Broadway powerhouse and star of Disney’s “Frozen” Idina Menzel has signed on to headline a Lifetime TV movie, a contemporary remake of the 1988 Gary Marshall-directed movie “Beaches,” Deadline reports.
The original starred Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey as best friends, one a singer and the other a heiress and lawyer. The movie follows them through a 30-year friendship, with Midler singing the film’s iconic songs, such as “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and “The Glory of Love.” Since its premiere, the movie has become a classic among female friends, and a favorite for mother-daughter duos.
Menzel will play Midler’s role, CC. Hershey’s role, Hillary, has yet to be cast.
Deadlines writes, “‘Beaches’ follows the serendipitous meeting of two youngsters, CC and Hillary, on the Venice Boardwalk, who, though worlds apart in lifestyle, embark on unexpected and lifelong friendship. Menzel’s CC is an aspiring singer trying to make it in Los Angeles until she is discovered by a director who gives CC her first big shot. Hillary … is the daughter of a prominent civil rights lawyer who struggles to find her own destiny. Their friendship — even with its ups and downs — sustains them for decades.”
Deadline reports that Menzel will record additional songs for the new version. Menzel made a name for herself by starring as the Wicked Witch in the Broadway smash “Wicked.” Since then, she’s made the transition to film and television, starring in “Frozen,” appearing on “Glee,” and in Disney’s “Enchanted.” She’s continued to act in stage musicals as well.
“Beaches” will be produced by Denise Di Novi (“Crazy Stupid Love”) and Alison Greenspan (“If I Stay”). Allison Anders (“Ring of Fire”) will direct from a script by Bart Baker and Nikole Beckwith (“Stockholm, Pennsylvania”). It is set for a 2017 premiere.