Calgary's Stage to Broadway: Beaches Musical Makes History in Spring 2026

From the Bow to Broadway: A Calgary Story Unfolds

It’s a story that began on the banks of the Bow River, nurtured on the historic boards of Theatre Calgary, and is now poised to capture hearts under the bright lights of Broadway. \"Beaches, A New Musical,\" which had its international premiere right here in Calgary in 2024, is officially heading to New York City, with previews set to begin on March 27, 2026, and an official opening night slated for April 22 at the venerable Majestic Theatre. This marks an unprecedented moment for our city's theatrical scene, as it's the first time a show originally produced by Theatre Calgary will make the leap to a Broadway debut. Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, who brought the beloved characters of Cee Cee and Bertie to life for Calgary audiences, are set to reprise their roles, continuing the timeless tale of friendship based on Iris Rainer Dart’s novel and the iconic film. Stafford Arima, Theatre Calgary's Artistic Director, expressed the collective pride echoing through the city, stating, “It was no surprise that Beaches touched our audiences in such a meaningful way; and it is with that same sense of excitement and pride that I am ecstatic to see this production continue its journey on Broadway, where even more audiences will have the chance to enjoy this timeless story of friendship.”

The Rippling Impact of Local Arts Investment

This significant achievement isn't just about one show; it's a testament to the vibrant, albeit often undersung, creative energy that thrives north and south of the Bow River. The success of \"Beaches\" spotlights the deep value of investing in our local arts community. In 2023-24, Theatre Calgary's \"Theatre for All\" initiative proved how eager Calgarians are for live performance, moving over 74,000 tickets at an accessible $39 price point. This program not only drew a staggering 59% new patrons but also boosted subscriptions by 19% from the prior year, illustrating a palpable hunger for culture within our city. More broadly, Calgary’s creative industries are not merely cultural embellishments; they are economic powerhouses. Back in 2016, these sectors contributed over $2.1 billion to our local GDP and sustained nearly 24,000 jobs within the city limits. Across the province, the arts contribute more than $1.2 billion to the GDP and employ over 17,000 Albertans annually. The provincial government recognizes this, with Budget 2025 committing to an annual increase of $4.5 million for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts over three years, aiming for a nearly $40 million annual budget by 2026, bolstering organizations like Theatre Calgary. The City of Calgary, through its Civic Arts Policy, also outlines its commitment to nurturing this crucial sector.

Navigating the Currents: The Ongoing Debate Around Funding

However, the applause for Broadway-bound success often coincides with the pragmatic hum of local financial considerations. While the arts undeniably provide significant returns, debates around public funding are never far from the surface, especially when the provincial economy, winding its way down Deerfoot Trail, faces its own set of challenges. As Councillor George Chahal once articulated in 2018, there’s an ever-present need for prudence in how every dollar is spent, particularly during periods of high unemployment. This sentiment highlights the delicate balance between fostering artistic growth and managing municipal budgets, a tension that cultural leaders and civic planners navigate continuously in our rapidly evolving city.

A New Dawn on the Horizon

Regardless of the ongoing discussions surrounding arts funding, the journey of \"Beaches, A New Musical\" from Calgary to Broadway is a bright beacon, demonstrating the profound capacity for local talent and production to resonate on an international stage. The show is slated to run at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday, September 6, 2026, with tickets becoming available in January. This historic transfer not only elevates Theatre Calgary's profile but also firmly plants Calgary’s flag on the global theatrical map, reminding the world that some of the most compelling stories find their voice right here, under our big prairie skies.