April 22--"Beaches, A New Musical" -- based on Iris Rainer Dart's novel that also inspired the popular Bette Midler film -- playing the Drury Lane Theatre this summer, has announced a formidable creative team.
Boasting relevant Broadway and off-Broadway credits, this group's involvement in the production lends credence to what Drury Lane is calling a "pre-Broadway musical."
Joining the previously announced director Eric Schaeffer, currently represented by "Gigi" on Broadway, are choreographer Lorin Latarro ("Scandalous"), music director Brian Nash ("Silence!"), scenic designer Derek McLane ("Anything Goes"), lighting designer Howell Binkley ("Jersey Boys"), costume designer Alejo Vietti ("Beautiful: The Carole King Musical") and sound designer Kai Harada ("Fun Home").
All of these artists are new to the musical save for McLane and Schaeffer, who worked together on the Signature Theatre production in Washington D.C. The score is by David Austin and Dart, with a book by Dart and Thom Thomas.
Although "Beaches" is being billed as "pre-Broadway," no New York theater or opening night has been announced.
"Beaches" begins performances on June 24 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, and continues through Aug. 16.
