Beaches: A New Musical will close on Broadway on Sunday, May 24, 2026, months ahead of its scheduled September 6 end date. The production, starring Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, is shutting down due to low ticket sales and a complete shut-out from the Tony Awards.
The decision to truncate the run of Beaches: A New Musical comes after a brief and troubled tenure in the Broadway spotlight. The production began previews on March 27, 2026, and officially opened on April 22. While the show was originally slated to run through September 6, the abrupt shift to a May 24 closing date signals a failure to find a sustainable audience or critical momentum.
Tony Awards Snub and Ticket Sales
The production’s collapse is attributed to a combination of financial underperformance and a lack of industry recognition. Reporting indicates the show suffered from low ticket sales, a condition exacerbated by a total absence of nominations at the Tony Awards. In the Broadway ecosystem, Tony nominations often serve as a vital marketing tool to drive tourism and last-minute ticket purchases; without that validation, the production lost its primary lever for growth.
Jessica Vosk, who leads the company as Cee Cee Bloom, addressed the lack of nominations in a TikTok video earlier this month. She acknowledged the emotional weight of the snub while maintaining a professional posture toward her peers.
It’s the first time I’ve sat with the possibility of even being nominated for anything Tony-wise, and it was really exciting. And while I wish I could also be up there with all those incredible ladies, it’s been incredible to watch them all season and even be a part of the conversation.
Jessica Vosk, actress
Critical Divide Over Jessica Vosk’s Performance
The reception of Beaches: A New Musical was starkly polarized between the lead performance and the production’s overall quality. Jessica Vosk received rave reviews for her portrayal of Cee Cee Bloom, a role originally played by Bette Midler in the film version. Critics praised Vosk’s ability to carry the show, yet the production itself struggled to win over the press.
The show received mostly negative reviews from critics, with particular criticism aimed at the writing and the score. Some early audience feedback echoed these sentiments, with viewers noting that while Vosk is a star as always
, the book was so so
and the music felt forgettable and samey
.
A Legacy of Friendship from Page to Stage
Based on the best-selling novel and subsequent blockbuster film, the musical centers on the lifelong bond between two women. The story follows the vivacious Cee Cee, played by Vosk, and the elegant Bertie, played by Kelli Barrett. The narrative tracks their relationship over 30 years, evolving from childhood friends and pen-pals to roommates and romantic rivals.
The production attempted to translate this emotional, joy-filled friendship to the stage, focusing on the trials and tragedies that the two women face. Despite the strength of the source material, the stage adaptation failed to resonate with the Broadway audience in a way that would ensure a full run.
National Tour and Future Prospects
Despite the premature end of the Broadway run, the property is not being retired entirely. A national tour is planned for 2027, which will bring the production to audiences across the country. This move suggests that producers believe the show may find more success in regional markets away from the intense critical scrutiny of New York City.
Tickets for the final performances through May 24 are currently on sale. The early closure leaves the production as a cautionary tale of how a powerhouse lead performance cannot always compensate for a script and score that fail to capture the imagination of critics and ticket-buyers alike.
