Betty Boop’s arrival on Broadway was anticipated with excitement, given her iconic status and the promise of a jazz-age musical extravaganza. Unfortunately, the production fails to deliver.
With its sleek black-and-white set and Jerry Mitchell’s direction, the show begins promisingly. However, as Betty transitions into the real world, it loses momentum. The premise bears similarities to “Barbie,” “Enchanted,” and “Elf,” but with less wit or originality.
The cast, led by Jasmine Amy Rogers as Betty, struggles to replicate her animated counterpart’s surreal charm. Bob Martin’s book attempts to reframe Betty as a modern feminist figure, but the messaging is muddled. The pacing is sluggish, and the emotional arc barely registers.
Despite Susan Birkenhead’s lyrics capturing Betty’s voice, the score by David Foster lacks confidence in its jazz style, opting for generic pop instead. Mitchell delivers clever staging, such as a visually striking chorus line, but the choreography leans on empty movement.
The supporting cast fares better, with Stephen DeRosa standing out as Betty’s eccentric grandfather. However, most real-world characters feel like placeholders, given little to do or say. The show is kid-friendly and visually slick, but it lacks bite.
Overall, “Boop! The Musical” feels safe and generic, failing to live up to its potential. Fans of the original animated shorts would be better off watching those on YouTube rather than this disappointing production.
Source: https://www.amny.com/entertainment/broadway/boop-the-musical-boop-oop-a-dont