Columbia Theatremakers Help Premiere 'Beaches' on Broadway

Theater Management & Producing student Zach Hedner is serving as an associate producer on Beaches, a new musical produced by Broadway and Beyond Productions, a production company co-founded by Theater Management & Producing alum Ryan Bogner '15. Beaches is adapted from the 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart and the 1988 film with Bette Midler. 

Beaches is a story of friendship between two women, Cee Cee and Bertie, friends from childhood. The story tracks the progression of their relationship from girls, to pen-pals, to roommates, to romantic rivals. According to the show's website, "Cee Cee and Bertie’s oil-and-water friendship perseveres over the course of 30 years through even the most tragic trials. With a touching vulnerability, Beaches exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit and the bonds of friendship." The musical, directed by Lonny Price with books and lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart, features an original song by Grammy-winning songwriter Mike Stoller, who is one half of the songwriting team responsible for "Stand by Me," "Hound Dog," and "Jail House Rock."

Zach Hedner is a New York City-based actor, producer, and theatre manager. Hedner has performed at venues including Columbia University, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and Paul Bunyan Playhouse. He has worked as the Theatrical Operations Manager for Norwegian Cruise Lines/Norwegian Creative Studios, working on shows like SIX the Musical and Burn the Floor. Zachary has also served as the Executive Director of the Arts Consortium of Carver County Inc., Executive Producer of Triple Espresso. In addition to completing his MFA at Columbia, Hedner serves as the Producing & Operations Associate for Broadway & Beyond, and continues to work as a freelance producer. 

Ryan Bogner is a Tony-nominated theatrical producer and one half of Broadway & Beyond Theatricals. Broadway & Beyond Productions is a full-service production office dedicated to the production and development of theatrical productions across North America and beyond. Co-founded by Victoria Lang, Ryan Bogner and Tracey McFarland, Broadway & Beyond Productions have been nominated for Tonys. Broadway productions include: The Kite Runner, The Cottage, Paradise Square. Upcoming: The Fantasticks, The Hello Girls, Come Back to the Five & Dime…, Trading Places. Regional: Judgment Day, Where We Belong, Avaaz, Cambodian Rock Band. Selected Tours as agent: The Cher Show, The Kite Runner, Legally Blonde, The Music Man, and A Christmas Story.

Beaches, which began previews on March 27, will run until September 6, 2026 at The Majestic Theater. Tickets for Beaches can be purchased here.