“BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical” is set to dazzle Broadway audiences starting in April 2025, as announced by producers today. This highly anticipated show will be staged at a Shubert theater, with specific details to follow.
Directed and choreographed by the renowned Jerry Mitchell, “BOOP!” follows the adventures of the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop, who yearns for a day off from her black-and-white world only to find herself in a vibrant New York City adventure filled with color, music, and love. The musical promises a reminder that “You are capable of amazing things.”
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The production builds on a successful run in Chicago last year, which featured Jasmine Amy Rogers as Betty Boop. Casting for the Broadway production will be announced soon. The creative team includes music by Grammy winner David Foster, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and a book by Bob Martin.
Mitchell expressed his excitement: “Creating Boop! with David, Susan, and Bob and premiering in Chicago last holiday season was a gift to all of us. I can’t wait to bring Betty home to Broadway next spring.”
Betty Boop, created by Max Fleischer, became a cultural icon in the 1930s. This new musical brings her character into a contemporary setting, showcasing her timeless appeal. The production’s design team features prominent names such as David Rockwell (set design), Gregg Barnes (costumes), and Philip S. Rosenberg (lighting), among others.
Betty Boop’s origin has a significant cultural history. Inspired by the Jazz Age flappers, she transformed from a dog-like performer into a human character by 1932, starring in over 100 cartoons. Notably, the character was influenced by Esther Jones, known as “Baby Esther,” a Black performer whose unique singing style and scat sounds were adopted by Fleischer Studios.
Tickets for “BOOP!” are not yet on sale, but fans can sign up for notifications at BoopTheMusical.com. The Broadway debut marks a milestone for a project that has been in development for over two decades, promising a spectacular show that brings Betty Boop’s charm and spirit to life on stage.