Tony-winning singer-actress Idina Menzel will star in a film remake of the 1988 Garry Marshall movie Beaches, in the role originated by Bette Midler.
Deadline.com reported that the cable TV channel Lifetime has greenlighted the project, which will include performances of two Midler classic songs, “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “The Glory of Love.” The remake reportedly will include additional new songs as well.
The film traces the stories of two young women who meet on a beach and become lifelong friends.
Shooting is scheduled to begin August 15, with a premiere targeted for 2017 on Lifetime TV. Allison Anders (Ring of Fire) will direct the script by Bart Barker and Nikole Beckwith.
Menzel won her Tony Award for originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the 2014 musical If/Then. Her rendition of the song “Let It Go” in Frozen won an Oscar. Midler is scheduled to star in a Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! in spring 2017.
