Drury Lane Theatre announces 'Beaches' cast
Drury Lane Theatre on Monday announced the cast for its pre-Broadway production of "Beaches," the musical by writer/lyricist Iris Rainer Dart and Thom Thomas based on Dart's novel, with a score by composer David Austin.
Officials from the Oakbrook Terrace theater announced in December that it would host the Broadway-aimed musical, which explores two women's ups and downs in friendship since childhood. "Beaches" was made into a 1988 film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey and this musical version had its world premiere last year at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.
In the Drury Lane launch, Shoshana Bean, who appeared on Broadway in "Hairspray" and "Wicked," plays Cee Cee Bloom and Whitney Bashor (Broadway's "Bridges of Madison County" and HBO's "Boardwalk Empire") plays Bertie White.
Presley Ryan and Brooklyn Shuck play their younger counterparts.
Eric Schaeffer ("Follies," "Million Dollar Quartet") directs the production, whose cast is comprised of Drury Lane veterans Travis Taylor, Nancy Voigts, Jim De Selm, Michael Accardo and Kelly Anne Clark.
Lorin Latarro will choreograph the show, which features sets by Tony- and Emmy-winner Derek McLane.
Previews begin June 24 at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The show opens July 2. Tickets range from $45 to $60 and are available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online at drurylane.com. Dinner and show packages are available.