Iris Rainer Dart Talks Bringing BEACHES From Page To Stage & Avoiding 'Sappy'

The original creator talks BEACHES!

The creator of the novel upon which the West End premiere production of the new musical BEACHES, also based on the classic 1980s film of the same name starring Bette Midler, discusses the show as part of a brand new interview.

Shedding light on the impetus for the novel upon which the film and the musical are based, Iris Rainer Dart shares of the real life connection between the story and her own relationship with her cousin, "We wrote to each other. She married at 19. I had a career. My cousin had a straight-laced life. I was a crazy comedy writer renting houses in Malibu."

Elaborating, Dart says of the inspiration for the character of Cee Cee being partially supplied by Cher, as well, stating, "[S]he had such a unique life, but if you had sent her to a supermarket, she would not have known what to do."

Furthermore, Dart says she does not want the story to become maudlin in being brought to the stage, "I think we walk a fine line... We want to have that emotional connection but the show can't get sappy."

Check out the original Chicago Tribute article on the matter here.

More information on BEACHES is as follows: "BEACHES features book by Iris Rainer Dart & Thom Thomas, lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart, music by David Austin, based on the novel by Iris Rainer Dart, directed by Eric Schaeffer and choreographed by Lorin Latarro. Beaches follows two extraordinary friends through 30 years of camaraderie, laughter and sorrow. Vivacious, outlandish Cee Cee and beautiful, privileged Bertie meet as children and become fast friends. From pen-pals to roommates to romantic rivals, Cee Cee and Bertie's oil-and-water friendship perseveres through even the most tragic trials. With a touching vulnerability, Beaches exemplies the triumph of the human spirit and the bonds of sisterhood. Ends August 16 at the Drury Lane Theatre."

More information on BEACHES is available at the official site here.