NEW YORK (AP) – Iris Rainer Dart experienced a moment of surprise when her daughter, then in nursery school during the late 1980s, inquired about why so many mothers told her, “I cried,” upon meeting Dart. This led to a revelation about her work, which was encapsulated in the novel “Beaches.” The story delves into the profound connections of female friendship, focusing on the contrasting lives of Cee Cee Bloom, the free-spirited character, and the more reserved Bertie White.
Dart, now 82, articulates the significance of such friendships: “Women’s friends are the ones who get them through this life,” underscoring that while husbands are important, they often do not provide the same emotional support that close female friends do. The novel “Beaches” quickly garnered attention and made its mark as a tear-jerker, evolving from a book into a movie starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, a TV adaptation with Idina Menzel and Nia Long, an audiobook, and now, a Broadway musical.
The musical version of “Beaches,” which opens on April 22, features music by Mike Stoller and stars Kelli Barrett as Bertie and Jessica Vosk as Cee Cee. Dart collaborated on the musical’s story with Thom Thomas and actively participated in its development over the past decade. She has been present at rehearsals, taking note of emotional moments that resonate with her, including seeing her husband reach for a handkerchief during a run-through.
Director Lonny Price praises Dart’s openness to modify and enhance her characters, saying, “She’s an endless font for these characters.” Dart’s background in musical theater contributes to her willingness to infuse the production with fresh ideas and emotional depth. She has always had a passion for the medium, having started her career as a child actor and later writing for shows like “The Sonny & Cher Show.” Her journey to becoming a novelist began after graduating with a theater degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
The inspiration for “Beaches” arose from Dart’s own close friendship with her cousin Sandy, with whom she shared a deep bond through letters and visits. Their contrasting life paths—Sandy’s more traditional family life in Cleveland and Dart’s pursuit of a career in the arts—served to balance and enrich their relationship, a theme also portrayed in the musical. This duality is reflected in the song “My Best,” which highlights the depth of their connection.
The narrative of “Beaches” follows Cee Cee and Bertie’s friendship from 1951, exploring challenges such as love triangles, failed marriages, and illnesses. Cowart, one of the directors, notes the unique intensity of female friendships compared to those between men, emphasizing the beauty and importance of these relationships.
The journey to creating “Beaches” was not without its challenges. Dart faced initial resistance from publishers who deemed the story uncommercial. However, after her earlier success with the novel "The Boys in the Mail Room," interest in “Beaches” grew. When Hollywood producers sought to adapt her book into a film, they suggested alterations that Dart was unwilling to accept. Guided by her husband’s advice, she chose to retain her original vision instead of conformed to their demands.
Dart’s affinity for music facilitated the transition of “Beaches” from page to stage, as the novel included musical references. The well-known song “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” made famous by the film adaptation, will also be featured in the musical, reflecting its emotional resonance with audiences. Dart recognizes its cultural significance and the audience’s attachment to the song as central to the production.
Moreover, Dart has incorporated her own perspectives into the musical, particularly with the song “Real Woman,” which challenges societal norms around gender. She expresses a newfound confidence in addressing issues around anti-trans and anti-gay sentiments through her work, something she feels emboldened to do in the current climate, stating, “I want to make that statement.”
