World Premiere of Beaches Musical, Co-Starring Mara Davi and Alysha Umphress, Begins Feb. 18

By Michael Gioia 18 Feb 2014

Virginia's Signature Theatre presents the world premiere of Beaches, adapted from the 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart, beginning Feb. 18 at Signature's MAX Theatre. Mara Davi and Alysha Umphress co-star in the roles originated on screen by Barbara Hershey and Bette Midler, respectively.

Directed by Signature artistic director Eric Schaeffer (Follies, Million Dollar Quartet), the musical chronicling a decades-long friendship between two women stars Davi (A Chorus Line, The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie and Umphress (American Idiot, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom.

Beaches, originally scheduled through March 23, was given a week-long extension through March 30. Opening night is set for March 4.

Based on the 1985 novel by Dart (later adapted into the 1988 movie with Midler and Hershey), the musical features a book by Dart and Thom Thomas, lyrics by Dart and music by David Austin.

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"We've assembled an amazing cast along with a terrific creative team to bring this special story to life," said Schaeffer in an earlier statement. "Iris, Thom and David have created a magical world of memories and friendship in this heartfelt story for the stage in a very original way."

Joining Davi and Umphress are Clifton Samuels (Follies) as Michael Barron, Matthew Scott (Sondheim on Sondheim, Jersey Boys) as John Perry, Donna Migliaccio (Ragtime) as Leona Bloom, Helen Hedman (Signature's My Fair Lady) as Rose White, Brooklyn Shuck (Annie) as Young Bertie, Presley Ryan (NBC's "The Sound of Music") as Young Cee Cee, Maya Brettell (Studio Theatre's The Big Meal) as Teen Bertie and Gracie Jones (Olney Theatre Center's Spring Awakening) as Teen Cee Cee.

Rounding out the cast are Svea Johnson (Karen Lewandowski/Nina), Michael Bunce (Arthur/Melman/ensemble), Bayla Whitten (nurse/ensemble), Jamie Eacker, Heather Brorsen, Davis Hasty, Dan Manning, Ryah Nixon and Robbie Roby.

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World Premiere of Beaches Musical, Co-Starring Mara Davi and Alysha Umphress, Begins Feb. 18