Jessica Vosk, currently captivating audiences as Cee Cee Bloom in the Broadway adaptation of the beloved film "Beaches," is delving into the iconic soundtrack by offering her rendition of the often-requested, though not performed live on stage, song "Otto Titsling." This exclusive premiere with Billboard marks a significant moment for Vosk, allowing her to connect with fans while also forging her unique artistic path within a production steeped in cinematic history. The musical, which opened on Broadway following its initial run in Washington D.C. in 2023, aims to capture the essence of the enduring friendship between Cee Cee and Bertie, as originally portrayed in the 1988 Garry Marshall film.
Vosk’s journey to embodying Cee Cee is deeply personal, tracing back to her teenage years when she first encountered Bette Midler’s electrifying performance in the original movie. "I just thought: ‘Wow. This woman is electric and brave and unapologetic. I want to be like her,’" Vosk shared in an interview with Billboard. This formative experience instilled in her a profound admiration for Midler’s talent and a drive to pursue a career in musical theater. Over the years, as Vosk carved out her own distinguished career, notably as a celebrated Elphaba in "Wicked" and in numerous other Broadway productions, her respect for Midler’s artistry only deepened. "It became even more clear to me that [Bette’s] was a once-in-a-lifetime talent. I wanted to work as hard as I could to someday even be in the same orbit as her," Vosk reflected.
Now, inhabiting the role that Bette Midler made a household name, Vosk is living out that aspiration eight times a week. However, the stage production of "Beaches" omits the humorous and somewhat risqué song "Otto Titsling" from its live musical numbers. This song, a witty ode to a particular anatomical feature, was co-written by Bette Midler, Jerry Blatt, Charlene Seeger, and the celebrated composer Marc Shaiman, who also served as the musical supervisor for the original film and is a longtime collaborator and pianist for Midler. The decision to exclude it from the stage show, while understandable given the shifting sensibilities and narrative focus of a live theatrical production, has not diminished its popularity among fans.
The Fan-Driven Revival of "Otto Titsling"
The persistent demand from fans for Vosk’s interpretation of "Otto Titsling" has been a recurring theme since her casting. "I must get 20 questions a day asking if I’ll ever cover it," Vosk stated. This overwhelming fan interest spurred her to action. Recognizing the audience’s deep connection to the film and its memorable musical moments, Vosk decided to fulfill their wishes. She collaborated with Marc Shaiman himself to record the track, a reunion that brought together two artists with profound connections to the "Beaches" legacy. The song’s premiere exclusively with Billboard serves as a testament to the power of fan engagement and the enduring appeal of this particular musical number.
Marc Shaiman, a titan in the entertainment industry with multiple Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards to his name, shared some insightful anecdotes from the making of "Beaches" with Vosk. He recalled the creative process behind "Otto Titsling," describing the brief he received: to write a song that felt "overdone, very hysterical and off-kilter." Shaiman expressed his eagerness to embrace such a unique challenge, stating, "of course I was more than game to do that!" His recollection underscores the playful and experimental spirit that characterized the film’s musical composition. Vosk also had the rare opportunity to see Shaiman’s personal platinum record from "Beaches," a tangible reminder of the film’s immense success and its impact on popular culture.
The recording of "Otto Titsling" is more than just a nod to fan requests; it’s a strategic move by Vosk to imbue her performance as Cee Cee with her own artistic identity. Unlike her previous iconic role as Elphaba in "Wicked," which had a well-established performance history, "Beaches" on Broadway represents a new creative frontier. "When I stepped into ‘Wicked’ to play Elphaba, it was an amazing learning experience to tackle something that has been performed onstage so iconically for so long," Vosk explained. "Beaches being new to Broadway is a whole new ballgame for me, getting the chance to create something." This opportunity to originate a role on Broadway is something Vosk cherishes.
Creating a New Legacy: Vosk’s Vision for Cee Cee
Vosk’s deep connection to Cee Cee Bloom stems from her profound belief in the character’s humanity and her arduous journey. "I wanted to originate this role because I believe so much in Cee Cee’s humanity and how she gets there," Vosk articulated. "I relate to her hustle, determination and grit. And I am in love with her heart." This personal resonance with Cee Cee’s character allows Vosk to bring a fresh and authentic interpretation to the stage, transcending mere imitation of previous portrayals. Her commitment to developing Cee Cee’s complex emotional arc is a cornerstone of her performance.
The Broadway production of "Beaches" itself represents a significant undertaking, bringing a beloved cinematic narrative to the live stage. The film, released in 1988, became a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its poignant portrayal of female friendship spanning decades, its emotional resonance, and its unforgettable soundtrack, featuring Bette Midler’s rendition of "The Wind Beneath My Wings," a Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit. The musical adaptation, with original music by the legendary songwriting duo Leiber & Stoller, and book by Iris Rainer Dart (who also penned the original novel), seeks to translate the film’s enduring themes of love, loss, and unwavering support to a new medium.
The initial stage adaptation of "Beaches" premiered in 2017 at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, before a subsequent production at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, Illinois, in 2019. The Broadway transfer, which opened on [Insert Date of Broadway Opening, if available, otherwise state "recently"], has been met with critical attention, with Vosk’s performance as Cee Cee frequently highlighted for its dynamic energy and emotional depth. The production’s creative team, including director [Insert Director’s Name, if available] and choreographer [Insert Choreographer’s Name, if available], has worked to create a visual and emotional landscape that honors the spirit of the film while establishing its own theatrical identity.
The Impact of "Otto Titsling" and Vosk’s Artistic Choices
The inclusion of "Otto Titsling" in Vosk’s recorded repertoire serves a dual purpose: it satisfies a specific fan desire and also allows Vosk to engage with the broader musical tapestry of "Beaches" in a way that complements her stage performance. The song’s notoriety stems from its playful subversion of lyrical conventions and its confident, albeit humorous, exploration of female sensuality, delivered with Midler’s signature bravado. By recording it, Vosk not only acknowledges the song’s place in the "Beaches" canon but also demonstrates her willingness to embrace the character’s multifaceted personality, including her more flamboyant and comedic aspects.
This strategic approach to role interpretation is a hallmark of successful Broadway performers. By taking on a song that is not part of the live show, Vosk is essentially creating her own supplemental content, deepening audience engagement beyond the confines of the theater. This practice is not uncommon in the music industry, where artists often release bonus tracks, live versions, or covers that expand upon their primary releases. For a Broadway performer, this extends to offering fans additional ways to connect with the characters and the production they are invested in.
The collaboration with Marc Shaiman on this recording is particularly noteworthy. Shaiman’s involvement as a composer and collaborator on the original film’s music, and his continued presence in the industry, lends significant weight to this new rendition. His insights into the song’s creation and his participation in its recording provide an authentic link to the film’s genesis, reinforcing the historical and artistic significance of the project. This partnership highlights the collaborative nature of musical theater and the enduring relationships that form within the industry.
The success of the "Beaches" musical adaptation, and Vosk’s prominent role within it, is indicative of a broader trend in contemporary theater: the adaptation of popular films and existing intellectual property. This strategy often carries built-in audiences eager to experience familiar stories in a new format. However, it also presents the challenge of meeting audience expectations while carving out a distinct artistic identity. Vosk’s approach, by engaging with both the established film legacy and forging her own interpretation, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of this dynamic.
The future implications of Vosk’s rendition of "Otto Titsling" and her performance in "Beaches" are likely to solidify her position as a leading voice in musical theater. By embracing fan desires and simultaneously asserting her artistic vision, she is not only contributing to the current success of the production but also building a personal legacy that resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences. Her ability to connect with characters on a deeply personal level, as evidenced by her reflections on Cee Cee, coupled with her vocal prowess and stage presence, positions her for continued acclaim and diverse artistic opportunities. The recording, available for fans to stream, serves as a tangible testament to her commitment to the role and her appreciation for the dedicated following of "Beaches."
