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'Beaches' bumps 'Deathtrap' from Drury Lane Theatre's 2015-16 season

Chicago isn't the only place where Broadway-bound musicals are locally launched.

Officials from the Drury Lane Theatre announced on Monday that the Oakbrook Terrace venue will host the Broadway-aimed musical "Beaches" as a part of its 2015-16 season. "Beaches" replaces Ira Levin's 1970s thriller "Deathtrap" and will play its originally scheduled dates from June 24 through Aug. 16.

"We are elated to produce 'Beaches,' the first new production in two decades on the Drury Lane stage," said Drury Lane Theatre President Kyle DeSantis in a prepared statement. "We believe that we have a responsibility to help cultivate the development of new works and this season marks our renewed commitment to this."

"Beaches" is based upon Iris Rainer Dart's 1985 novel of the same name about 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 earlier this year at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.

Signature Theatre artistic director Eric Schaeffer, whose Broadway credits include "Million Dollar Quartet" and "Follies," will reprise his directing duties on "Beaches" for Drury Lane. The musical features a script by Dart and Thom Thomas and a score by David Austin.

Subscriptions for Drury Lane's 2015-16 season are currently on sale, while individual tickets to "Beaches" will be available at a later date. For more information, call (630) 530-0111 or visit drurylane.com.

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