Beaches the Musical, based on Iris Rainer Dart's novel, will make its international premiere in May 2024 as the final show of Theatre Calgary's upcoming 2023-2024 season.

Directed by Tony nominee Lonny Price (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) and co-directed by Matt Cowart (110 in the Shade), previews will begin May 18, 2024, prior to an official opening May 24 in the Arts Commons Max Bell Theatre. Performances will continue in Canada through June 16.

Beaches the Musical features a book by Iris Rainer Dart and Thom Thomas, lyrics by Dart, and was developed in collaboration with David Austin, who provided music for the show's earlier incarnations. Grammy winner Mike Stoller (Smokey Joe's Café) has joined the musical’s creative team as composer for the upcoming production. Joseph Thalken is the music supervisor.

"I was delighted to get a phone call from Iris asking if I would write the music for the musical Beaches. Working with Iris is always a happy process full of laughs, and collaborating with Iris, Joe, Jenn, and Lonny on this terrific project has been a joy!" says Stoller.

Beaches, which was made into a blockbuster film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, follows two friends through 30 years of camaraderie, laughter, sorrow, and love.

Previous developmental productions of Beaches were presented at the Signature Theatre in Washington, D.C., and the Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago. Alysha Umphress and Mara Davi starred in Washington, while the Chicago cast was headed by Shoshana Bean and Whitney Bashor.

Casting and additional creative team members for the Calgary production will be announced at a later date. An industry reading will be held in New York City in October.

Theatre Calgary produces along with Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso, Douglas McJannet for Arden Entertainment, JAS Theatricals, and Alison Spiriti for Right Angle Entertainment.