buzz needed to sustain a long run. The Majestic Theatre itself has a storied history, famously housing ‘Phantom of the Opera’ for decades, so it’s a prime spot, but even a legendary venue can’t save a show that isn’t pulling in the crowds.
The silver lining for fans is the planned national tour set for 2027. This move is a common strategy for Broadway shows that don’t quite make it in New York but still believe in their artistic merit. A national tour allows a production to reach a wider audience across America, often with adjusted production costs and the chance to build a new following outside the intense scrutiny of Broadway. Here’s hoping ‘Beaches’ hits different on the road and finds its tribe, periodt.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
