Boop! The Musical

'Boop! The Musical' is a 2023 musical based on the animated character Betty Boop, with music by David Foster, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and a book by Bob Martin.

The musical's original run in Chicago began with previews on November 19 and closed on December 24, 2023, with Jasmine Amy Rogers starring in the titular role.

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.

The Chicago production was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.

The Chicago production featured set designs by David Rockwell, costumes by Gregg Barnes, lighting by Philip S. Rosenberg, sound by Gareth Owen, and projections by Finn Ross. The show's arrangements are by Daryl Waters.

In January 2024, producers announced that the show would transfer to Broadway in early 2025. In June 2024, the producers stated the show would open at a Shubert Organization-owned theater to be announced the following April. It was announced on July 17, 2024, that the show will begin previews at the Broadhurst Theatre on March 11 and open on April 5, 2025.

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.