I saw Beaches last night (4/21) with the lowest of low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. There’s no groundbreaking premise here, but the chemistry between Vosk and Barrett is strong, and both fully embody their characters’ traits and vulnerabilities. I actually appreciated the minimal cast—it keeps the focus on the story (unlike Finding Neverland, which got lost in a sea of over-choreographed numbers and overstuffed moments that eclipsed any real narrative).
That said, there are a lot of bit roles, and I wish there were more thoughtful transitions between scenes. Using younger counterparts or ensemble members to mask blackouts feels clunky. But the real issue? The set is an absolute abomination. Why is there a static, impressionistic beach painting upstage that never moves, while the actors keep referencing the ocean as if it’s downstage toward the audience? It’s baffling.
At one point, Bertie is wheeled in circles across an empty stage—giving major Drop Dead Gorgeous energy, like the pageant queen lip-syncing to Melissa Manchester while being pushed in a wheelchair. And the final scenic “push” of Cece—nearly taking out the conductor—felt like Branson-level, Celine-drag knockoff variety. Completely ridiculous.
Still, I genuinely thought I was going to hate this, and I didn’t. It’s actually pretty decent. The cast is fantastic—especially Vosk, Barrett, and the young actress playing Cece (singing upside-down in a headstand?! and sounding great!).
This show reinvents zero wheels, and yes—the design is pretty hideous (key art, costumes, set). But it delivers a sweet, emotionally grounded evening with some stellar performances and a solid emotional payoff.
I’ll probably get flack for this, but another show this season, Schmigadoon!, is getting praise I truly don’t understand. Aside from attractive sets and costumes (which feel about as original as a new restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen), it falls flat for me. The premise isn’t new, the jokes wear thin almost immediately, and “a lot of dancing” is not the same as sharp comedic choreography—which is sorely lacking here.
At the end of the day, I’d rather spend 2.5 hours with a decent story, a bittersweet ending, and strong vocal performances than sit through 2.5 hours of forced laughs and wonder if I’ve entered an alternate universe based on the glowing reviews Schmigadoon! has received. I truly don’t get it.