| Boop! | |
|---|---|
| The Musical | |
| Music | David Foster |
| Lyrics | Susan Birkenhead |
| Book | Bob Martin |
| Basis | |
| Premiere | November 19, 2023: CIBC Theatre, Chicago |
| Productions | 2023 Chicago |
Boop! The Musical is a 2023 musical based on the animated character Betty Boop,[1] with music by David Foster, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and a book by Bob Martin.[2]
The musical's original run in Chicago began with previews on November 19 and closed on December 24, 2023,[2] with Jasmine Amy Rogers starring in the titular role.[1][2]
Premise
Betty Boop is a celebrity in the black-and-white animated world, but she feels that something is missing. Grampy, an inventor and Betty's grandfather, creates a machine to take her into the modern world. After landing in New York Comic Con, Betty becomes friends with teenage fan Trisha, and falls romantically for her older brother, struggling jazz musician Dwayne. However, Betty is enlisted by seedy mayoral candidate Raymond Demarest to help with his campaign. Betty and his assistant Carol, who is also Trisha's mother, come up with a plan to get Carol elected in Raymond's place.
Meanwhile, the animated world is struggling without Betty, and Grampy and puppy Pudgy decide to come find Betty and bring her back. While in New York City, Grampy reconnects with his old love, astrophysicist Valentina.
Development and production
The idea for a Betty Boop musical first arose in 2004.[3]
The Chicago production is directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.[2]
The Chicago production features set designs by David Rockwell, costumes by Gregg Barnes, lighting by Philip S. Rosenberg, sound by Gareth Owen, and projections by Finn Ross.[1] The show's arrangements are by Daryl Waters.[1]
Cast
| Role | 2023 Chicago[1] |
|---|---|
| Betty Boop | Jasmine Amy Rogers |
| Valentina | Faith Prince |
| Dwayne | Ainsley Melham |
| Raymond | Erich Bergen |
| Grampy | Stephen DeRosa |
| Trisha | Angelica Hale |
| Carol | Anastacia McCleskey |
Reception
Initial reviews for the Chicago production praised the show's music, choreography, and cast, Rogers in particular, but thought the story and characters needed additional development.[4][5][6]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Higgins, Molly; Gans, Andrew (September 28, 2023). "BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical Reveals Complete Casting". Playbill. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 "With Broadway Hopes, New Betty Boop Stage Musical Premiering in Chicago Announces Star". WTTW News. September 27, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ↑ "Veteran Broadway team crafts 'Boop! The Musical' as a love story for a new age". Chicago Sun-Times. November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
- ↑ Spiselman, Anne (December 11, 2023). "'Boop! The Musical' bound for Broadway". Hyde Park Herald. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ↑ Weiss, Hedy (December 7, 2023). "That Girl Named 'BOOP' is Headed to Broadway: Review". WTTW News. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ↑ Hieggelke, Brian (December 8, 2023). "In Living Color: A Review of "Boop! The Betty Boop Musical" at Broadway in Chicago". Newcity Stage. Retrieved December 16, 2023.