'BOOP! The Musical' Broadway review — a technicolor spectacle
Read our review of BOOP! The Musical on Broadway, a new show about cartoon character Betty Boop directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.
In BOOP! The Musical, the globally recognized Betty Boop, with her round eyes and tight pin curls, leaps from Fleischer Studios’ 1930s black-and-white cartoon world to New York City in 2025. The big, dazzling musical showcases the best of Broadway, with sparkling costumes, transformative sets, and tap dancing.
When Betty Boop arrives in the Big Apple, there's no mistaking that she’s the iconic cartoon character come to life. In an astonishing performance, Jasmine Amy Rogers fully embodies Betty Boop, capturing everything from the nightclub singer’s distinct accent to her wide-eyed optimism. (This transformation is made possible in part by wig designer and hairstylist Sabana Majeed and makeup artist Michael Clifton.)
Costume designer Gregg Barnes also nails the Boop look, outfitting her in flouncy mini dresses in Betty Boop’s signature red, white, and black. Costumes play a key role in the technicolor transformation of the show, with glittering outfits in every color of the rainbow. In one scene, the ensemble wears costumes that are black and white on one side and brightly colored on the other, and they sing and dance in careful choreography as both the people of the cartoon world and modern-day New York.
That’s just one of director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell’s show-stopping dance scenes. Other standout moments include a kickline and a performance on the legendary red steps in Times Square. In many ways, the show is a love letter to New York featuring the city as a backdrop.
The show’s book, written by Bob Martin, is much like the storylines of the Fleischer Studio Betty Boop cartoons: full of romance, slapstick, and science fiction. It is also a bit silly and far-fetched at times, with unengaging subplots, such as Betty’s attempt to overthrow a scheming mayoral candidate. The comedic moments, however, shine through standout performances from Stephen DeRosa (Betty’s grandpa), Erich Bergen (the mayoral candidate), and Aubie Merrylees (a Fleischer Studios producer).
While the songs (by composer David Foster and lyricist Susan Birkhead) are toe-tapping, they're often unmemorable. But Angelica Hale as Trisha, a Betty Boop-obsessed teen from New York who becomes Betty’s friend, elicits cheers for every musical number with her powerhouse voice.
BOOP! The Musical proves that bringing Betty Boop to life on stage is a worthy endeavor, even if only for the spectacle of it all.
BOOP! The Musical summary
Betty Boop, the iconic Jazz Age cartoon star, is weary of her life at Fleischer Studios and longs for a vacation from the spotlight. She uses her grandfather’s time-traveling invention and lands 100 years into the future, at New York City's Javits Center during Comic Con. There, Betty quickly discovers she can’t escape her identity — she’s a beloved icon who stood the test of time.
Without Betty, the cartoon world begins to unravel, and she must choose between returning home or staying to help her new friends and pursue a budding romance in the city.
What to expect at BOOP! The Musical
The two-dimensional sets designed by David Rockwell immerse the audience in the ink-drawn world of Betty Boop. Another key element to the cartoon setting is Pudgy, Betty’s dog, an energetic marionette operated by Phillip Huber.
BOOP! The Musical is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. It’s recommended for audiences ages 8 and up, and I spotted several young Betty Boop fans in the crowd during my performance.
What audiences are saying about BOOP! The Musical
On the audience review aggregator Show-Score, the musical has a rating of 87% as of publication, with audiences commenting on the performances, dance numbers, and script.
- “Jasmine Amy Rogers plays a delightful Betty Boop and some of the scenic elements and costumes - especially in the Act 2 opener - are well-done. There isn't much of a story, though, and what story does exist is rather cliched and predictable. This resulted in the show not being particularly engaging. It was OK, but it isn't something Id want to see again.” - Show-Score user MaxD
- “While I thoroughly enjoyed the performers, the tap dancing numbers, and the energy on stage, I just couldn't fully connect with this show. The storyline felt way too thin and the writing weak, bordering on something you'd see at an amusement park or cruise ship. As for the music, it was just okay-nothing particularly memorable. I'm clearly not the target audience for this show, but I can see it resonating with tourists, likely finding success with them.” - Show-Score user Phantom of Broadway
- “Wow. Can't say how much we loved BOOP!. Jasmine Amy Rogers is truly beautiful to watch. Her voice, her dancing, and her acting are all so perfect. The choreo is exactly what you'd expect from Jerry Mitchell — pure magic. Two standing ovations during the show! Great for the whole family or a date night!” - Show-Score user Ron Reviews Theatre
Read more audience reviews of BOOP! The Musical on Show-Score.
Who should see BOOP! The Musical
- Those who appreciate the iconic Betty Boop character and classic animations, especially the work of Fleischer Studios, will enjoy this nod to the golden age of animation.
- Broadway fans who enjoy the razzle dazzle of big musicals will love the group dance numbers, sparkling costumes, and lots of energy.
- Families and young audiences will enjoy the story of Betty Boop’s adventure to New York.
Learn more about BOOP! The Musical
BOOP! joyfully celebrates the timeless appeal of Betty Boop while bringing her into the 21st century with high-energy Broadway flair.
Photo credit: BOOP! The Musical on Broadway. (Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
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